The Toyota Hilux Champ has made its debut in Thailand. The new IMV series model codenamed ‘IMV 0’ is a big deal not just for Thailand, but for the wider ASEAN region – the no-frills budget truck has been shown in Indonesia (as the Rangga Concept) and the Philippines (as the Tamaraw Concept) in various configurations and use cases.
The original Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) series was developed under the leadership of Akio Toyoda, then CEO of the Asia region and current chairman of the board. The IMV series was developed with local engineers in the spirit of genchi-genbutsu, in hopes of contributing to the Asian economy together with the people of Asia. It sure has, with models like the Hilux, Fortuner and Innova.
Since the launch of the seventh-generation Hilux in Thailand in 2004, IMV models have been introduced in more than 180 countries around the world. In Thailand and Indonesia the IMV series is integral to daily life, and in the Land of Smiles, over 2.7 million units of IMV vehicles have been sold domestically, on top of over four million units of exports.
The IMV story enters a new chapter with the IMV 0, which will be known in Thailand as as the Hilux Champ. This is not a replacement for the Hilux pick-up truck that we know, but a truck that’s “truly affordable and meets the needs of customers”. Local engineers led the development of the IMV 0 after thoroughly researching customer lifestyles, Toyota said.
With a high degree of customisability, the Hilux Champ is envisaged for both business to private use. Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT) is offering eight grades of the truck to cover a variety of business styles and uses. The short wheelbase model is 4,970 mm long with a 2,750 mm wheelbase. The long wheelbase model adds 330 mm to overall length and 335 mm to the wheelbase. If it looks low, it is, with car-like ground clearance of 164 to 180 mm.
Powertrain options include a 2.0L petrol, 2.7L petrol (both naturally aspirated) and a 2.4L turbodiesel in two tunes. The 1TR-FE 2.0L petrol has 139 PS/183 Nm and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol outputs 166 PS/245 Nm and is paired with a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The 2GD-FTV 2.4L diesel has 150 PS and torque is 343 Nm with a 5MT and 400 Nm with a 6AT. Unlike the proper Hilux, all variants of the Champ are rear-wheel drive with two doors and two seats – no 4WD or cab options. Prices range from 459,000 to 577,000 baht (RM61,207 to RM76,950).
The Champ’s deck has bolt holes at various locations so that custom accessories can be easily attached using bolts and nuts. In addition, for customers who request customisation, TMT can provide information on more than 100 accessory manufacturers. The Hilux Champ will be produced at the Samrong Plant in Samut Prakan province. Check out the possibilities of the IMV 0 below, from food truck to mini bus. What do you think of this versatile workhorse?
GALLERY: Toyota Hilux Champ
GALLERY: Toyota IMV 0 concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show
GALLERY: Toyota Rangga Concept at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show
GALLERY: Toyota Tamaraw/Jeepney concepts
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
I love this truck.
Falled in love with it since i read this blog post last week.
Gonna use it on my ladang.
Dear UMW Toyota,
Please bring this model to Malaysia.
Especially to borneo.
We really apreciated this model.
Its not for everyone but for those who need it, this is one good helper and mover.
Its going to be 90k after mark up by UMW…
Expected selling price for 2.7L petrol is rm158,888 and 2.4L turbodiesel – rm153,888 …so X90 and x70 not affected
from the promised price of 47k (aka 10k usd) to 61k minimum spec, good luck, most fugly hailak ever!
True for a Hailak, but for a workhorse Hilux it looks good. Idk why you’re complaining about designs on a COMMERCIAL TRUCK, it’s clearly not meant for your pavement princess mindset.
look at the front bumper! hello, this is 2023, hailak chump definately lives in the past!
the front looks good actually…like retro styling
can foresee alot of car customisation fans will love it
If Toyota Malaysia solely own by Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio-san would value our market more than our neighbouring countries
Toyota needs to sell this in the USA as I have to interest in a Tacoma or Tundra but I would buy the Hilux Champ.
good design. many option for customization, for civilian or military use.
at 5m+ long this thing can do at small as 4.9m turning radius? even the kecil br-v can only do 5.3m
this is sick!
Knowing UMW Toyota, starting price will be RM99k..
Wrong. It will start at RM299k.
Can be used for military too, and TNB
i envision this vehicle to be like a SUV, build a box behind to make it like a bigger Jimny.
but probably this vehicle may end up like the fate of its bigger brother, thief magnet
Very good basic workhorse. Small engine which does not need the 4×4. It fit the purpose. I don’t see any wooden 1ton lorry in Thailand. Mostly used hilux pickup as main mode of transport.
In Malaysia, we still have a lot 1ton lorry.
Make it an SUV and u have yourself a real ASEAN CHAMP