The Toyota Hilux Champ is Thailand’s Tamaraw
We’ve already seen the concept version of the much-awaited new generation Toyota Tamaraw in the metal thanks to Toyota Motor Philippines showcasing it during various events and activities over the past few months. We also saw it as the Rangga Concept at the recent 2023 Japan Mobility Show. Finally, we’re seeing the production version which has just been unveiled in Thailand.
Officially called the IMV 0, and using the Hilux Champ name for the Thai-market, this new light commercial vehicle will be made available in various body styles depending on the market–including a closed van, pickup, and refrigerated van, among others.
In terms of design, the Hilux Champ looks largely identical, if not the same as the concept versions, wearing what Toyota calls Retro Polygon styling. The front fascia is composed of rugged design details including but not limited to its plastic bumpers, and squared-out headlights. The side is all utilitarian with 14-inch steel wheels while the rear features a set of simple rectangular taillights.
Its interior screams utility with its rectangular theme mixed with a few round elements such as on the airconditioning vents. Its steering wheel has been lifted straight off the Hilux and Fortuner and we’re also seeing manual climate controls as expected, as well as power windows. Other stuff you’ll find inside include PVC seat materials, power adjustable mirror controls, and a 12-volt power outlet.
Three powertrains will be made available for the Toyota Hilux Champ–a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, 2.7-liter gasoline engine, and 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine. It won’t be a surprise to see the turbodiesel option powering the Philippine-spec version as it is what currently powers the utility variants of the very popular Hilux. We can also expect that option to produce the same 150 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque with a 5-speed manual transmission, or 400 Nm of torque with a 6-speed automatic transmission if made available.
In Thailand, pricing for the Toyota Hilux Champ ranges from THB 459,000 to THB 577,000 or about Php 725,000 to Php 912,000. We can expect that to be a bit lower once production in Toyota Motor Philippines’ plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna begins and once it’s launched in our market next year.
