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The Toyota HiLux Champ, which debuted in 2023 as a boxier, extra reasonably priced various to the HiLux, has been spied in Australia.
The only-cab ute was noticed in Melbourne, sporting Australian quantity plates and incorporating a steering wheel on the right-hand aspect.
However earlier than you name up your native Toyota seller to place down a deposit, a actuality verify: this ute, developed for growing markets, isn’t coming right here.
“Toyota Australia is at all times exploring alternatives to diversify our automobile line up. At this stage, there aren’t any present plans to introduce the HiLux Champ to the Australian market,” stated a Toyota Australia spokesperson.
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The HiLux Champ is inbuilt Thailand, a right-hand drive market from which Toyota Australia additionally sources the HiLux. However whereas the HiLux is bought all through the world, the HiLux Champ was developed for a handful of growing markets, primarily in Southeast Asia, the place security and emissions requirements are sometimes extra lax.
Formally revealed in November 2023, the HiLux Champ is said to the HiLux however options fully totally different styling inside and outside.
It’s identified by totally different names in numerous markets. For instance, in Indonesia it’s bought because the HiLux Rangga, whereas within the Philippines it’s known as the Tamaraw, and in Peru it’s the HiLux Stout – the latter two names being heritage names for the Japanese automaker.
The ute is obtainable in two totally different wheelbase lengths (2750mm and 3085mm) however solely with a single-cab/chassis configuration. The factory-fit trays supplied have fold-down sides along with the folding tailgate.
With a factory-fit tray the standard-wheelbase mannequin is 4970mm lengthy, whereas the long-wheelbase model measures 5300mm from end-to-end.
Width for all fashions is 1785mm, whereas top is 1735mm.
Relying available on the market, HiLux Champ patrons have three engine choices to select from, together with two petrol motors: a 102kW/183Nm 2.0-litre, and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre.
There’s additionally a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel that makes 110kW at 3400rpm, and 400Nm over 1600-2000rpm.
The two.0-litre petrol is barely out there with a five-speed guide, however the 2.7-litre petrol and a pair of.4-litre turbo-diesel can be had with a six-speed automated. The HiLux Champ is barely out there with rear-wheel drive.
All fashions include 14-inch metal wheels paired with 195mm vast tyres, in addition to rack-and-pinion energy steering. There are ventilated disc brakes on the entrance, and drums on the rear.
On the entrance there’s a double wishbone suspension setup with coil springs and a stabiliser bar, whereas the rear has a reside axle and leaf springs.
Normal options embody halogen headlights, guide window winders, vinyl seat trim, a hard and fast passenger’s seat, and two audio system. The instrumentation panel solely has a speedometer and warning lights.
Increased-spec fashions include electrical home windows and mirrors, a canopy for the centre console bin, orange trim for the dashboard and doorways, slide and recline features for the passenger’s seat, and LED headlights.
Normal security options gadgets prolong to driver and passenger airbags, ABS, EBD, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and aspect intrusion beams.
In Thailand, the HiLux Champ is priced from 519,000 baht (~A$24,250), whereas probably the most reasonably priced HiLux prices 584,000 baht (A$27,300).
Toyota this month revealed the LandCruiser FJ, a equally boxy SUV counterpart to the HiLux Champ. Nonetheless, this mannequin has additionally been dominated out for Australia.
MORE: Discover the Toyota HiLux showroom
