Toyota Hilux Champ Unveils Ultra-Compact, Practical Mini Variant

Since its debut in 2023, the Hilux Champ has swiftly gained popularity among individual users and small businesses, thanks to its modular design, accessible pricing, and low operating costs. The new version continues to embody the philosophy of “practicality, economy, and durability” that defines this truck series.

Named the Super Short Wheelbase (Super SWB), this variant boasts the shortest wheelbase in the Hilux Champ’s history. With an overall length of 4,520 mm and a wheelbase of 2,580 mm, it is 450 mm shorter than the standard SWB and 780 mm shorter than the LWB. Remarkably, its wheelbase is even shorter than that of the urban SUV Toyota Corolla Cross (2,640 mm).

The exterior of the Hilux Champ Super SWB retains its familiar boxy design, but the most significant difference lies in its maneuverability. The reduced wheelbase results in a turning radius of just 4.7 meters, making it exceptionally easy to navigate in tight urban spaces or crowded residential areas.

Despite its compact size, the Hilux Champ Super SWB maintains high practicality. The single cab configuration allows for a cargo bed length of 1,867 mm, surpassing most mid-size crew cab pickups, though it is still shorter than the 2,647 mm bed of the LWB version.

This version is available in a single configuration, the “Attractive Package,” which offers basic but sufficient features for individual users and small businesses.

The exterior design is straightforward and robust, featuring LED headlights, black plastic body cladding, an unpainted front bumper for enhanced durability, and 14-inch steel wheels that emphasize the truck’s utilitarian nature.

Inside, the Hilux Champ Super SWB cabin adopts a minimalist approach. It features black fabric seats with orange accents for a sporty feel. Notably, there is no central infotainment screen, with the focus instead on essential amenities such as manual air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, manual seat adjustment, USB-C ports, two speakers, and sun visors.

While lacking advanced technology, the interior ensures durability and functionality, catering to daily work and operational needs.

Under the hood, the Hilux Champ Super SWB “Attractive Package” is powered by a familiar 2.4L turbodiesel engine, delivering 148 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, it retains the ladder-frame chassis that has made the Hilux renowned for its durability and load-bearing capacity.

Safety features include essentials such as ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), dual airbags, and forward collision warning, meeting standard daily operational requirements.

In Thailand, the Hilux Champ Super SWB “Attractive Package” starts at 615,000 baht (approximately 501 million VND), the highest price point in the Hilux Champ range. In comparison, the standard SWB starts at 602,000 baht (491 million VND), and the most affordable LWB variant is priced at 519,000 baht (423 million VND). Toyota’s premium pricing for the Super SWB underscores its confidence in the model’s agility, ease of use, and unique character.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)