The Toyota HiLux Champ, the corporate’s latest low-cost ute, has made its debut Thailand where it would be built.
Prices in Thailand start at 459,000 baht ($19,800) and undergo to 577,000 baht ($25,900). Availability outside of Thailand has yet to be confirmed, but sales throughout South-East Asia appear to be assured.
For reference, the most affordable member of the full-fat HiLux range — a two-door standard cab diesel with six-speed manual — is 564,000 baht ($24,300) in Thailand.
The HiLux Champ is offered in each standard wheelbase (2750mm) and long wheelbase (3085mm) forms. With a factory-fit tray the usual wheelbase model is 4970mm long, while the long wheelbase version measures 5300mm from end-to-end.
Width for all models is 1785mm, while height is 1735mm.
The tray for the usual wheelbase Champ is 2312mm long, while the long wheelbase’s tray is 2647mm. Each of the factory-fit trays have a rear and sides that fold down completely.
Given it shares it wheelbase options with the regular HiLux, and is simply a bit narrower, Toyota has employed various types of cost-cutting to get the Champ’s price down.
This includes the outside, which is minimally styled, and features a black grille, bumpers, mirrors and door handles. At launch there are only 4 paint options available: white, off white, metallic grey, and metallic silver. The Champ is simply available with an ordinary cab body with two seats.
Standard features include halogen headlights, manual window winders, vinyl seats, a set passenger’s seat, and two speakers, although there doesn’t appear to be an audio head unit included. The instrumentation panel only has a speedometer and warning lights.
Higher-spec models include electric windows and mirrors, a canopy for the centre console bin, orange trim for the dashboard and doors, slide and recline functions for the passenger’s seat, and LED headlights.
Official accessories include black alloy wheels, fog lights, red Toyota lettering, and other cosmetic features.
Standard safety features items extend to drive and passenger airbags, ABS, EBD, seat belt pretensioners, and side intrusion beams.
HiLux Champ buyers have three engine options to pick from, including two petrols motors: a 102kW/183Nm 2.0-litre, and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre.
There’s also a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel that makes 110kW at 3400rpm, and 400Nm between 1600 and 2000rpm.
The two.0-litre petrol is simply available with a five-speed manual, however the 2.7-litre petrol and a couple of.4-litre turbo-diesel may also be had with a six-speed automatic. The HiLux Champ is simply available with rear-wheel drive.
All models include 14-inch steel wheels paired with 195mm wide tyres, in addition to rack and pinion power steering. There are ventilated disc brakes on the front, and drums on the rear.
On the front there’s a double wishbone suspension setup with coil springs and a stabiliser bar, while the rear has leaf springs.
As previewed by the IMV 0 and Rangga concepts, the HiLux Champ has a highly customisable rear, with the automaker displaying van, camper, food truck, and pop-up stall conversions.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
