TRD Hilux 4000SL vs. LS3 HSV Maloo R8 Review
20 Jun, 2008
151 Comments 
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Holden have co-developed the best ESP system in the business and the way it catches the Maloo when the unexpected arises leaves little to be desired. It’s also unobtrusive, allowing you to really exercise the Maloo’s full potential.
The stellar cross-drilled rotors (measuring 365mm up front and 350mm at the rear), coupled with AP Racing 4-piston callipers endlessly pull the Maloo up with ferocious demeanour. HSV claims the Maloo pulls up from 100km/h in just 36-metres when it’s dry.
Inside the cabin it’s HSV territory. Dash mounted gauges and white-faced dials impress onlookers. The seats are certainly built for larger folks and as such you move around about during hard cornering – a perfect excuse to eat some more junk food!
Build quality sits in line with the rest of Holden’s range – nothing spesh. Plastics are relatively cheap and the sound system is utterly abysmal. It offers no bass at all and reception is rarely good. There is storage room behind the seats but it’s very hard to reach. The release for the driver’s seat is wedged in between the seat and the B-pillar. The passenger’s side is even worse, with the release located on the driver’s side of the passenger seat.
The rear vision mirror is quite ironic when you consider the only places you can see out of the Maloo are forward, left or right. The rear vision mirror points directly into the hard-top, while the rear side windows offer no assistance when it comes to lane changing.
This is the point at which the ‘Maloo shuffle’ is employed. It’s a move where the driver lurches forward and shuffles their head and body to look toward the side mirror, then out the side window, while trying to catch and glimpse of any activity via the rear vision mirror! A highly complex process!
Powering HSV’s LS3 Maloo is a 6.2-litre V8 producing 317kW and 550Nm of torque. HSV claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 15.8-litres/100km for the manual Maloo. We recorded a higher fuel consumption, this was due to the vehicle still being run in.
At $61,550, the Maloo is the cheapest way to get into a V8 powered HSV. It is an unbelievable amount of fun to drive and gets endless amounts of attention wherever it goes. As performance utes go, they really don’t get much better than this.
CarAdvice overall rating: 
How does it drive: 
How does it look:
How does it go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 6162cc V8
- Power: 317kW @ 6,000rpm
- Torque: 550Nm @ 4,600rpm
- Induction: Natural
- Transmission: Six Speed Manual
- Brakes: 365mm/350mm
- Fuel Consumption: 15.8 litres / 100km (Combined)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 73 litres
- Fuel Type: 98RON Unleaded
- Safety: Dual Front Airbags
- Towing Capacity: 1,600kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
- Weight: 1,832kg (Tare)
- Wheels: 19 x 9″ Alloy
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, Toyota’s asking price for the TRD Hilux is almost laughable. The lack of features and lack of driving aids place the TRD Hilux in an awkward position. It’s practically undriveable in the wet with an unloaded tray, while the lack of steering feel and fuel consumption rule it out as a justifiable purchase.
Although the Maloo doesn’t fare much better in the fuel consumption department and carries only half of the TRD’s payload, it defines a sports ute. A sports ute isn’t bought for practicality or to be used as a workhorse, it’s bought to look good and meet a certain individual’s styling requirements.
In this comparo, the win goes to the Maloo - hands down. The TRD Hilux is simply too much of a handful at the best of times and is overpriced when compared to the Maloo.
Location: Home / TRD, HSV, Behind the Wheel, Sports Cars, Top Australian Cars / ...
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June 20th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Superb paint colour on the Maloo.
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June 20th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Good Move Toyota:
I overestimated your intelligence.
If this was an ‘off-road’ review. There would be a Holden Rodeo vs Toyota Hilux.
This is a sports ute review (can’t you read??) which is for sports utes, not off-road utes.
This and the Aurion bring absolute shame to the TRD name. No wonder these vehicles aren’t sold anywhere else in the world, they would be laughed off so quickly nobody would have time to blink.
The TRD Hilux is so damn unsafe. NO driver aids…it doesn’t even have EBD or BA…just some primitive form of ABS. What an absolute joke.
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June 20th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
The TRD car looks like the type of car a tradie would buy who just wants a bit more power.
To be honest, from Toyota Racing Devision, i kind of expected them to give us something more… hard edged?
Holden Special Vehicles gives us very that. Cars that are special. They arn’t perfect, but they are loud, tough shouty and very fast.
With the name Toyota Racing Divison, you expect something like a Type-R honda type car. No compromise racing cars.
But, all toyota give us, is a fwd gt style car, that is about 20 grand too expensive, and a ute with 225kw. The point hsv were at 15 years ago.
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June 20th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Two great utes!!!!, don’t think I would know which one I would choose…Love the 4WD Hilux, but on the other hand, gotta have the V8. In another article I read on the TRD Hilux, it apparently goes a little bit better of road than the SR5, as the tyres on the TRD have more off road grip than those on the SR5. However with the way fuel costs are going I would like to see a Diesel verson of the TRD Hilux, it doesnt necessarially need to have more power than the tandard diesel, I just love how the TRD model looks, with the 17 inch wheels and front bumper. And whats the go with the rear drum breaks, forget complaining about the lack of driving aids, the ute should have 4 wheel disc breaks before they put all the other crap on it.
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June 20th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
It’s a very valid test comparison. Do you think Toyota dealers wouldn’t be pleased as punch if some bloke came into their yard and said, “I was looking at a Maloo, but prefer one of these.” Of COURSE they would! They compete very directly.
But, judging by the unsurprising comparison results between these two souped up utes, that scenario is unlikely to unfold. Please don’t put up the argument about which is better off road. We know it’ll be the Hi Lux, but it won’t be pumping out anywhere near its maximum mega Newton Metres on the Rubicon Trail. No Sirree!
This one’s for the road. And that where it fails abysmally.
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June 20th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I haven’t finished, by the way.
Anyone suffering criticism about their Maloo’s interior finish or crappy tail lamp appliques can take comfort in the Hilux’s appalling colour mis-matching of the front bumper. It’s a bad fit, to top it off, too.
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June 21st, 2008 at 12:35 am
Tom, holden were at that power 10 years ago because they had big V8’s. TRD has dont this with a 4L V6, similar to ford (but a little less powerful).
You can’t say they are in direct competition or there not in direct competition, it all depends on the buyer. The TRD would be better for the family and the tradie, as it can hold more weight, hold more people and uses less fuel, as well as probably being cheaper to run and insure. Though if someone wanted a faster, more powerful car they could carry some stuff in (say someone high up in a building/construction company) would go for the Maloo.
It all depends on their personal context (damn HSC English) and needs.
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June 21st, 2008 at 12:50 am
Agree with you Golfie.
Also those nerds moaning about the off road comparo, DURRR the Maloo not an off roader stupid.
I’d go as far to say the Toytown Turd seems a bit frankly dangerous in the wrong hands (a Hooner!!).
Not sure they’ll sell in huge quanities given people feel more about their wallets than the enviroment.
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June 21st, 2008 at 12:55 am
Very nice colour on the Maloo.
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June 21st, 2008 at 1:28 am
I gotta agree with golf as well. Of course the hilux would be a better off road vehicle. But the thing is the Maloo isn’t a sport ute trying to be an offroader. The TRD Hilux however is an off road ute trying to be a sports ute. And where do sport utes usually spend most of their time? On the bitumen. So i would say that this comparo is quite legit. Perhaps when HSV decide to turn the Maloo into a pseudo-offroader (similar to the Adventra) then maybe an offroad comparo might be required.
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June 21st, 2008 at 1:41 am
I think its a “weird” comparison,
But market wise, the introduction of a “performance” Hi-Lux WILL take away from the performance Ute market.
Things to consider.
[1] Practicality
[2] Purpose
[3] Performance
The Hi-Lux NOW, has [3] in there sights… so if you have $65K to buy your next tool of the trade vehicle.
Which one?
The less practical, more fuel consuming ute?
Or the more practical, less performing, but adequate small truck?
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June 21st, 2008 at 1:45 am
If I may correct myself, “And that where it fails abysmally.” should, of course, be “And that’s where it fails abysmally.”
I can’t believe I missed the apostrophe AND the s.
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June 21st, 2008 at 2:47 am
Aaahhh the predictable one eyed Toyota response. CA even said this comparo had nothing to do with practicality, eg payload, towing & offroad. The review basically means if you buy a TRD Hilux for a performance driving ute you are pretty stupid.
Must agree its a bit of a strange comparison but it seems like it was just circumstance that they had a Maloo & a TRD Hilux at the same time so why not compare them. But would of made more sense to compare the Hilux to the F6X instead as thats its closest rival.
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June 21st, 2008 at 2:55 am
Of course the TRD Hilux would win off-road. It doesn’t touch the Maloo (or Pursuit or F6 for that matter) on road.
For a REAL off road vehicle you get a Tubro-Diesel Cruiser or Patrol. Hilux’s are rubbish off-road compared to coil-sprung cruisers. Hilux’s are a decent tradies hack and that’s all.
TRD Hilux would have even less off-road ability than a base model and they are NOT very good to start with compared to Cruisr and Patrol.
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June 21st, 2008 at 2:58 am
Geez, it must be late. I stuck in a typo “Tubro” instead of “Turbo”.
Amazing it STILL has drums on the rear. The only advantage drums have over discs is they make for a better park-brake.
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June 21st, 2008 at 8:15 am
Baji - the Hilux is not a sports ute. A more accurate description would be ‘Tuff Truck’ as it has been commonly described by other reviews.
Watto Cobra - i suggest you get your facts correct before commenting on the TRD Hilux as it’s off-road abilities have not been compromised in the slightest. Infact, some reviews such as Carsguide have stated that it’s off-road manners/ability has been improved if anything.
That said, the Hilux is not suppose to exhibit the same rugged capabilities as the Cruiser or Patrol. The Hilux is infact classified as a ‘medium’ off-road platfrom whereas the Cruiser and Patrol are ‘heavy duty’.
Glen - comparing the TRD Hilux to the F6X is not even an apples for apples comparison either because the F6X has limited off-road ability whereas the TRD Hilux is suitable for dedicated off-road adventures.
Think … transfer case !!
The TRD Hilux is infact a stand alone vehicle with no true competitor considering it is infact Australia’s first ‘Tuff Truck’
Toyota’s choice on this vehicle is a good one because while they have enhanced the on-road characteristics of the Hilux, it’s versatility (considering it exhibits credible off-road ability) has been retained making this particular vehicle somewhat unique.
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June 21st, 2008 at 9:36 am
Probably a better comparison would be between the TRD and the Holden Cross8 from a few years back! the fact that toyota didn’t add ESP or any other proper safety feature must mean they still haven’t got it right for the Kluger!!!
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June 21st, 2008 at 9:45 am
The TRD Hilux doesn’t even have rear disc brakes for a 60k vehicle…………sad! It should have bloody disc brakes all round for that price! Silly Toyoda!
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June 21st, 2008 at 10:19 am
Perfectly valid comparo.
The TRD fails just as badly as the TRD Aurion against its competitors.
Both can easily turn feral, handling wise, in the blink of an eye or a shower of rain. Add shit brakes and shit stability and no ESP and you have a 65,000 ripoff.
But there will be morons who will buy it.
It actually reminds me of the Nissan 2000 which was released years ago. From memory it could do 135mph/215kph. It looked fantastic, went like a rocket, and 99% of the cars sold were wrecked trying to go around a slight bend. Not many drivers lived to tell the tale, for there were no primary or secondary safety items - Toyota has mimicked that 30 years later, oh what a feeling indeed.
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June 21st, 2008 at 10:33 am
Dingo, “maybe” it’s off-road ability isn’t less than other model Hiluxs. I’ll wait to see what some reputable 4WD magazines have to say.
Hiluxs are still crap compared to Cruiser or Patrol. Fine for most peoples needs, not for the full-on 4WD enthusiast. A group of us go out every year, 4WDs and dirt bikes, for a week long camping trip. Guess which vehicle is ALWAYS the first to not make it up the worst rocky/slippery hills we can find?
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June 21st, 2008 at 11:37 am
Indeed, indeed.
Toyota’s vying for a share of the sports ute market, and they just happen to be putting the supercharger, decals, red stitching and the $64,000 price tag on this, however much it differs in some of its fundamentals.
You can call it what you want, but it’s absolutely right to compare. It just turns out to be….no comparison. It’s a stinker.
And some people won’t be happy. Finish your jar of angry pills and move on, I say.
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June 21st, 2008 at 11:59 am
Here’s a fun thing to do for a bit of sport:
Pay a visit to your Toyota dealer on a wintery, wet Saturday morning and ask him for a test drive of the TuRD Hilux, and watch the salesman pull a face like the proverbial long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
:)
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June 21st, 2008 at 12:47 pm
They’re going after the same buyers, though, Mr T. Just like Aurion and Commodore.
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June 21st, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Actually, whether anyone thinks it’s a fair comparison or not (I happen to believe so), the truth is out.
The TRD Hilux is a stinker. Who’s honestly surprised it wasn’t? Why is a Maloo comparison even necessary to reveal it so?
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June 21st, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I dont think they are Golf. The way I understand it, someone buying a Maloo is looking for a sportcars/coupe equivalent of a Commodore… someone looking at a Hilux is looking to employ it as a work vehicle.
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June 21st, 2008 at 1:05 pm
That’s right Mr T, but someone looking at a TRD HiLux is actually looking for a ’sports ute’.
The same reason someone looking for a work ute would buy a Holden Omega Ute.
The people who buy a Maloo or TRD Hilux are NOT looking for practicality. Otherwise they would purchase their equivalent workhorse derivatives.
This is a perfectly comparable test.
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June 21st, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Golf, I see the TRD Hilux as being more for the tradies who want to show off at work having a “premium” ute, but still have the practicality of the standard Hilux, both offroad and for load-lugging. I don’t think anyone (anyone who knew the market at all) would buy this as a Maloo alternative. The Maloo is more coupe than traditional ute, being designed for on-road performance rather than its ability to carry a load (unlike the Hilux, which attempts to keep the load-carrying ability while improving the on-road performance).
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June 21st, 2008 at 3:08 pm
The Multi-Terrain Maloo Ute:
Congratulations on looking like an idiot. If you’re appalling spelling and grammar didn’t do it, your lack of comprehension skills surely did.
Have you actually read this review at all?
Load carrying capacities are clearly stated, as are towing capacities.
Also stated is the fact that this comparo is NOT looking at their practicality, but more so their credentials as sports utes.
If you wanted a 4WD for beach driving, you would buy a 4WD. If you wanted a people mover to move a family, you would buy a people mover. If you wanted a sports ute that nullifies practicality and can still carry a load when required and goes very quick, you would buy a sports ute.
This review proves that the TRD Hilux is nothing but a tarted up Hilux which is stricken out of the sports ute category and just remains as an overpriced ute.
So quit your imbecilic sarcasm and put your brain into gear. This perfectly valid comparo strikes the TRD Hilux directly out of the water and places it in the too-expensive, too-dangerous, too-useless basket.
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June 21st, 2008 at 3:11 pm
How come there is always one arrogant idiot on these comments, nearly always a Toyota fan. Look whatever your name is. The comparison was for on-road capabilty & nothing else, the results are valid as that was what the original agenda of the comparo. If you want a sports ute that carries 5 people and has off-road compatibility buy the Hilux. The point is for $65000 you’re supposed to get much more on road performance & equipment than the SR5 Hilux but it sounds like it handles just the same so why not save a bit of money & grab the Turbo Diesel SR5 Lux instead. If you want a performance ute and not real worried about payload get the Maloo.
And in my original comment I was just saying the TRD Hilux & F6X were the “closest” rivals. I didnt say they were direct rivals, yes i know the F6X has limited off-road ability but it was never meant to go off-road. But the results would of been the same with the F6X with much better handling and performance.
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June 21st, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Beautifully put. Benjie and Glen get it, too.
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June 21st, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Typical Toyota half arse offering. Top dollar with none of the features expected of a vehicle at this price.
Doesn’t matter I suppose as long as it has the Toyota badge it will sell ripoff or not.
Perhaps Toyota should include an advanced driving course to keep it on the road!
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June 21st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Yup. Any way you cut it (hmmm…lengthways or across?), this TuRD’s on the nose.
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June 21st, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Realcars,
So far there is way more bogans and young hoons getting killed on road then hilux drivers!!
Benji:”This is a sports ute review (can’t you read??) which is for sports utes, not off-road utes.”
Hmm… Offroading is a sport too, while going too fast onroad, is just hooning!!
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June 21st, 2008 at 4:07 pm
both crap vehicles in their own way. my god toyota…….what he hell are you trying to do with a Hi-lux? it is and always be a boring Toyota work vehicle so dont try and tart it up and make it look stupid……ops .you have !!!!! Maloo…….well what can i say…..gas guzzling useless vehicle. ant drive it anywhere but a sealed road…cant see out of it…costs a fortune to run…….way overpriced……….cheap plastic interior…….cant carry anything in the back……absolutley only for people who have no life and need to pose off.
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June 21st, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Good to see something different from the old Ford Vs Holden comparisions.
These 2 cars are probably targeting a similar demographic.
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June 21st, 2008 at 4:32 pm
The toyo is a waste of time, but then again, so is the maloo, are there really people out there that buy these, amazing :)
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June 21st, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Seriously…………………who gives a tinkers toss when big cars simply are on the nose in an increasing petrol cost environment. Most on here waffling on about useless power, handling and rubbish as most just argue shyte and this is why Toyota is where it is……they dropped their range to appeal to more people while forgetting huge kw motors and focussing on a changing market. Meanwhile Ford and Holden are just realising this!
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June 21st, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Well, I ordered the Hilux, as a replave,emt for the Hilux SR5.
If you don’t get the pont - the car is not for you. As the Maloo is not for me (I need at least one car that is not a 2 seater). For me - I saw the ad, and once I knew the car exists I made the call to the dealer. But I just replaced one Hilux with another, so not a big step.
To all of the opinionated - just vote with your money; buy the car you like!
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June 21st, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Before I forget - the SR5 is a handful in the wet too - so a tip here: on takeoff at the lights in the wet, use 4wd, and you don’t hit the cars standing either side of you.
Having the ability now to switch 4wd off and on on the fly in the TRD …. good idea!
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June 21st, 2008 at 8:35 pm
The TRD Hilux makes alot more sense to me and a rather good looking ute. 225kw souped up Hilux, sounds good.
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June 21st, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Ha spam word “toyota”
To quote JD from the TV show scrubs: “Hooch is crazy”.
Dingo (aka Attention : Car Advice Team) is Car Advice’s very own Hooch.
I think the team at Car Advice do a great job with thier reviews. Keep up the good work team.
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June 21st, 2008 at 8:52 pm
That said if I was a cashed up traidy, I would go for the Hilux. I am not a lover of the ute, but if I needed one I would go with the more functional one.
However I don’t need one so I would spend that money on a nice R32 Golf. After all it is sports cars we are talking about here not utility vehicles. Although these just happen to double as both.
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June 21st, 2008 at 9:12 pm
The TRD Hilux has more use then the Maloo so i reckon a comprehensive test would be ideal. I have read other reports that have put the Hilux through all of it’s paces and not just a proportion of it. When the road ends and the sand begins, the game is over for the Maloo but has only just started for the Hilux.
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June 21st, 2008 at 9:25 pm
I agree with J.Stevens.
The TRD is just a 4×4 hilux, with a little bit more power… And some people, such as myself find 4×4s much more fun!!
Also note, unlike Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (which is the closest car in terms of competition on the Australian market) has a part time 4wd system, and a genuine transfer case.If Toyota intended to make it road oriented, they would have put in awd system instead…
And yes, i have read two reputable 4×4 magazine that claim it hasn’t lost any of it’s offroad ability, and on occasions the extra power is very helpful!!
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June 21st, 2008 at 9:30 pm
ZANDIT,
It’s up to the driver to add whatever traction device best suits him!! Standard Hilux ARB front and back air diff locks along with an engine bay mounted compressor, is the best option, and will only set you pack around 3k!!
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June 21st, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Thomas79 : agree, reports i have read have highlighted the offroad characteristics have not been compromised and the extra torque an added benefit.
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June 21st, 2008 at 11:14 pm
The test is pointing out that, thousands of kilometres before the road ends, you’ll be crossed up trying to keep the Hilux on the straight and narrow. OH WHAT A FEELING, indeed!
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June 21st, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Aaah nothing like a comparison showing a Toyota getting beaten to bring the muppets out of the woodwork. I’m surprised you Toyota softies even know how to use the internet.
Now that the obligatory Toyota bagging is out of the way, this is a fair comparison for on-road sports utes. Sure, in an off-road comparison the Maloo would get a flat and tear open the sump going 5m down the dirt road. that’s not what this is about.
Let’s face it, those that want to go tough 4wding will buy lesser models so they can drive proven, tested and usually economical models. To all the 4wders, honestly you’d all rather be in Diesels right? So why start claiming the TRD Hilux is a sand warrior when none of you would buy one simply because it’s not diesel?
Toyota is blatantly targetting the FPV/HSV domain here, nothing wrong with that. It’s clear that this is going to have abilities that the V8’s don’t have, but at tne end of it all, the Hilux still lacks basic, on-road features. If I’m carrying a family or going 4wdingon weekend, I wouldn’t be caught dead in either.
So for the Toyota muppets who are having a cry about their Hilux not getting a fair go, turn down the Allan Jones on your radio, wind down the windod on your 1990 camry and listen for once.
Fair comparison.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 12:52 am
As for bland … i completely disagree with you.
While i agree the interior can be more inviting, i consider the exterior as rather attractive yet rugged (tuff truck) while the engine and transmission are infact damn good units.
225kw/453nm … not sure what your critism is. But then again - i believe you don’t either.
Shall i go on … !!
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June 22nd, 2008 at 1:12 am
Bob - nothing comes softer then Holden.
Sell half as many vehicles as Toyota, are the new local Daewoo Dealership and have got the most ordinary 4×4/commercial fleet of all.
If you want a real blokes ute - don’t go to Holden because they’ve only got flimsy, 1/2 tonne nothings.
Who rules the roost in the most challenging, rugged, arid, harsh and unforgiving landscape of Australia … let me help you abit - it’s not Holden !!
OH WHAT A FEELING …
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June 22nd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Toyota Hilux … NCAP 4 stars
Holden Rodeo … NCAP 3 stars
Ford Ranger … NCAP 3 stars
Mazda BT50 … NCAP 3 stars
Nissan Nivara … NCAP marginal 3 stars
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June 22nd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Geeez - what a can of worms this has opened up!
To be honest, I think the comparison is totally fair. They are both marketed as sports ute.
Dont worry about what it goes like offroad - neither are being sold as an off road car. Want to go bush bashing - buy a Normal HiLux or Rodeo
Dont worry about its payload - they are not being sold as a comerical car. Once again, buy a Rodeo or standard HiLux.
Sports cars arnt generally designed to with family carrying in mind, so this as one of the few bonuses from the Toyota.
Fuel compsumption is always going to be high on either car - a supercharged car versus a 6.2l - so dont argue over fuel consumption. You want to go fast - expect it to cost money to do so.
What I can see, without seeing this through one eyed Toyota or Holden glasses like many of you seem to have, is that the Toyota, seems to be for lack of a better word… average.
In fact, the following quote is from someone who posted on another site I frequent - he works in motorsport…
\”Nothing special - that\’s for sure. Brakes were pretty average. Red steering wheel looked s*** and is too thin - lifted from a camry most likely. Wheelspin central in the wet with no traction control available - pretty lame in a \”sports\” utility. All in all, for $65k plus on roads for the top model, a total rip off. With a tow pack and hard cover for the tray plus on roads, it\’s well over $70k. Plus, the engine sounds terrible, there\’s some kind of whine from the blower but it really sounds quite average. All in all, lots of hype, poor delivery.\”
Lots of hype, poor delivery hey? Hmmm guess what other TRD product that sounds like?
Ill no doubt get abused for these comments, but the fact of the matter is that the TRD Hilux seemingly fails to deliver, especially at its pricing point. Toyota, cannot, and should not try to bring customers to its TRD brand by releasing substandard cars. And I do not mean poorly built etc, we know they do that well. By substandard, I mean TRD cannot release cars for so much money which give the average punter the idea they should be something special, when in fact they are well short of that.
As for the Holden, when will they stop adding capacity to overcome their performance issues?
6.2l normal HSV\’s, 7l special models, where does it end?
How about some innovation and technology?
Fact is, end of the day neither car would be on my to buy list, which means I can look at this much more openly then many others seem to be. The Maloo wins hands down as a performance ute, and thats it. Perhaps those throwing in every other argument under the sun should sit back and realise, that yes, for once, their beloved Toyota has come up short.
Its early days for TRD and they are learning the hard way that building acclaimed performance cars isnt easy.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I think the CarAdvice boys said the article wasn’t intended to be practical, more a look at two popular sports utes and as such agree that the article is a fair comparison from the viewpoint of the potential buyer - a typical CUB (cashed up bogan).
Anyone who buys these things want them as a sports ute, not as a practical machine. Therefore the review makes sense. Get over it!
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June 22nd, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I mean, Toyota didn’t even market it purely as a sports ute. If you look at their press release, they even go about how they managed to retain the Hilux’s offroad ability and payload.
I’m not sure if the comments allow bolding in HTML, but I’ll try it anyway.
————————————————————
TRD engineers overcame seemingly contradictory goals to develop the chassis package for TRD HiLux.
Engineers wanted to improve the ride, handling and braking while [b]retaining the off-road ability, commercial-vehicle functionality and the robustness and reliability that are HiLux hallmarks.[/b]
TRD chassis engineer Marcus Umlauff said engineers tuned the suspension for a flatter, more controlled body motion with enhanced ride comfort.
Mr Umlauff said development focused on a spring and damper combination designed for control, grip and a ‘flat-ride’ body posture.
“TRD HiLux offers a flat ride on the bitumen [b]while having the necessary suspension compliance to maintain grip and poise when heading off road,” he said.[/b]
“It reduces pitching under acceleration and braking and also [b]retains the load-carrying capacity expected of a commercial vehicle, offering a 948kg payload.”[/b]
The chassis package starts with the HiLux independent double wishbone coil-spring front suspension and a rigid rear axle controlled by leaf springs.
Unique TRD enhancements include re-tuned springs, lowered suspension and specially developed Bilstein monotube dampers.
The front spring rate has been reduced to improve tyre contact consistency, and therefore grip, ride comfort and balance.
The high-performance Bilstein dampers have been tuned for flat roll control, good isolation and maximum tyre contact.
The lower ride height provides a flatter roll axis and improved front-rear balance.
The new dampers have stone shields, to protect them from impact damage when travelling off-road.
Mr Umlauff said suspension compliance was the key to maintaining consistent off-road grip.
“Off-road competition vehicles typically run softer springs than the vehicles from which they are derived,” he said.
TRD HiLux is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and [b]all-terrain tyres that maintain off-road clearance.[/b]
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June 22nd, 2008 at 5:05 pm
My point remains valid. Hilux is only average off-road in any guise. Serious bush bashers get a TDi Landcruiser or Patrol.
And they buy them second hand. Who wants to pay $60-100K when the first blackberry-overgrown track scratches the paint, the big sticks and rocks start whacking the sides of the thing?
It’s getting harder to get a modern 4WD now with rubber floor-coverings that you can just wipe clean with a damp rag. Anyone struggling to get up a clay covered hill will drag most of that clay into the cabin after they are finished with the winch. And not worry about carpet if you drown it in a creek.
TRD Hilux will be fine for cashed up tradies/weekend warriors who like to see a bit of dirt. Serious 4WD-ers will look elsewhere.
Basically it suits a middle ground, half on-road and half off-road. Covers both areas but not great at either.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Tom - are you serious !!
If the TRD Hilux is not intended for the off-road market, why is it a 4×4 … mmm !!
Is that what you think or is that Toyota’s intended purpose for the TRD Lux.
Better still, please show me (and the rest of the bloggers) were it has been published that a sports ute is a vehicle designed for the bitumen only … MMM !!
Correct me if i am wrong but i believe we live in a country whom’s population has evolved to appreciate ‘lifetsyle’
Infact, i believe sales of SUV’s and 4X4’s are at all time highs with not only tradies, farmers, industries and mines but with mums & dads aswell.
The Austrlian population has long warmed (and increasingly more so) to vehicles that exhibit all-round practicality !!
Your opinion is just that while VFACTS is published evidance of the market.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 6:27 pm
JW - good reading !!
cheers
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June 22nd, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Realcars - are they the same drum brakes that have been described to offer good stopping capacity and commendable resistance against fade even after rigourous use !!
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June 22nd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
The thai spraygun must have been playing up that day. Kaizen!!!! Ha Ha Ha.
What about the brakes TRD what about the brakes???
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June 22nd, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Dingo, fair enough on the “Wheels almost equaled” the Camry ADR fuels figures. I don’t have every issue of Wheels so I don’t know.
JW said “Now if you ask me, it is highly unlikely for any vehicle to get their ADR fuel economy figures. So there is a 90% chance that the HSV is less economical than the TRD, but somehow Caradvice seems to be biased into implying that somehow the HSV is more economical than the TRD?”
I merely mentioned that Wheels have been bettering the ADR figures for FG. Am I wrong?
Although, I’m pretty sure they have never achieved ADR fuel figures for Aurion.
But that’s off-topic…
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June 22nd, 2008 at 6:38 pm
On drum brakes… they make fantastic park brakes. Much larger surface area holding the vehicle at a standstill. In motion though, they can’t compare to the clamping style of hydraulic force that discs have.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 6:41 pm
All of this reminds me a little of people angrily rejecting a Car Of The Year award choice.
They simply can’t cop the verdict of the experts.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Watto - correct me if i am wrong but Toyota offers the most diverse and comprehensive range of commericals / 4×4 vehicles then any other manufactuer.
Were has Toyota advertised that the TRD Hilux is aimed at the serious bush basher … let me help you abit - they haven’t !!
* If you want a seriuos off-road vehicle - buy a Landcruiser
* If you want a basic, no-frills, rugged, hose out and climb back in bush basher … buy a 70 series
* If you want a trade ute / medium 4×4 … buy a Hilux
Do you get my drift … !!
The TRD Hilux is designed and marketed towards a particular niche of the market just like all the other Toyota commericals / 4×4’s.
Have a look at the dismal and pathetic diversity of commericals / 4×4’s available from Holden and Ford … !!
Now acknowledge the extensive and diverse variety offered by Toyota of which all of them are amoung the most popular of all !!
What more do i need to say …!!
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June 22nd, 2008 at 6:49 pm
American style sports truck Vs Aussie style sports ute.GO THE AUSSIE
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June 22nd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Realcars - what about the brakes … you are telling the story.
Read the review and get back to me !!
Here is a challenge for ‘ya … quote what the article published about the brakes on the TRD Lux and then tell me what you are trying to say !!
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June 22nd, 2008 at 6:58 pm
for dingos information.
just for a laugh i thought i would point out that the Maloo actually has a larger unbraked towing capacity than that of the lux.
also the Maloo can haul the “Larger” load because the Maloo actually has the “Larger” tray space.
sure the Maloo cant carry a genuine 1 tonne pay load when it comes to the actual weight side of things, BUT THE TRD LUX CANT CARRY 1 TONNE EITHER so stop spreading more toyota lies.
if you ask me the best work ute on our roads is the RTV.
its just that bit higher (for more clearance), with out being too high like conventional 4WD’s are, in that reaching into tool boxes and reaching to the ute racks is a mighty strain.
i see Maloos every now and then on building sites, so dont go telling lies that tradies cant use the true sports utes.
sure the Maloo driver has to tow a trailer if he demands any more than a small tool box to take to work, but the TRD driver would also have to tow a trailer.
the wheel arches on 4WD duel cab S/S utes chew up the already small tray, and as in the case of the maloo driver, i cant see them wanting to lean over their 65K nicely painted tray side to grab some nails out.
1. The SR5 looks better than this. whats with the tacky home job look a like black sports bar? even the SR5 wheels look miles better. Diesel SR5 with bullbar, scrub bars and side steps would be by far the better looking deal
2. Watto is right,
any one who knows anything about 4wd’ing will tell you the Hilux isnt the best off roader as you loyalists try to think. gee hasnt toyotas perceptive marketing skills worked a treat there.
3. the Navara is the best looking Jap ute IMO
4. All Jap utes are like pigs to drive, and evidently, when they give it a “sports tune”, its still rubbish to drive.
5. Dont expect to achieve the “toyota stated” 12L/100k odd.
the N/A V6 doesnt even get that. expect around 15L which is what C/A has indicated. not even the Jap truck 4cyl models can achieve better than a 6cyl falcon
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June 22nd, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Whats wrong with fords commercial range?
the falcon utes are ever so popular around building sites, and didnt the Ranger out class the Hilux in 4X4’s ute of the year rankings, covering ability and durability?
stop spreading your rubbish
Hilux’s arent the be all and end all of trade life like you poorly try to imply
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June 22nd, 2008 at 7:09 pm
And as for 0-100 km/h time of 7.2 seconds….GLORIOUS!
With or without comparison to the Maloo, this is an ill-disguised sow’s ear that never made it to silk purse status.
The tippy-toe stance, almost total lack of electronic primary safety intervention, crook price, brake and suspension spec all add up to something disastrously half-baked.
By the way, I wouldn’t own either of these in a technicolour fit, but at least the Maloo would tempt me into a fun, safe half-day drive somewhere.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Andrew M :”any one who knows anything about 4wd’ing will tell you the Hilux isnt the best off roader as you loyalists try to think. gee hasnt toyotas perceptive marketing skills worked a treat there.”
Andrew, I can’t see anyone in the above discussion claiming the hilux to be a the “best offroader”?? They are light duty offroad truck, and even in their recent softened guise, they have a respectable level of offroad ability.
They even have a war named after them…
Is there a war named after the maloo?
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June 22nd, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Let me help YOU a bit DINGO.
If you actually ever read anything I said I was PRAISING the Landcruiser, and said compared to it the off-road ability of the Hilux is below par. FACT.
Understand?
I was spruiking the Landcruiser/Patrol. I’m not on an anti-toyota rant, which you seem to think I am. FACT. I’m saying the Hilux is far from the most capable off-roader, and that’s coming from experience. PERIOD.
Your post at 6:46pm actually agrees with me saying the better off-roader is Cruiser and the tradie/weekend thing the means the Hilux is adequate. This makes me think you only pick out anything you THINK is anti-Toyota bits of someone’s post and attack with fervour. FACT.
So you want me to answer a question that you never actually proposed to me directly? Did I say the Hilux’s rear drum brakes are crap?
No, I said drums make great park brakes but don’t beat discs. That is not to say drum brakes are rubbish. A true performance vehicle should have discs all round though. Not to mention discs don’t suffer the same fade that drums do after a creek crossing. FACT. PERIOD.
PERIOD. FACT. PERIOD. FACT.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 7:31 pm
“American style sports truck Vs Aussie style sports ute.GO THE AUSSIE”
Um Phill how isn’t the maloo aussie?
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June 22nd, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I’m also interested as to how lowering the ride height and stiffening/restricting suspension wouldnt have a negative affect when off roading.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Dingo you can’t still can’t deny the fact, but the TRD HiLux still has Drum Brakes! ;)
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June 22nd, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Duck,
perhaps the Donk…….
but yes i would still call it an aussie car myself regardless of the crate motor.
an “aussie” car has to be designed in australia. if it meets that criteria, it is 3/4 of the way to being classified as an aussie car
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June 22nd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Andrew M,
Me reference to the “Hilux War” shows you that the world impact and the legendary reputation the hilux has. How many people outside of Australia know of the maloo, or hsv let alone holden???
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:00 pm
That’s it, Realcars.
“Then could Toyota pick a better vehicle to TRD next time if they want performance and value credibility please!”
They should have used ANYTHING but the Hilux as their starting point.
If they turded up the Corolla with a sufficiently warmed over 4, or maybe even the V6 from the overseas Blade model, combined with a meaningful tyre, wheel and suspension upgrade, they’d probably have a little bottler on their hands! It’s a decent enough standard car, but you can get it in any grade other than standard. Not in the way that you buy a GTi, R32, STi and so on.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:04 pm
A TRD Corolla with AWD and 200 killer wasps and I promise I would even buy one! Ha Ha Ha.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Andrew - you are correct, the TRD Hilux has a capacity of 940 odd kg’s which is not quite a tonne yet still about twice the allowable weight of the Maloo.
You passed comment about back strain associated with the height of regular 4×4 utes … that is pathetic. In all my years employed in the mining industry and particular exposed to commercial utes i have never witnessed a single complaint about the height of a regular 4×4. Great theory in la, la land but fact be told - has no revalence in the real world.
With referance to the RTV - you have got to be kidding me !!
If the RTV was even remotely half decent it would have sold in numbers but correct me if i am wrong - production of the RTV was abandoned due to ‘lack of interest’
Now answer this for me and don’t you dare side step the question - were have i ever passed comment that regular sports utes such as the Maloo are not utulised as regular work utes … i’ll be waiting your response.
Better still - i will waiting for the quote.
As for the Hilux is the best 4×4 … again - were has it ever been stated by any blogger including myself that the Hilux is the best off-road vehicle - fact is … it’s not !!
The weird thing about people like you Andrew is that you are the person who place words into peoples mouths that have often not even been spoken.
If you dare to educate yourself more precisley you would learn my arguement is about the greater versatility of the TRD Hilux against the Maloo and nothing at all about being the Earths Greatest 4X4 .. that belongs to the Landcruiser.
I suggest you start repling to what is being said and not what you assume. Infact, you have a history of replying with wayward responses that sometimes i have to pay added attention in an effort to work out what you trying to imply.
As for the Navara - another great commericial and certainly has proven credentials as a much better unit then the Rodeo or Ranger. But then again - that’s not hard because they about as ordinary as a ute/commercial can be … FACT !!
Oh yeah … and here is some non-rubbish fact : the Hilux has proven for many generations to be one of the most reliable, dependable and durable medium weight commercial / 4×4’s on the market and remains no different today.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Thomas,
thank god there isnt a toyota fanbase on this website that carries a strong anti ford and Holden sentiment then hey? ;)
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Does that work for the Toyota Aurion Andrew M?
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:13 pm
^^^^^^^^^^”an “aussie” car has to be designed in australia. if it meets that criteria, it is 3/4 of the way to being classified as an aussie car”
With tthe Criteria you posted does it work for the Aurion is it aussie?
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Watto - i have just questioned Andrew on the some topic … were have i ever passed comment about the Hilux being the most capable 4×4 ??
Not on a single occassion have i even remotely hinted such a comment so ‘why’ or ‘where’ do people like yourself and Andrew get just such rot from.
The Hilux exibits credable off-raod ability but how does that translate into being the best.
Better still, how many times have i stated ‘medium’ in the sentance were i speak about the off-raod capacity of the Lux … let me help you - often !!
* The Landcruiser is a Heavy commercial / 4×4
* The Hilux is a medium commercial / 4×4
I suggest you re-read my commnet posted 6.46pm !!
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
225kw Supercharged 4×4 Multi-Purpose, Multi-Terrain, ‘Tuff Truck’ TRD Hilux (What a totally unbiased user name by the way, nice of you to have a real name to call you by)
I am very serious.
As for your comments - yes, sales of 4 wheel drives are up, actually thanks to the awesome economic climate we have, sales of nearly all cars are up, your point is moot.
The comment I pasted was not made by me, it was made by a racing driver who was given one to try.
At this point, I decide his opinion > your opinion. I do not have one, as Im yet to drive one. However, I dont think I’m in any hurry to drive one any time soon.
Finally - lets talk. TRD
Toyota Racing Developments.
Toyota… RACING Developments.
Racing cars do no carry payloads, racing cars do no worry about some dirt track north Australia.
Racing cars ARE NOT Aurions, they are not Hilux’s. Especially HiLux’s with drum brakes. You have to kidding me.
TRD have a long long long way to go becoming a performance brand with respect in this country. I with them the best of luck - the more genuine performance cars the better.
I am not pro Holden btw, but I am anti super one eyed fans who refuse to see the TRUTH.
And the truth good sir, is that your “225kw Supercharged 4×4 Multi-Purpose, Multi-Terrain, ‘Tuff Truck’ TRD Hilux” is a 225kw under braked poor handling and badly executed car.
I await your totally unbiased reply telling me how it can tow your mates Maloo when it gets bogged in a place I dont care about. Performance cars belong on a track.. and not one made from dirt.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Realcars - what inferior suspension are you talkig about … i hope it’s not the same unit/setup attached to the Hilux that has helped made it one of the most rugged, dependable and durable commercial / 4×4 in it’s class.
Farmers, tradies, industries and mines have long utilised the Hilux in numbers becuase of it’s proven formula so what inferior suspension are you referring to exactly !!
Is the Hilux intended to be a commercial / 4×4 or a performance car … mmm !!
I was just wondering what exactly you were basing you comment on.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Dingo’s wrong on load capacity….
will easily carry a genuine 1 tonne load he says
WRONG
Dingo says i mentioned back strain…….
WRONG
RTV was abandoned due to lack of interest he says…….
WRONG
here is your quote by the way…..
Mr T Says:
June 21st, 2008 at 1:00 pm
someone buying a Maloo is looking for a sportcars/coupe equivalent of a Commodore… someone looking at a Hilux is looking to employ it as a work vehicle.
(Ps. i never said you said it)
contrary to what you like to believe the Ranger outscored the Hilux in ute of the year testing. its not my fault if you find that hard to swallow.
oh,
and back onto the height issue with 4X4’s.
its obvious you have never had to load to the bed of a 4X4 ute let alone use the racks, otherwise you would know what im talking about.
since when was fibre cement sheeting, or concreters boxing ever loaded onto a ute rack on a mine site?
on mine sites dont they pretty much just transport people around the site in the 4X4’s you speak of?
and surely the clipboards of the head honcho’s arent loaded onto the roof racks
im talking about REALLY using the ute for work, not to drive around executives
The weird thing about people like you Dingo is that you are the person who speeks louder during conversation to try and dominate the conversation and to fool the weaker listeners into thinking you actually know what you are talking about.
and when all else fails out comes “Plan B” (the abuse)
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:42 pm
THomas69 u didn’t use enough *&^&*%% but have an idea what u called me anyway.
Don’t get so cut up man over a bloody Toyota. The truth be known Mr Wannabe probably wouldn’t p#ss on either of us if we were on fire anyway. So chill dude. Ha Ha Ha.
I’m lighting my pipe now. Join me!
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Having not driven one, I can’t say.
As I said, drums make for a great parking brake. A disc is superior most other aspects .eg. stopping power, feel, ease of maintenance, resist fading due to water immersion, etc.
That dosn’t mean they’re crap. A good drum brake can be better than an average disc. Around the mid-80s when dirt bikes were switching to front discs, some drums were still better, but discs have far surpassed them since, hence why almost no modern bikes have drums.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Dingo,
show me where i specifically said that YOU said the Hilux was unbeatable……..
the opening comment of my earlier comment was directly to you but the later points were generalised and im sorry if you feel the need to think every one refers/answers to you
easily carry a genuine 1 tonne load ha ha ha ha ha
sorry im still laughing at the fact that some one can have so much faith in it that they state what sounds good before they check facts.
more like 3/4 tonne Hilux……..
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Andrew M Says:
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:11 pm
“Thank god there isn’t a toyota fanbase on this website that carries a strong anti ford and Holden sentiment then hey? ;)”
No, but judging by the Sales trends, Toyota has the biggest fan base Australia and World Wide.
I guarantee in 10 years time, holden will be just be a badge with a historical value placed on the front of Deawoos importand into australia. If Luck goes holdens way, they will have one plant left in australia to produce those badges!!
They will be remembered for introducing 6.2 and 7 liter petrol motors during the time of fuel price crisis.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Dingo, I can’t bother to go reading in your long
posts thats all! To find out where you said it!
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June 22nd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Duck - The Hilux is the American style truck and the Maloo is the Aussie(besides the american engine).Dont you know about american pickup truck culture and the last time i looked sports utes out number sports trucks about 50 to 1 in Oz I thought my first comment was pretty straight foreward,Too much Toyota Propaganda may be affecting your judgement mate.The Fords Ute is more Aussie than both anyway.Oh and one of these new maloos tryed to dust off my xr6t,that guy got a big surprise.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I’m sure Thomas69 when this happens Mr Wannabe will have you and yours best interests at heart. Probably keep building Hiluxs in Thailand and then move Camry /Aurion production totally to China.
Gee that will be good for Australians Thomas69!
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June 22nd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Tom - can you direct me or supply the referance that refers to the TRD Hilux as a race car !!
You would be an absolute fool to under-estimate the efforts being invested by TRD not only in a variety of motorsports including the Australian Rally Championships, Drag Racing , Off-Road Racing, Drifting, Sprint Cars and road going events such Targa Tasmania and Targa West but the hotted Toyota’s it will gradually bring to the market over the next few years not mention new ideas and talent.
Personally, the TRD Aurion is a impressive car for a FWD with commendable perfromance to support may claim not to mention the TRD Hilux is infact Australia’s first ‘Tuff Truck’.
The TRD brand in Australia will nestle comfortably between the maintream fleet of Toyota and the prestiage market satified by Lexus.
While Lexus will supply ‘F’ series performance cars such as the IS-F that will available in Australia as of October this year followed by other examples over the coming years, TRD will satisfy it’s own market with a range of hotted up Toyota’s.
I believe TRD’s presance in motorsport and supply of hotted up Toyota’s coupled with the ‘F’ series from Lexus will no-doubt bring back passion and greater recognition to the Toyota brand in coming years and i reserve litte-doubt they will succeed at thier endevours.
Remember when Lexus was first released in 1989 : it was laughed at for many years but today - well … it is now one the most respected and recognised brands that can be found anywhere in the world today.
No-doubt TRD will evolve in a similar fashion in Australia and as i stated earlier, will fit comfortably between mainsteam Toyota and luxury brand of Lexus.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Phill:”The Hilux is the American style truck and the Maloo is the Aussie(besides the american engine).”
Given that the hilux, is not sold in the US, And It’s equivalent the tocoma is actuly based on the LC120 Prado platform, I’d say the hilux is more of an offroad style truck.
For a fairer test the hilux should have been tested againts a HSV version of the Rodeo (offcourse there isn’t one). IF the hilux and the holden ute were intended for the same purpose, Holden wouldn’t have both the Commodore Ute and Rodeo, nor would the Ford have the Ranger or the Falcon ute.
Speaking of American style trucks, dam I’d love to get the new dual cab tundra…
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June 22nd, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Australian Rally Championships -Corollas that do not resemble the road car in any for.
Drag Racing - They sponsor a 2JZ powered drag car - a motor they no longer build, and a tube chasis you cannot buy from a Toyota dealer.
Off-Road Racing - Buggies that dont exist on our roads. Drifting - They sponsor a AE86 that they had no hand in building, based on a 25 year old car with a engine they no longer build. Beau has built himself an awesome car, but the only TRD in it is the money and stickers.
Sprint Cars - Not sure I’ve seen Toyota building any road going versions.
Road going events such Targa Tasmania and Targa West - They do not support Targa West in any shape or form, or enter an offical team (not that id know having worked at targa for two years now). And im sure potting around mid field in a TRD Aurion was fun for Mr Bates.
Just because its the first tuff truck, doesnt mean its a good tuff track mate.
Anyhow, thats it out of me on the subject, its obvious everyone else is wrong, and you are right. Enjoy your TRD Hilux, and if I see you in my mirrors ill change lanes, for fear of the drum brakes putting you into my rear bumper.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Realcars, Please explain your “Mr Wannabe” reference?
Also you must be real bad arse changing 79… to 69…
As long as I make buck, setting up the automation in the China Aurion plant I will be happy!! :-)
HEhehe, nah, I’m just kidding…
But seriously, I don’t wish it on anybody, but i reckon holden is just too far down that track to recover…
Hopefully the ford, with it’s still only uniquely Australian platform and it’s move towards small cars and lpg, can turn around from going down that path…
On the positive side, if that happens, the car import tariffs will be dropped and we will be able to drive much more comfortable, economical and technologically advanced cars from Europe for a more reasonable price…
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June 22nd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Andrew -
* 940kg is near enough to 1 tonne … CORRECT !!
* Back Strain … what strain (obviously you are limp wristed)
* The RTV was abandoned due to lack of interest / sales … CORRECT !!
Contrary to your believe the Hilux has proven for many generations it’s credentials as one of most rugged, reliable, dependable and durable medium sized commercials / 4×4’s on the market and remains no different today.
As for the comparison …what’s involved with that - a few miles. How about the reliability, dependability and durability of a vehicle day-in / day-out especailly industry vehicles that are in constant utilisation rain, hail or sunshine.
Beliebve me - the Ford Ranger is got nothing on the Hilux as a genuine working vehicle.
Oh yeah - lets not forget the Ford Ranger has a dismal 3 star NCAP rating compared 4 stars of the Lux.
Fact is Andrew - the Hilux is an honest performer wether in the hands of a farmer, tradesman, industry employee, miner or in regular use with mum & dad.
The fact that the Hilux sells more units per month then the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT50 combined says it all really.
Oh yeah - cut the princess act with the abuse cliam because fact is, you are a hypocrite just like that wacko Bavarian.
As for what we carry on the mine site … are you seriuos -you obviuosly live a sheltered life in la, la land …
Only people on site - no heavy equipment or maintance tools to be transported from location to location.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Andrew M, is your sense of irony still alive and kicking? I’m having a ball with this!
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June 22nd, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Back to the topic at hand, yup, the TRD Hilux certainly has wildly deficient on-road characteristics. Downright dangerous, even.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Another small point to note is the expected resale value in 10 years time!!
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June 22nd, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Sorry Phill I misunderstood what you said before.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Andrew M, what about the Aurion though?
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June 22nd, 2008 at 10:18 pm
I don’t think it’s such a mystery, DlR1.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, Toyota are ABSOLUTELY going after the HSV and FPV ute purchasers here. Despite some fundamental differences in the type of vehicle on offer, they’re not poles apart as some are suggesting.
That’s why the boys did the comparison. They even said so.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
To clarify further, if you want to spend sixty-ish on a top-line ute with stripes, Max Kilowatts, red stitching and speccie wheels, these and the FPV offerings are your lot.
That’s why these compete. It’s not hard.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Tom - correct me if i am wrong but motorsport wether it be F1, NASCAR, Drag Racing, WRC/ARC, V8 Supercars or Production Racing is about expressing engineering talent … am i wrong - NO!!
The TRD S2000 Corolla’s represent as much (or as little)to regular Corolla’s as what V8 Supercars do with the Falcon and Commodore.
The TRD Corolla is infact a regular chassis that been retro-fitted with the drivetrain and AWD system from the Celica GT4. No different to the non-production drivetrains fitted to V8 supercars. Infact, Ford Australia doesn’t even sell a pushrod V8 !!
The 2JZ fitted to TRD Drag Aurion (previuosly Camry Solara before the recent re-shell) was co-developed by TRD USA and a drag racing outfit i have sense forgotten the name and was imported by wealthy Toowoomba businessman and long term drag racing enthusiast - Tony Wedlock.
The car is infact the property of Tony Wedlocks ‘Extreme Motorsport’ but with mechanical and technical assistance now coming from TRD Australia in conjunction with TRD USA.
The off-road buggy of Petter Kittle infact uses the 2GR-FE engine.
I recently received an email from Todd Connolly who is the manager of TRD in Australia and i will quote 2 sentances from his reply …
quote ” Peter Kittles off-road buggy uses a 2GR-FE engine (eg Aurion) and we have learn’t alot about this engine in the process. As a result, we are now looking at a development of the engine to use in drag racing. We also share our learnings across our teams - for instance, we have recently installed a 3SG engine in our drift car which Neal Bates help with as each of our rally cars use variations of this engine from Celica GT4s to Corolla WRC, Group N(P) and now S2000″ unquote
continue …
quote “Importantly, motorsport provides us with a oppurtunity to conduct R&D in intense and severe conditions. Neal Bates has played a large role in the development of our TRD model range using the lessons learn’t in motorsport. This comes full circle with the TRD Aurion being raced at Targa Tasmania which inturn gave us more valuable data about the car” unquote
Fact is Tom - TRD Australia is directly participating in an array of motorsports in Australia. Such participation is how greater development and improvements come about and in this case, Toyota Australia and especially it’s local operations at Altona now enjoys access to racing / motorsport expertise in the same manner Holden and Ford have long benefitted from.
You may not be aware but TRD Australia also supplies the supercharged 2GR-FE (TRD Aurion) engine to be used in the Bolwell Nagari cars.
As for the TRD Aurion running midfield in Targa Tasmania - wrong !!
Of an original field of 104 competitors in the ‘Modern Competition’, Neal Bates infact finished 21st which effectively placed him and the TRD Aurion within the ‘TOP 1/4′ and considering the field was the most competitive with dedicated performance machines such as the Porsche 911, Nissan GTRs, Subaru WRXs, Mitsubishi EVOs and so forth - that was a remarkable achievement and highlights the integrity of the car.
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June 22nd, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Worth mentioning - Neal Bates won the 3rd round of the Australian Rally Cahmpionships (ARC) this weekend (just passed)in SE Queensland beating competitors from Subaru, Mitsubishi, Honda, Ford and VW.
That now makes it 3 wins frOm 3 rounds todate for TRD which is a good effort and on thier way of hopefully securing the manufactuers title for the 3rd consecative year.
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June 23rd, 2008 at 12:59 am
Im quite a fan of how you change the topic to suit your agenda.
Throwing facts at me that I already know doesnt impress me.
(not sure how telling me a V8 Supercar isnt a S2000 rally car and that both do not resemble their showroom siblings helps here)
Ignoring the bits you dont want to hear doesnt impress me.
(I notice you didnt explain how Beau Yates drift car has no TRD input bar their money)
I do not deny that TRD are heavily involved in motorsports - its a great marketing tool - “we race, you win” P.S Truli put his car on the podium in France - Im sure you will be over the moon.
What I do deny, is that any of their involvement has improved the Hilux.
The fact you exchange emails with TRD head Todd Connolly means either your an extremely loyal fan or you have vested interests.
You can keep shouting figures and facts from the roof tops, or changing the topic to involve 4wd trips to the most northern end of Australia, or payloads, or whatever you want.
Lets even ignore the comparison. Lets pretend the Maloo did not exist in this story.
Read what the esteemed writers here at Car Advice are telling the readers - that the TRD Hilux has flaws. Some of them minor, some of them major.
Or do you wish to call Matt Brogan & Paul Maric liers? I dont know either from a bar of soap, but I’m going to go out on a limb and guess they didnt lie to anger you into posting more then a few times on this article. They are posting because this is their opinion.
Most readers are here for one of two reasons
-because we respect their opinion and the content they supply
-because we wish to troll for arguments.
Im here for A. What are you here for?
Finally, if you dont respect the writers opinion, or dont like them, or think they are lying, then why are you here?
And that goes for anyone, about anything they write. So you can take your Toyota bias out of the final parts of my reply.
Your blatant disregard for any sort of outside opinion, and your approach in replying to those to anyone who dares question you is deplorable. We should be here to share the passion that cars bring to us, not to hide behind keyboards trading pathetic insults to those whos opinions dont match our own.
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June 23rd, 2008 at 1:30 am
:)
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June 23rd, 2008 at 8:29 am
Tom - i have not ignored anything, well - intentially anyway !!
The drift car raced by Beau Yates is a 1983 AE86 that was specifically modified for drift racing by Technocraft Toyota (or known as TRD Japan) and imported to our shores by TRD Australia.
The car is now thier property and is mechanically and technically manintained by the group. I assume you read my article above dated ‘22 June 10.44pm’ and familarised yourself that TRD Australia and Neal Bated have sense re-engined the car by installing a 3SG.
If you did not read it then please take the time and read my comment in full. I am sure you find much of it interesting and somewhat worthwhile.
As i said, TRD Australia is now directly involved in variuos forms of motorsport on our shores that will only prove beneficial for Toyota Australia including the local products manufactuered at Altona.
Yes … i am a loyal fan of TRD just like fans exsist for HSV and FPV but what i find unresonable is that a hard nosed supporter of Holden or Ford is acceptable but if you side with TRD then you are critised as being biased and so forth.
Why is that exactly … !!
Ever sense TRD Australia has ramped up operations in recent times, many good products and R&D benefits have already surfaced which is what it is all about. Take the 2GR-FE engine for example … not only has it been supercharged and raced (Targa Tasmania) and will continue to be so but is now adopted in different applications such as powering the Bolwell Nagari c