Toyota Motor Thailand has recently launched the new Hilux Champ, a pickup truck that offers versatility, reliability, and affordability for a wide range of customers. The Hilux Champ is based on the IMV 0 concept, which stands for Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle and is designed to meet the diverse needs of different markets and regions. The Hilux Champ is expected to be available in over 180 markets by 2025, including South Africa, India, and Indonesia.
What Makes the Hilux Champ Different from the Regular Hilux?
The Toyota Hilux Champ is not a replacement for the regular Toyota Hilux but rather a complementary model targeting a different customer segment. While the regular Hilux is more of a lifestyle vehicle offering comfort, performance, and technology, the Hilux Champ is more of a workhorse focusing on practicality, durability, and efficiency. The Hilux Champ is also cheaper than the regular Hilux, making it more accessible to customers who are looking for a basic and functional pickup truck.
The Hilux Champ has a simpler and boxier design than the regular Hilux, with more plastic and fewer chrome elements. The front grille, headlights, and bumper are reminiscent of the new Land Cruiser, giving the Hilux Champ a rugged and robust look. The Hilux Champ also has a smaller and lighter body than the regular Hilux, measuring 4,895 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm. The Hilux Champ has a payload capacity of 1,000 kg and a towing capacity of 2,500 kg.
The Hilux Champ is powered by a 2.4-liter diesel engine that produces 148 hp and 343 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission and can run on B20 biodiesel. The Hilux Champ is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants, with the latter featuring a part-time system with a transfer case and a rear differential lock. The Hilux Champ also has a double-wishbone front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension, providing a stable and comfortable ride on various terrains.
What Are the Features and Options of the Hilux Champ?
The 2024 Toyota Hilux Champ offers a range of features and options to suit different customer preferences and needs. The Hilux Champ comes in three body styles: single cab, extra cab, and double cab. The single cab has two seats and a large cargo bed, while the extra cab has two front seats and two rear jump seats, with a smaller cargo bed. The double cab has four doors, five seats, and the smallest cargo bed. The cargo bed can be customized with different accessories and modules, such as a flatbed, a dropside, a canopy, a camper, or a food truck.
The Toyota Hilux Champ also has different trim levels and packages, depending on the market and region. In Thailand, the Hilux Champ is available in four trim levels: J, E, G, and V. The J is the most basic and affordable trim, with steel wheels, halogen headlights, manual windows, vinyl seats, and a radio. The E adds alloy wheels, LED headlights, power windows, fabric seats, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The G adds fog lights, chrome accents, leather seats, and a rearview camera. The V adds a panoramic view monitor, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone air conditioning, and a JBL sound system.
The Toyota Hilux Champ also offers safety and convenience features, such as ABS, EBD, BA, VSC, HAC, TSC, airbags, seatbelts, immobilizer, keyless entry, push start, cruise control, and automatic service reminders. However, some of these features may not be available in some markets or regions, depending on local regulations and customer demand.
