Toyota Hilux Champ makes global debut

Toyota has taken the wraps off the all-new Hilux Champ pickup, its first model based on the recently unveiled IMV 0 platform. Earlier this month, we had reported to you that this new Toyota pickup will be christened Hilux Champ upon debut.

The Hilux Champ has been unveiled in Thailand, which is where it will first go on sale; in the future, it will be launched in more markets like Indonesia, Africa and South America.

1. Toyota Hilux Champ gets two wheelbase options
2. Three engines, two gearbox options on offer
3. IMV 0 platform to spawn a future affordable off-roader

Toyota Hilux Champ: what exactly is it?

The Hilux Champ is the second product for Toyota's Hilux brand. It has been introduced as a customisable vehicle with as many as 10 configurations, depending on the market. This means, apart from the platform, mechanicals and some body panels, the Hilux Champ can be customised as per a buyer's needs by third-party car body-builders.

This pickup is primarily aimed at customers who are looking for an affordable alternative to the Hilux, which has now grown much larger in size and also in price from the original. Toyota previewed the Hilux Champ as the IMV 0 concept at the Japan Mobility Show, and as the Toyota Rangga concept in Indonesia a few months ago. The model was also shown in the Philippines where there is a huge demand for customisable vehicles. 

In production form, the Hilux Champ gets three powertrain choices. First is the 2.4-litre diesel good for 150hp and mated to either a 5-speed manual (350Nm torque) or a 6-speed automatic (400Nm torque). It also gets two naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine options – a 2.0-litre unit good for 130hp and 183Nm, and a 2.7-litre unit that delivers 166hp and 245Nm of torque. Both these engines also get a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox as options. Additionally, there are talks of a strong hybrid petrol option also making its way in some markets.

As far as wheelbase options are concerned, the Hilux Champ SWB is 4.9 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and 1.8 metres tall. It has a 2,750mm wheelbase, which is identical to the Toyota Innova Crysta. Meanwhile, the Hilux Champ LWB is 5.3 metres long, has a 3,085mm wheelbase, and is identical in width and height to the SWB version. Both versions get a 180mm ground clearance.

Toyota Hilux Champ could spawn an affordable Fortuner

While there is no official word on whether the Toyota Hilux Champ will make it to India, the IMV 0 platform, which is a ladder-frame unit, is meant for developing markets, and is likely to spawn an affordable version of the Fortuner. However, sources tell us the Hilux Champ is likely to make its way to India in the future, and the SUV derivative is expected to go on sale around a year after the pickup’s India launch.

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