Asia Motors Rocsta History

Compact SUV · 1990–1997

Sample hero image — replace with real model photography.

History

The Rocsta was Asia Motors' most recognisable product — a compact, boxy four-wheel-drive SUV launched in 1990 and built on a separate ladder frame. Two Mazda-derived engines were offered: a 1.8-litre petrol (Mazda F8 unit) and a 2.2-litre diesel (Mazda R2 unit), both paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Body choices ran to a three-door hardtop, a softtop, and a pickup variant.

In export markets, Kia's UK distributor sold the Rocsta in Britain from 1994 to 1997, and Australian deliveries ran from 1993 to 2000. The vehicle found a lasting following in the Philippines, where it was positioned as an affordable off-roader. Production in South Korea ended in 1997 and was replaced by the Asia Retona, though Australian dealers continued to sell remaining stock into 2000.

Generations

First (and only) generation · AM101/AM102 (1990–1997)

Photo: “1996 ASIA Rocsta (3992627885).jpg” by Spanish Coches / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0

Mazda-engined ladder-frame compact 4x4; petrol and diesel variants in hardtop, softtop, and pickup body styles.
- 1993
  Photo: “1993 Asia Rocsta.jpg” by Declinwalts / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
- 1994
  Photo: “Asia Rocsta AM 102 1994 (19085801498).jpg” by order_242 from Chile / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
- 1996
  Photo: “1996 ASIA Rocsta.jpg” by Spanish Coches / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0
- 1997
  Photo: “Asia Rocsta TX 1997 (13449208995).jpg” by order_242 from Chile / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0