Introducing the Toyota HiLux Champ: Mini Ute Spotted in Thailand, Set to Hit Production Soon

Thanks to Kurdistan Automotive Blog for the image.

Recently, the Toyota HiLux Champ was spotted during an advertising shoot in Thailand, signaling its imminent production. This mini ute carries the prestigious Toyota HiLux badge and is expected to commence production this month.

The Toyota HiLux Champ is the production model of the IMV 0 Concept, which was first introduced in December 2022. It then evolved into the Rangga concept, which was unveiled in Indonesia in August 2023. The vehicle was reportedly developed through a collaboration between Toyota and its small-car division Daihatsu.

The vehicle is anticipated to be powered by either a petrol or turbo-diesel engine. However, a report by Top Gear Philippines hinted that hybrid and electric versions may be introduced at a later date. Production is set to begin on November 27 in Thailand, although it remains unclear whether it will be manufactured at the Samrong or Ban Pho factories, where the full-size HiLux is produced.

Interestingly, Toyota's Australian engineers were reportedly involved in the development of the HiLux Champ. Yet, despite these claims, Sean Hanley, the local sales and marketing boss for Toyota in Australia, stated that the vehicle would not be available in the country. Speaking at the Tokyo motor show, Hanley mentioned, "We've got our (ute) model line-up with Hilux, and (the Toyota IMV concept) is just not a good fit right now. So within our model lineup, we’re pretty set right now.”