Toyota Hilux Champ Unveiled - Is This Japan's 'Chota Hathi '?

Toyota has unveiled the latest version of the Hilux Champ, a compact pickup. Prices start at around $14,000 (Rs 12.42 lakh), making it one of the most accessible pickups in Toyota’s global lineup. The

newest addition to the range is the Super Short Wheelbase (SWB) variant. At just 178 inches long, it’s the smallest Hilux Champ yet, but still manages to offer a practical rear bed that’s longer than what you’d find in many dual-cab trucks.

With a tight 4.7-metre turning radius, it’s easy to manoeuvre through narrow streets or crowded city roads. Priced at about $19,000 (Rs 16.86 lakh) in Thailand. Powering the Hilux Champ is a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 148 hp and 343 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Inside, the cabin is kept simple and durable, with essentials like air conditioning, power mirrors, a USB Type-C port, and basic safety features such as ABS and dual airbags.

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The truck’s modular design is one of its biggest strengths. It allows owners to modify the body layout for different business needs, whether for cargo transport, small-scale delivery operations, or even mobile food setups. This flexibility has helped the Hilux Champ find a steady market in Southeast Asia, where practicality often matters more than premium features.

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For now, Toyota seems focused on developing the Hilux Champ for emerging markets where compact, efficient, and affordable trucks are in high demand. The new Super SWB variant reinforces that approach; offering more usability in a smaller package. Whether this practical little pickup ever reaches Indian shores remains uncertain, but it would surely be pretty nice to have it on offer here.

(Source: CarScoops)