The Toyota HiLux Champ, which debuted in 2023 as a boxier, more affordable alternative to the HiLux, has been spied in Australia.
The single-cab ute was spotted in Melbourne, wearing Australian number plates and incorporating a steering wheel on the right-hand side.
But before you call up your local Toyota dealer to put down a deposit, a reality check: this ute, developed for developing markets, isn’t coming here.
“Toyota Australia is always exploring opportunities to diversify our vehicle line up. At this stage, there are no current plans to introduce the HiLux Champ to the Australian market,” said a Toyota Australia spokesperson.
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The HiLux Champ is built in Thailand, a right-hand drive market from which Toyota Australia also sources the HiLux. But while the HiLux is sold throughout the world, the HiLux Champ was developed for a handful of developing markets, primarily in Southeast Asia, where safety and emissions standards are typically more lax.
Officially revealed in November 2023, the HiLux Champ is related to the HiLux but features completely different styling inside and out.
It’s known by different names in different markets. For example, in Indonesia it’s sold as the HiLux Rangga, while in the Philippines it’s called the Tamaraw, and in Peru it’s the HiLux Stout – the latter two names being heritage names for the Japanese automaker.
The ute is offered in two different wheelbase lengths (2750mm and 3085mm) but only with a single-cab/chassis configuration. The factory-fit trays offered have fold-down sides in addition to the folding tailgate.
With a factory-fit tray the standard-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.
Depending on the market, HiLux Champ buyers have three engine options to choose from, including two petrol 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 over 1600-2000rpm.
The 2.0-litre petrol is only available with a five-speed manual, but the 2.7-litre petrol and 2.4-litre turbo-diesel can also be had with a six-speed automatic. The HiLux Champ is only available with rear-wheel drive.
All models come with 14-inch steel wheels paired with 195mm wide tyres, as well as rack-and-pinion power steering. There are ventilated disc brakes at the front, and drums at the rear.
At the front there’s a double wishbone suspension setup with coil springs and a stabiliser bar, while the rear has a live axle and leaf springs.
Standard features include halogen headlights, manual window winders, vinyl seat trim, a fixed passenger’s seat, and two speakers. The instrumentation panel only has a speedometer and warning lights.
Higher-spec models come with electric windows and mirrors, a cover for the centre console bin, orange trim for the dashboard and doors, slide and recline functions for the passenger’s seat, and LED headlights.
Standard safety features items extend to driver and passenger airbags, ABS, EBD, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and side intrusion beams.
In Thailand, the HiLux Champ is priced from 519,000 baht (~A$24,250), while the most affordable HiLux costs 584,000 baht (A$27,300).
Toyota this month revealed the LandCruiser FJ, a similarly boxy SUV counterpart to the HiLux Champ. However, this model has also been ruled out for Australia.