Daihatsu Rugger

Daihatsu Rugger
1985 Daihatsu Rocky (Sweden)
Overview
Manufacturer	Daihatsu
Production	1984–2002
Body and chassis
Class	Off-road vehicle
Layout	Four-wheel-drive
Related	Daihatsu Taft
Powertrain
Engine	1998 cc 3Y petrol I4 2237 cc 4Y petrol I4 2765 cc DL diesel I4 2765 cc DL TD I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,205 mm (86.8 in) (SWB) 2,530 mm (99.6 in) (LWB) 2,800 mm (110.2 in) (LWB Indonesia)
Length	3,655–3,715 mm (143.9–146.3 in) (SWB) 4,060 mm (159.8 in) (LWB) 4,520 mm (178.0 in) (LWB Indonesia)
Width	1,580 mm (62.2 in)
Height	1,830–1,905 mm (72.0–75.0 in)
Kerb weight	1,350–1,850 kg (2,976–4,079 lb)

The Daihatsu Rugger is an off-road vehicle built by Daihatsu between 1984 and 2002. The Rugger was also called the Daihatsu Rocky in most export markets, and Daihatsu Fourtrak in the UK. It has also received a series of different names elsewhere, which is why it is often referred to by its chassis code (F70) to distinguish it from its various siblings.

First generation (1984–1992)

1987 Daihatsu Rocky 4WD (F70)

The first generation was sold from 1984 to 1993, replacing the Daihatsu Taft. It was available in short-wheelbase form with a convertible soft top or removable hard top and in extended-wheelbase form with metal top. The extended variant, called Rugger Wagon, could carry up to eight people in the back. Three engines were available: the petrol Toyota 3Y 2.0 L with one overhead cam, a single carburettor and 88 PS (65 kW); and two 2.8 litre diesel variants, normally aspirated with 73 PS (54 kW), or turbocharged with 88 PS (65 kW), both featuring overhead valves. Part-time 4WD was standard on all models. A Toyota diesel-engined version was sold in the Japanese market as the Toyota Blizzard.

The 1984–1992 models were the SWB F70, the LWB F75 and the longer wheel base F77 Pick up. In 1989 the DL-series diesels underwent a number of changes including timing chains instead of timing belts, square headlights and 4WD engagement in high range using an electric switch via a vacuum pipe. The engine also received a rotary injection pump. The code for the naturally aspirated model changed from DL41 to DL42. Later an intercooled version of the turbodiesel became available, with power increasing to 102 PS (75 kW) DIN or 115 PS (85 kW) JIS. F70-series numbers are 2.8 diesels, F80-series 3Y petrol-engined.

Daihatsu Rugger 2.8 Turbodiesel EL (F75V)

In Indonesia, the F70 was built with a variety of names including Taft GT (SWB), Rocky (F75 long wheelbase), and Hiline from 1988 (mostly two-wheel-drive models, chassis code F69). The GTL, first shown in 1986 and later with the addition of "Hiline" badging, had a locally developed five-door station wagon body which was built on a longer wheelbase than available elsewhere. The rear doors had sliding rather than wind-down windows. There was also a mid-wheelbase version called the GTX from 1986 until 1988, when a similarly equipped 4WD version called the Taft Rocky replaced it. The short-wheelbase 2WD model was originally called the GTS, "Hiline GTS" from 1988 on. The Hiline GTL was also available with four-wheel drive. All Indonesian-built F70s received the 2765 cc normally aspirated Daihatsu DG diesel engine with 72 PS (53 kW) at 3600 rpm. The first generation Taft/Rugger/Rocky/Hiline was built in Indonesia until 1995.

Second generation (1992–2002)

1995 Daihatsu Rocky SE 2.8TD Wagon (F78)

The second generation was introduced in 1992 and available for export the following year. Among the evolutions was the replacement of the early leaf sprung axles by independent front suspension and a coil sprung rear axle. The petrol engine (now in the F90-series) was enlarged to 2.2 L, with a small power hike to 91 PS (67 kW). This motorization was first shown in Europe at the September 1993 Frankfurt Auto Show and was only sold in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, the 2.8 Turbo Diesel was now only available with an intercooler, with power remaining 102 PS (75 kW) DIN. In the Japanese market, 115 PS (85 kW) JIS was claimed. Still, the model was considered too rustic, still not possessing rear doors in the long-wheelbase model, and Daihatsu declined to replace it, concentrating instead on their smaller automobiles.

Indonesian-built Daihatsu Feroza with five-door station wagon bodywork

After a year's hiatus in Indonesia, the independently sprung F73/F78 arrived to replace the earlier models in 1996. As before, there was a longer, five-door version as well as a pickup truck available in addition to the three-door models sold elsewhere. It was marketed there as the Daihatsu Taft or Rocky when powered by diesel engines. With a petrol engine it received the Feroza name (not to be confused with its smaller, F300-series sibling which seems to have never been marketed in Indonesia). The post-facelift F70s with a five-door body received new bodywork from the B-pillar back, with proper wind-down windows in the rear doors.

Bertone Freeclimber

Bertone Freeclimber 6td (Italy)

Assembled in Italy for European sales, this version called the Bertone Freeclimber used mechanical components by Daihatsu, although it was powered by a BMW 2443 cc turbodiesel or one of two BMW petrol engines (1991 cc and 2693 cc), with a Bertone modified body. The Freeclimber is a well-equipped, high-end deluxe (luxury car) off-roader produced from 1989 to 1992. In France, where only the diesel was available, the importer Chardonnet offered an even more luxurious version. Named after a perfume by Nicolas de Barry it was called "Blue Lagoon", and was available with either Alcantara or leather interior.

External links

• Daihatsu Fourtrak review (archived)