2024 Toyota Hilux Rangga - New name for Thai 'national car' in Indonesia
CY Foong · Dec 15, 2023 05:00 PM
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The Toyota Hilux Champ is billed as Thailand’s new ‘national car’ when it made its global debut in the Kingdom in late November. It makes sense since pick-up trucks are traditionally the country’s best-sellers, but the simplicity of the Hilux Champ makes it a plus point for commercial use in the region.
The concept that previewed the Hilux Champ, the IMV 0 was shown in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan following its global unveiling by Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda in Thailand last year. Recently, it was announced that the Hilux Champ’s next destination will be Indonesia where it will be given a more locally familiar name.
At a media gathering organised by PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM), it was announced that the Hilux Champ will be launched in Indonesia in 2024 as the Hilux Rangga. This name was seen on the IMV 0 Concept that was shown at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) and is significant to Indonesians.
Kijang Rangga brochure shown
The Rangga name which means warrior in Javanese was previously used on an outdoorsy-looking variant of the fourth and final generation Toyota Kijang. The Rangga Concept that was shown at GIIAS 2023 demonstrated the versatility of the pick-up truck which was also shown at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show (JMS).
As reported by our Indonesian sister site, AutoFun ID, the Rangga name was chosen because of its strong significance among Indonesians. “There are many fans who are still loyal to the Kijang pick-up and its numerous variants so we think it’s the most suitable name for the Indonesian market,” said Anton Jimmi Suwandy, Marketing Director of TAM.
However, Anton remains mum on details of the Hilux Rangga but stated that it could be launching in the archipelago by early 2024. “We will announce more details later including whether it will be assembled (CKD) here (in Indonesia) or imported (CBU) from Thailand.”
On the other hand, OtoDriver reported that the Hilux Rangga could only be offered as a short-wheelbase (SWB) variant with 2 engine choices. This was revealed by Dimas Aska, TAM’s Head of Media Relations.
“The Hilux Rangga will only be offered with SWB and two engines which are the 1TR-FE and 2GD-FTV,” he told the Indo publication.
Thai-spec Hilux Champ shown
The engines mentioned are the 2.0-litre petrol unit (139 PS/183 Nm) and the 2.4-litre turbodiesel unit (150 PS/343-400 Nm). The Thai-spec Hilux Champ is also available as a long-wheelbase (LWB) and has a third engine option – the 2.7-litre 2TR-FE petrol unit (166 PS/245 Nm).
The reason for the two powertrains only heading to Indonesia is because they suit Indonesian buyers and needs, according to Dimas.
The Hilux Champ/Rangga is only available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a choice of 6-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions. In Thailand, the Hilux Champ is priced between THB 459,000-577,000 (~RM 61k-77k) which undercuts the base Hilux variant that is priced from THB 564,000 (~RM 75k).
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
