Toyota shrinks Tamaraw with new super short wheelbase model
Next-gen Toyota Tamaraw gets (super) short wheelbase variant
When Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) officially launched the next-generation Tamaraw last year, it was initially available only in long wheelbase (LWB) form that’s powered by a 2.4L turbo-diesel engine and is available with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. It was then followed by the short wheelbase (SWB) version, which is powered by a 2.0L naturally aspirated gasoline engine and is only offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Toyota even invited us for a ride-and-drive of the all-new Tamaraw in Mindoro earlier this year, and we were impressed by its workhorse credentials despite being a basic vehicle. Heck, TMP even plans to hold a one-make race of the Tamaraw at next year’s Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup.
What we weren’t expecting, however, was Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT) launching another variant of the next-generation Tamaraw over in the Land of Smiles. Also called the Hilux Champ in its home market, the workhorse is now available with an even shorter wheelbase, and boy, do we like what we see.
Say hello to the Toyota Hilux Champ Super Short Wheelbase (AKA Short SWB) and its compact yet cute dimensions. Measuring 4520mm long with a wheelbase of just 2580mm, the Hilux Champ Super SWB is 450mm shorter in terms of overall length than the standard SWB, while its wheelbase is 780mm shorter than the regular SWB version.
The shortened dimensions not only translate to its cutesy looks, but they also make for better handling. In fact, Toyota says the Super SWB has a turning radius of 4.7 meters. In comparison, the SWB and LWB variants have a turning radius of 4.9 meters and 5.4 meters, respectively. As far as the dimensions of its bed, the Super SWB’s cargo bed measures 1867mm long, 1711mm wide, and 327mm tall.
Style-wise, the Hilux Champ Super SWB looks relatively the same as the regular, SWB, and LWB models of the PH-spec Tamaraw, with some unique features. It gets 14-inch steelies, LED headlights, an unpainted front bumper, and black trim inserts on the doors. Open the doors, and the Super SWB welcomes occupants with black upholstery with orange trim accents, manual air-conditioning, power-adjustable mirrors, power windows, and a multi-info display. Like the PH-spec Tamaraw, the Hilux Champ Super SWB lacks a tachometer but comes with a speedometer.
Powering the Super SWB is a 2.4L turbo-diesel engine that puts out 150 PS with 400 Nm of torque and is paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 5-speed manual version gets the same 150 PS, but torque is only rated at 343 Nm.
The Toyota Hilux Champ Super SWB retails for THB 615,000 or roughly PHP 1.1 million when converted. This makes it nearly as expensive as the Tamaraw 2.4L Utility Van LWB with a manual gearbox. Despite the sticker price, we won’t be surprised if the Super SWB model becomes popular with Filipino buyers who want their workhorse to be stylish.
Do you think TMP should start producing the Super SWB version of the next-generation Tamaraw? Let us know in the comments.
