TRD Hilux 4000SL vs. LS3 HSV Maloo R8 Review

 

LS3 HSV Maloo R8 Review

This test almost wasn’t meant to be. We were meant to be test driving HSV’s new LS3 GTS, but another publication broke something. We won’t name names. The Wheels were fine, but the gearbox wasn’t, so we were thrown the keys to the LS3 Maloo instead.

It’s the same story inside and out the LS3 Maloo. The only exterior difference lies on the badge, now reading ‘317’ instead of ‘307’. Our test vehicle was fitted with HSV’s optional ‘Performance Pack’ (priced at $3,750 – includes 20” wheels and performance seats), along with a spiffy new colour added to the HSV range – Karma.

Turning over the new LS3 powered HSV feels and sounds no different to the LS2 it replaces. The only difference which can be felt at idle is slightly less shaking from the engine. The LS2 notoriously shook the car about when idling – a trait which became old very quickly.

Unless you’re really trying for it, you won’t notice much of a change with the way the LS3 delivers power. Open up the taps and the story changes swiftly. North of 2500RPM the 6.2-litre V8 unit starts making plenty of noise and begins piling on torque until it reaches its maxima at 4600RPM. The mid-range note has altered slightly, achieving a deeper growl at flat stick.

Driving the HSV Maloo is unlike any other ute I’ve driven – and certainly unlike the TRD Hilux it faces in this comparo. Not only is the chassis extremely rigid, the Maloo changes directions without even a whimper of complaint. Steering feel is good, but could be considerable better when you consider the car’s sporting credentials. On top of that, the steering wheel is far too large. It feels like you’re steering a truck, not a sports ute.

Although the clutch on our test vehicle was abnormally light, the sticking point and length was great to work with both in stop-start traffic and when handing a serving to the Maloo. The 6-speed manual gearbox takes some time to get used to. It’s an extremely tight unit and requires a fair bit of muscle to lob between first and second gear. Third is also a bit tricky to grab at times and isn’t as seamless as it should be.

 

Slicing through a set of corners doesn’t fuss the Maloo either. It holds its own through corners and feels firmly planted at all times. It does get a bit twitch if you get on the throttle too early though, so you need to remain on your best behaviour until the exit of the corner. Although, the ESP does a tremendous job of keeping the Maloo in check at all times.

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