Toyota Hilux Champ – When a Truck Was Turned into an SUV
The small truck "Champ" is called Hilux Rangga in Indonesia. According to statistics from the Japanese brand Toyota, it is in this country that the model is most popular. Car enthusiasts choose "Rangga" for its relatively affordable price tag, versatility and excellent customization options.
The latter have become widespread. There are various tourist versions, and commercial versions with "refrigerators" are no less common. However, no one has previously tried to remake this model into an SUV. Now the situation has changed.
The budget pickup received a new body format. The additional cabin literally "transforms" the Hilux Champ into a full-fledged SUV. At the same time, the conversion takes place at the official level.
The exterior of the Hilux Champ matches current Toyota models. Photo: YouTube.com
The model received a unique body color. The base pickup, in turn, was available only in white or black.
The dimensions of the SUV are as follows:
✅ length - 5 m
✅ width - 1,8 m
✅ height - 1,9 m
✅ wheelbase - 2,7 m
In terms of design, the model has received significant changes. If the first "half" of the body remains similar to the standard Hilux Rangga pickup, then the rear part is a completely new car.
The passenger section follows the angular design of the Japanese brand's current models. Almost half of the second cabin is taken up by doors.
This is what the cargo version of the Hilux Champ looks like. Photo: YouTube.com
I would like to highlight the glazing of this part of the car separately. Toyota engineers claim that the artificial intelligence rendering method was used when creating these components.
The rear part received a massive trunk door with the brand logo. The new roof "goes" onto the driver's cabin and is painted in a contrasting color.
The change in the body form factor has also significantly affected the interior space. Instead of a two-seater pickup, the Hilux Champ has become a three-row SUV.
The design also differs from the cargo version. The main material for the interior trim is combined eco-leather. Let us remind you that the model is not yet in production, so only one version was shown to the general public, based on the maximum configuration of the Rangga.
This is what the Hilux Rangga interior looks like. Photo: YouTube.com
The layout can rather be described as utilitarian. Safety in the former pickup is provided only by two front airbags, an ABS system, and blind spot monitoring technology.
The multimedia display is provided by a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The list of equipment also includes four electric windows, parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
The presented pre-production model is equipped with a diesel power plant. The engine capacity is 2,4 liters. The unit produces 150 hp of power with a peak torque of 343 Nm.
The engine works in tandem with a five-speed manual gearbox. The manufacturer does not announce the all-wheel drive version, so far only RWD is expected.
At the time of serial launch, a petrol version will also be available, but in many characteristics it is noticeably inferior to the diesel. The alternative configuration is equipped with a 2-liter 137-horsepower engine with a torque of 183 Nm. But this unit is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Under the hood of the Rangga, you notice not the engine, but the thickness of the wings. Photo: YouTube.com
The new Rangga modification shares its architecture with the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner pickup. It is called IMV and is a frame platform. The front suspension is of the spring type with double wishbones. The rear axle is solid, shock absorbing by means of springs.
The Indonesian division of New Armada is engaged in the modernization of the model. Therefore, the first place where the unusual car will go on sale will be Toyota Astra Motor.
The prototype debuted two months ago, and serial production is planned for 2025. The cost of the three-row SUV will be 25 thousand, which is 13,2 thousand dollars more than the price of the base pickup (2,5 million and 1,3 million rubles, respectively).
The latter have become widespread. There are various tourist versions, and commercial versions with "refrigerators" are no less common. However, no one has previously tried to remake this model into an SUV. Now the situation has changed.
Exterior
The budget pickup received a new body format. The additional cabin literally "transforms" the Hilux Champ into a full-fledged SUV. At the same time, the conversion takes place at the official level.
The exterior of the Hilux Champ matches current Toyota models. Photo: YouTube.comThe model received a unique body color. The base pickup, in turn, was available only in white or black.
The dimensions of the SUV are as follows:
✅ length - 5 m
✅ width - 1,8 m
✅ height - 1,9 m
✅ wheelbase - 2,7 m
In terms of design, the model has received significant changes. If the first "half" of the body remains similar to the standard Hilux Rangga pickup, then the rear part is a completely new car.
The passenger section follows the angular design of the Japanese brand's current models. Almost half of the second cabin is taken up by doors.
This is what the cargo version of the Hilux Champ looks like. Photo: YouTube.comI would like to highlight the glazing of this part of the car separately. Toyota engineers claim that the artificial intelligence rendering method was used when creating these components.
The rear part received a massive trunk door with the brand logo. The new roof "goes" onto the driver's cabin and is painted in a contrasting color.
Interior and equipment
The change in the body form factor has also significantly affected the interior space. Instead of a two-seater pickup, the Hilux Champ has become a three-row SUV.
The design also differs from the cargo version. The main material for the interior trim is combined eco-leather. Let us remind you that the model is not yet in production, so only one version was shown to the general public, based on the maximum configuration of the Rangga.
This is what the Hilux Rangga interior looks like. Photo: YouTube.comThe layout can rather be described as utilitarian. Safety in the former pickup is provided only by two front airbags, an ABS system, and blind spot monitoring technology.
The multimedia display is provided by a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The list of equipment also includes four electric windows, parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
Engine and technical part
The presented pre-production model is equipped with a diesel power plant. The engine capacity is 2,4 liters. The unit produces 150 hp of power with a peak torque of 343 Nm.
The engine works in tandem with a five-speed manual gearbox. The manufacturer does not announce the all-wheel drive version, so far only RWD is expected.
At the time of serial launch, a petrol version will also be available, but in many characteristics it is noticeably inferior to the diesel. The alternative configuration is equipped with a 2-liter 137-horsepower engine with a torque of 183 Nm. But this unit is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Under the hood of the Rangga, you notice not the engine, but the thickness of the wings. Photo: YouTube.comThe new Rangga modification shares its architecture with the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner pickup. It is called IMV and is a frame platform. The front suspension is of the spring type with double wishbones. The rear axle is solid, shock absorbing by means of springs.
Conclusion
The Indonesian division of New Armada is engaged in the modernization of the model. Therefore, the first place where the unusual car will go on sale will be Toyota Astra Motor.
The prototype debuted two months ago, and serial production is planned for 2025. The cost of the three-row SUV will be 25 thousand, which is 13,2 thousand dollars more than the price of the base pickup (2,5 million and 1,3 million rubles, respectively).
- Vic Samoylik
- youtube.com
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