>>19297899>Platinumoh boy
I'd say Chimchar, but only because its STAB types are great assets for the first 2 gyms, with Mach Punch wrecking Roark and Fire moves destroying Gardenia, and these two can be tough with the other starters if your wild catches are unlucky.
However, Infernape is frailer than Torterra and Empoleon.
Really it's your choice.