Toyota Hilux Champ

The Toyota Hilux Champ is a pickup truck that stands out with its boxy, rugged styling and an upscale cabin. It retains the wheelbase of the Fortuner and Innova but offers a distinct design language inspired by the Land Cruiser. The vehicle is available with several engine options, including a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated petrol engine producing 138 HP and 183 Nm of torque, and a 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine. It features a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The Hilux Champ boasts excellent build quality, good off-road capability, and a range of comfort features like air conditioning, power windows, and a semi-digital instrument cluster. With dimensions of 5300 mm in length, 1785 mm in width, and 1735 mm in height, it offers ample space and a maximum payload capacity of 1000 kg. The vehicle also includes safety features such as dual front airbags, hill start assist control, ABS, and traction control, making it a well-rounded option for both commercial and personal use.

The Toyota Hilux Champ is a compelling addition to the pickup truck segment in India, particularly for those seeking a balance of ruggedness, reliability, and versatility. My experience with the Hilux Champ highlights its powerful engine, excellent build quality, and impressive off-road capabilities, making it a strong contender for both commercial and recreational use. However, the limited sales and service outlets could be a significant drawback for potential buyers. Despite this, the Hilux Champs boxy, rugged styling and upscale cabin features, such as air conditioning, power windows, and a semi-digital instrument cluster, add to its appeal. Overall, it is a solid choice for those who need a dependable and capable pickup truck, but buyers should be aware of the service network limitations.

Toyota is reportedly working on an SUV based on the IMV 0 platform, which underpins the Hilux Champ pickup truck. This new SUV could potentially revive the FJ Cruiser name and is expected to be smaller than the Toyota Fortuner. It will retain the wheelbase of the Fortuner and Innova but will have a boxy, rugged styling and an upscale cabin. I think this move could be a great strategy for Toyota to maximize the value of its investment in the IMV 0 platform.

The Toyota Hilux Champ measures 5,300 mm in length, 1,785 mm in width, and 1,735 mm in height, with a kerb weight of 2,790 kg and a maximum load capacity of 1 tonne. It features a basic interior with hard plastics and minimalistic design but includes amenities like air conditioning and power windows. The design is inspired by the Land Cruiser, with square headlights and a sleek grille. I believe the simple yet functional design will appeal to customers looking for an affordable workhorse.

The Toyota Hilux Champ has been unveiled in Thailand and is set to launch in other markets like Indonesia, Africa, and South America. This pickup truck offers three engine options, including a 2.4-litre turbo diesel, a 2.0-litre NA petrol, and a 2.7-litre NA petrol, along with two gearbox options. The Hilux Champ is designed to be highly customizable with 10 different configurations. I believe this customizability will be a major selling point, especially in markets where users need versatile work vehicles.

Toyota has not confirmed the launch of the Hilux Champ in the Indian market yet, but there is speculation that it might be introduced in the future. The IMV 0 platform, which the Hilux Champ is based on, is expected to spawn more vehicles, including a possible affordable version of the Fortuner. I think if Toyota does bring the Hilux Champ to India, it could fill a significant gap in the market for affordable and customizable pickup trucks.

Toyota has showcased the Hilux Rangga SUV concept in Indonesia, which is essentially a personal vehicle version of the Hilux Champ pickup. This concept features a taller roof, LED projector headlights, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It indicates that the IMV 0 platform can be used to create a more affordable and family-friendly SUV, potentially a mini Fortuner. I think this concept is a promising step towards offering more versatile and affordable SUV options.

The Toyota Hilux Champ is expected to be priced around 30 lakh in India on an ex-showroom basis. When considering the on-road price, which includes additional costs such as registration, insurance, and other taxes, the total could easily exceed 35 lakh. This pricing positions the Hilux Champ competitively against other pickup trucks like the Isuzu D-Max and Isuzu V-Cross Z 4x2. Given its robust build, powerful engine options, and the brands reputation for reliability, the price seems justified. However, the final on-road cost will vary depending on the state and local taxes, so its essential to check with local dealers for the most accurate figure.

The mileage of the Toyota Hilux Champ in India will depend on the chosen engine and driving conditions. The 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which is one of the options expected in India, typically offers a mileage of around 8-10 kmpl in city driving and up to 12 kmpl on highways. For the diesel variants, which include a 2.4-liter turbo diesel, the mileage can range from 10-14 kmpl, depending on whether you are driving in urban or rural areas. These estimates are based on standard driving conditions and can vary based on factors such as load, terrain, and maintenance of the vehicle. Given its commercial and off-road capabilities, the Hilux Champs mileage is reasonable and aligns with expectations for a vehicle in its class. ABOUT The Toyota Hilux Champ is a pickup truck that stands out with its boxy, rugged styling and an upscale cabin. It retains the wheelbase of the Fortuner and Innova but offers a distinct design language inspired by the Land Cruiser. The vehicle is available with several engine options, including a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated petrol engine producing 138 HP and 183 Nm of torque, and a 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine. It features a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The Hilux Champ boasts excellent build quality, good off-road capability, and a range of comfort features like air conditioning, power windows, and a semi-digital instrument cluster. With dimensions of 5300 mm in length, 1785 mm in width, and 1735 mm in height, it offers ample space and a maximum payload capacity of 1000 kg. The vehicle also includes safety features such as dual front airbags, hill start assist control, ABS, and traction control, making it a well-rounded option for both commercial and personal use.