Toyota Hilux is a famed lifestyle utility vehicle that needs no introduction. It is the universal benchmark for toughness, durability and reliability across the global automotive market. Despite its impressive utilitarian functionality, it may be inaccessible for a large chunk of buyers due to its high pricing.
Taking this into account, Toyota has launched a more affordable derivative of the pickup truck. Named Hilux Champ, this pickup truck has been launched in Thailand first with other international markets soon. The most critical attribute which makes this pickup truck more affordable than the current Hilux are the new underpinnings.
Toyota Hilux Champ: More affordable pickup
The new Hilux Champ is based on the IMV 0 platform, a more affordable derivative of the current IMV architecture that underpins the Hilux, Innova Crysta, and Fortuner among others. Toyota had unveiled this new IMV series architecture a few months back which is expected to make its way to other international markets like ASEAN, Indonesia, Africa and South America.
The Hilux Champ is the first model to be underpinned by the IMV 0 platform which will eventually encompass a variety of models including pickup trucks, minivans, and SUVs. In Thailand, the pickup truck is priced between TBH 459,000 and TBH 577,000 ( approx. Rs 10.90 lakh to Rs 13.70 lakh). Bookings for Hilux Champ are currently open, and it will be manufactured at the brand’s Samrong facility in Thailand.
Toyota Hilux Champ: Exterior Design & dimensions
Visually the Hilux Champ is very different from the regular Hilux. While the latter looks premium despite its lifestyle and rugged styling, the Hilux Champ gets a futuristic yet elementary design that makes it look like a retro classic pickup truck. Available as a single-cab version only, the new Hilux Champ is offered in both short and long-wheelbase iterations.
The Hilux Champ gets a rugged exterior as expected borrowing styling cues from the latest Land Cruiser. This includes heavy black cladding, halogen headlamps with optional LEDs, a slightly angular windshield and a flat bonnet. It looks like a more bare-bones, stripped-down pickup truck with black steel wheels and more focus on utility. Buyers can opt for either a regular flat luggage tray or a side-dropping unit.
In terms of dimensions, Hilux Champ SWB is 4,900mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,800mm tall. It has a 2,750mm wheelbase, which is identical to the Innova Crysta. On the other hand, the Hilux Champ LWB is 5,300mm long and is identical in width and height to the SWB version. This one has a 3,085mm wheelbase. The LWB version weighs 2,790 kg with a maximum payload of 1 tonne. Both versions get a 180mm ground clearance.
Toyota Hilux Champ: Features & specs
Keeping the price tag in check, cabin interiors of Hilux Champ will wear a much more basic look. It is devoid of any infotainment system, gets an archaic analogue instrument cluster, circular AC vents with orange surround, power windows, two cup holders, and a few storage areas. For buyers seeking modification, Toyota can supply information on over 100 accessory suppliers, allowing each customer to experience bespoke personalization.
Toyota is offering the Hilux Champ with three engine options: a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 138 bhp and 183 Nm of peak torque; a 2.7-litre petrol engine chuning out 166 bhp and 245 Nm of torque; and a 2.4-litre diesel engine producing 148 bhp and 350/400 Nm (MT/AT) of torque. Transmission duties on all three engine options will be carried out either by a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Toyota Hilux Champ: What’s in it for India?
The most significant aspect about Hilux Champ is its underpinning with the IMV 0 architecture. This body-on-frame platform has been specially designed for developing markets like India, and there’s a good chance that Toyota could introduce a more affordable version of Fortuner based on this architecture which could make its way to India sometime in the future.
Currently, prices for Fortuner start at Rs 33.43 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 51.44 lakh for the top-spec Legender variant (both ex-showroom). Clearly, it is overpriced and a more affordable Fortuner could be a masterstroke for Toyota.
