The head of Toyota SA Motors says we can expect “some exciting” models based on the Hilux platform in the next year. Is the Hilux Champ finally on the cards for Mzansi?
- Toyota to “expand” range of IMV-based models
- “Some exciting” ladder-frame models expected
- Next Fortuner surely one of these newcomers
- But will we finally see Hilux Champ in Mzansi?
The man at the helm of Toyota South Africa Motors has suggested that the Japanese brand’s local division will launch “some exciting cars” based on the Hilux platform over the next year or so. Does that mean the single-cab Hilux Champ – which could be badged as the Stallion or Stout locally – is finally on the horizon for Mzansi?
Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota SA Motors, was speaking to Cars.co.za during a wide-ranging interview in a custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s SA Auto Week 2026 event in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in October.
When asked about Toyota SA Motors’ product plans for the forthcoming 12 months, Kirby first suggested that fans of the Japanese brand “wait and see” what the company had in store for 2027, before confirming that new models based on the automaker’s familiar IMV platform were in the pipeline.
“What I can say is that, on the same platform that the new Hilux was launched on, we’re going to expand our model range. And there’ll be some exciting cars that will come off that platform in the next 12 months,” Kirby told us, without going into further detail.
While Kirby didn’t specify the models to which he was referring, one is all but guaranteed to be the new Fortuner, which is due to move into its third generation soon – and is expected to again be produced alongside the Hilux at Toyota’s Prospecton factory in KwaZulu-Natal.
Like the ninth-generation Hilux, the new Fortuner is set to ride on an evolved version of the firm’s IMV ladder-frame architecture. Of course, Kirby could also have been making reference to the Hilux GR-Sport derivative that’s likewise due in 2027 or indeed a potential new iteration of the Fortuner GR-Sport.
What other vehicles currently employ the IMV platform? Well, Toyota SA Motors already offers the Land Cruiser FJ, which officially hit local dealers in naturally aspirated petrol form in May 2026 and is tipped to receive a turbodiesel engine in a few years, too.
But there’s another fascinating model that shares much with the Land Cruiser FJ and has been on SA’s radar for some time. Yes, we’re talking about the Hilux Champ bakkie – also known as the Hilux Rangga, Hilux Stout or Tamaraw, depending on the market – that was unveiled way back in November 2023.
Shortly after this model’s global reveal, comments from Toyota SA Motors executives – as originally reported by the folks over at IOL Motoring – pointed to a potential launch of the back-to-basics two-seater bakkie in South Africa around 2026.
Positioned below the Hilux in markets such as Thailand (where it’s currently manufactured), this workhorse is produced exclusively in single-cab guise, with both short- and long-wheelbase versions on offer overseas.
Were Toyota SA Motors to add the Hilux Champ (potentially wearing the Stallion or Stout name in Mzansi) to its local line-up, it would surely be positioned below the Hilux single cab, particularly if produced locally. As such, it could step into a role once occupied by SA’s now-defunct half-tonne bakkies, despite having a more generous payload of up to 1 000 kg.
For the record, Toyota registered the “Stallion” trademark in South Africa way back in 1965. However, it made a second filing for the badge in November 2022 (likely with a view to amending its scope), with this application accepted as recently as October 2026 – though technically not yet registered. The company also still holds the rights to the “Stout” name in SA.
Overseas, the Hilux Champ is offered with a choice of three familiar powerplants. There’s the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol unit (102 kW and 183 Nm), the likewise atmospheric 2.7-litre petrol motor (122 kW and 245 Nm) and the 2.4-litre turbodiesel mill (110 kW and 400 Nm).
So, will the Hilux Champ turn out to be one of the “exciting” upcoming 2027 models mentioned by Kirby? And, if so, will this potentially budget-friendly bakkie be imported from Thailand or produced alongside the Hilux and Fortuner at the brand’s Prospecton facility? Time will tell…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Toyota South Africa planning to launch new IMV-based models in 2027?
A: Yes, Toyota SA Motors President and CEO Andrew Kirby exclusively confirmed to Cars.co.za that the automaker will expand its local line-up with “exciting” new ladder-frame models built on the Hilux platform over the next 12 months.
Q: Could the Toyota Hilux Champ be introduced in South Africa?
A: While not yet officially confirmed for SA, hints regarding IMV-platform expansions — alongside local trademark filings for historical badges like “Stallion” and “Stout” — keep the door open for the back-to-basics Hilux Champ to enter the market.
Q: What engines and specs does the Toyota Hilux Champ offer globally?
A: Overseas, the single-cab Hilux Champ offers three engine choices: a 2.0-litre petrol (102 kW/183 Nm), a 2.7-litre petrol (122 kW/245 Nm), and a 2.4-litre GD-6 turbodiesel (110 kW and up to 400 Nm), featuring a payload of up to 1 000 kg.
Related content
Toyota SA confirms ‘exciting’ new Hilux GR-Sport
Ryan Bubear
Having written about everything from sport and politics to crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years.
