New Toyota Hilux Champ is the carmaker's latest workhorse

30 November 2023 - 12:44
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The new Toyota Hilux Champ is a small truck aimed specifically at the Thailand market.
The new Toyota Hilux Champ is a small truck aimed specifically at the Thailand market.
Image: Supplied

Toyota revealed the new Toyota Hilux Champ mini-truck at an event in Thailand on November 27. The 1-tonne range has been a staple in that region since 2004 and has been introduced in more than 180 countries around the world.

Domestic sales have so far totalled more than 2.7-million units while exports have surpassed 4-million.

In its latest evolution, the two-seater Champ measures 5,300mm in length, 1,785mm width and 1,735mm height. It’s marketed as an affordable load-lugger for the Thai market and launches in eight grades, short and long-wheelbase versions and three engine types — 2.0l and 2.7l petrol and a 2.4l diesel — all driving the rear-wheels through a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

It is customisable for bespoke applications and Toyota showcased 11 other ways to configure it, including an unequipped type with a flat deck. The deck has bolt holes at various locations so custom accessories can be easily attached using bolts and nuts with more than 100 accessory manufacturers on call to please customers. Prices range from 459,000 Thai baht (R245,687) to 577,000 (R308,849).

It is part of the company’s international innovative multipurpose vehicle (IMV) series consisting of three types of pickup trucks, minivans and SUVs. It was developed under the leadership of Akio Toyoda, then-CEO of the Asia region, with local engineers in the hope of contributing to the Asian economy.

The interior is a fusion of practicality and style while its available with manual or automatic transmission options. Picture: SUPPLIED
The interior is a fusion of practicality and style while its available with manual or automatic transmission options. Picture: SUPPLIED

The big question for local motoring scribes is whether the model will be sold in South Africa, based on its price and that small trucks are useful for entrepreneurs and large companies around the world. Toyota SA is not willing to divulge plans to introduce the Hilux Champ locally, but sources have reliably told TimesLIVE Motoring the prototypes of the truck which shares a name with a nostalgic model from Japanese rival Nissan have been seen testing in South Africa.

The sources tell us the cars are badged “Stout”, hinting that should Toyota SA have plans to introduce it locally it may also revive the legendary nameplate instead of riding on a rival’s historic laurels.


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