Toyota Hilux Champ Launches In Thailand – Tiny But Mightily Versatile!

What's known as the Toyota Rangga in Indonesia has debuted in Thailand this week as the Toyota Hilux Champ.

Remember the Toyota Rangga that launched in Indonesia earlier this year? Now, the tiny but highly versatile mini pick-up truck has also launched in the Kingdom north of our Peninsular’s border late yesterday where it is called the Toyota Hilux Champ.

In fact, you could call the Hilux Champ’s Thai launch a bit of a homecoming – it was developed as the IMV 0 (International Multi-purpose Vehicle) in said Kingdom for the greater ASEAN region. For said market, Toyota Thailand has readied no less than eight variants in total.

The Hilux Champ is offered in both short- and long-wheelbase forms, the former sitting 4,970 MM long with a 2,750 MM distance between wheels. The latter adds 330 MM to its total length and 335 MM to its wheelbase. Additionally, it has car-like ground clearances between 164 MM and 180 MM too.

Available in two wheelbase choices plus no less than 8 variants, the Thai-spec Toyota Hilux Champ looks ready to helm any kind of work indeed.

Three 4-cyl powertrain options are available for the Hilux Champ range starting with a 2.0-litre choice rated at 139 PS and 183 NM, followed by a 2.7-litre option with 166 PS and 245 NM. Capping things off here is a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel choice offering 150 PS and between 343 NM and 400 NM.

The 2.0-litre mill is derived from the previous generation Innova and comes paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The 2.7-litre mill comes straight out of the Fortuner 4x4 SUV and comes paired with a 6-speed sequential automatic box instead.

The diesel mill is the same as that found in the bigger Hilux pick-up truck. Naturally, this mill comes with the choice between a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission choices, with the latter type getting the higher-torque version of the mill too.

All variants of the Hilux Champ are rear-wheel-drive (RWD) only with no option for a 4x4 driveline. The two-seat single-cab is also the only cabin choice available, and it comes laced with basics such as dual airbags, a 12-volt socket, and a pair of speakers sans radio.

On board, the Hilux Champ is very basic in terms of kit - just 2 seats, 2 airbags, and 2 speakers sans radio or head unit.

Besides two wheelbase sizes, three powertrain options are also available - 2 petrol and 1 diesel.

This spartan approach – complete with 14-inch steelies – is intentional as the IMV 0 platform was designed to be highly simple, as is its modular cargo bed. The latter is what allows the Hilux Champ to be easily configurable between various body styles for an equally wide variety of use too.

Amongst the options available besides the traditional open pallet flatbed include both high- and low-roofed options like a camper with roof tent, food or mobile business truck, as well as refrigerated medical or delivery van.

For Thailand, Toyota have also readied no less than 100 official accessories for the Hilux Champ. Whilst some are purely for style, the bulk of the catalogue includes a bevy of utility too.

Toyota have even prepared over 100 official accessories for the Hilux Champ specifically in Thailand. Much of which are likely compatible with the mini truck’s deck that has bolt holes in various locations that allow easy customisation using simple bolts and nuts.

Additionally, there’s also the option to buy one without a flatbed and wheel arches mounted. This is meant to allow buyers to have a base truck that can be easily customised by local Thai coachbuilders – a relatively thriving aftermarket business in Thailand.

From delivery truck with refrigeration unit to mobile food or business truck, not forgetting off-grid camper, there seems to be no job or purpose that the Hilux Champ can perform.

The basic nature is once again reflected in the colour choices offered, which are silver and grey. As for price, the new Toyota Hilux Champ commands between THB 459,000 (RM61,288) and THB577,000 (RM77,044).

Though developed primarily for ASEAN, it remains uncertain if the Toyota Hilux Champ will be offered officially in Malaysia just yet. Should UMW Toyota seriously consider offering this tiny but mightily versatile mini truck? Hit the comments below – and our social media pages – with your thoughts…