Toyota offices in Thailand have launched a bunched-up version of the Hilux Champ—known as the Tamaraw in the Philippines—and it is adorable. Officially called the Super Short Wheelbase (SWB) Hilux Champ, it holds the same 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine found in other Tamaraw GL Dropside models, but is only offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.
It still makes a hearty 150hp and 400Nm of torque, and it probably feels a lot snappier thanks to its shorter frame. In exact measurements, the Super SWB Tamaraw is 4,520mm long—a sizeable cut from the 4,970mm length of the standard SWB Tamaraw. Its width and height are unchanged at 1,785mm and 1,735mm, respectively.
The shorter length primarily comes from the adorably reduced bed, which measures in at 1,867mm. That makes it about 445mm shorter than the standard Tamaraw bed. This puts the wheelbase at just 2,580mm, while cutting the Tamaraw’s typical 4,900mm turning radius to 4,700mm.
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Interestingly, the Super SWB Tamaraw also has a slightly taller ground clearance than the usual Tamaraw—166.5mm, as compared to the standard 166mm. That may be due to the retooled suspension, as this Tamaraw still rides on 14-inch steelies.
Toyota Thailand also announced that the new Tamaraw will be equipped with two new advanced driver-assistance systems. Namely, a forward collision warning system and a front vehicle moving alert.
With these new safety additions and the more manageable form factor, the Super SWB Tamaraw is shaping up to be the most practical configuration for utility drivers in the city. And isn’t it just so cute? We’re hoping Toyota Motor Philippines brings this in—perhaps in time for the Tamaraw Sprint Exhibition Race next year?
