It may not be all-new, but Toyota's double-cab pickup remains as desirable as ever
WHAT'S NEW?
Although the Hilux Vigo is now seven years old, Toyota has given it another facelift instead of opting for an all-new replacement.
Claims by critics that Toyota didn't bother with a major makeover since the Vigo was a top-seller were dismissed. According to product planners at Toyota Motor Thailand, three-series strategy was part of the IMV series ever since its launch in 2004.
The Vigo's second and final update includes a redesigned grille, bonnet, bumpers, fenders and rear lights. The interior has also been slightly revamped, notably with the four-spoke steering in higher models that has been carried over from saloons like the Camry.
Steering wheel is lifted from Toyota’s saloons.
Accompanying the revision is a third moniker which sounds a little corny. The full name of the Toyota's mainstay pickup is now Hilux Vigo Champ (so we'll simply refer to it as "Champ").
Toyota is (rightly) keen to point out that the double-cab version has undergone changes to make it more car-like because that's how potential buyers treat it.
That's why more gimmicks have been thrown into the Champ such as digital-friendly features and a rear camera for easier parking.
Gimmicks they may be but they are crucial for the Prerunner, a high-riding Champ with 2WD/automatic drivetrain appealing to clients who place more importance on 4x4-like appearance than driving sanity.
WHAT'S COOL?
One of the strongest points of the Champ in double-cab form is the package itself. Ever since the current generation went on sale, practically no other rival could match the seating comfort and space of the Toyota's four-door pickup. The only one to really come close is the Mitsubishi Triton.
The same goes for the diesel-turbo engines (the one tested here comes with the 163hp 3.0-litre unit) which yields impressive refinement from idle speed and linear power delivery from low to high speeds.
Toyota claims that some changes have been made to the fuel injection system so that the motor can cope with Thailand's notorious inconsistent fuel quality which, of course, is something we can't verify for a new car, from an appraisal point of view.
There was nothing wrong with the chassis's tuning, meaning that the Champ has a good mix of ride comfort and tidy steering feel.
Rear lights and third moniker are new.
WHAT'S NOT?
Okay, more interior features mean higher prices, so there's no escaping the fact that this double-cab is equally pricey as C-segment passenger saloons at 889,000 baht (top-spec Prerunner). What you get in return is extra versatility when doing outdoor trips.
And even though the interior fascia has been lightly spruced up with more colours, the overall ambience still can't hide the vehicle's age. And petty it may be, there's still minimal adjustment for the air-con ventilation.
The Triton is the only credible alternative to the Champ in double-cab form, so the Mitsu has some stronger points like a more powerful performance in a straight line in 178hp VG uniform and a more planted chassis at high speeds.
Four doors with seat comfort to match.
BUY OR BYE?
The fact that Chevrolet, Ford, Isuzu, Mazda, Nissan (and Tata) don't have double-cabs to match the Champ might give Toyota a good reason to extend the lifecycle of its pickup.
But the Champ remains a very desirable choice in four-door pickup form. Sure, the Triton may have some advantages over it, but the Champ still does a more than adequate job in delivering the right levels of performance and handling _ with added refinement in both aspects.
The Champ may not be an all-new pickup, but it's still a good buy in the four-door pickup segment, thanks to an equally aging competition already priming to launch new-generation models within the next six months. The Champ doesn't sound that corny after all.
Smart Cab is good to drive but...
The Champ's weak link
With less weight to carry around, the Toyota Hilux Vigo Champ Smart Cab feels more agile and quicker on the move than the Double Cab variant equipped with a similar engine, be it with the 2.5 or 3.0-litre unit.
And combine it with the inherent chassis virtues of the Hilux, the Smart Cab offers quite a nice drive for those needing a workhorse with some levels of car-like handling.
Just make sure that you understand that the Smart Cab is still meant for carrying loads around, so don't be surprised to find the rear suspension lumpier than in the Double Cab.
But what's worse is the unavailability of an automatic gearbox _ no matter which drivetrain you opt for. Also, the operation of the rear access panels is not as facile as in rival models. The latches are helplessly located within the seatbelt linings.
The Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 and Nissan Navara may have flawed double-cab bodies, but they offer better open-cab variations. As well, this trio do have automatic gearbox to choose from.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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