This thing seems completely pointless. A bit like a London taxi with skirts and slicks. Or Oprah Winfrey in a string bikini.

It doesn’t, Realcars, no. But it’s better than the last one.

Again, Toyota proving they don’t have an ounce of racing pedigree.

Both TRD cars, while obviously capable in their own rights, are hardly the race-ready-weapons a badge like TRD would suggest.

Atleast Honda got it right with the Type R philosophy

I cant understand the TRD Hilux isnt much of a performance car… but it honestly sounds like the reviwer is using his experiences in far more exotic cars and comparing it the Hilux. A car with this ride height isnt going to handle that well. A car design for the offroad isnt going to drive that well.

The point Im leading to…how about a comparison with other similar vehicles (not a friggin Maloo)

TP

TRD, in case you have difficulty reading is Toyota RACING Developments… so if Toyota hang a racing badge on a Hilux, or anything else, expect it to be judged as such.

Toyoda has no racing pedigree which is very true, … Hmmmm have they won any F1 races or Le mans not to mention have winning any major manufactuers title’s.

Passing comment’s that Toyleta is the greatest is easy, but whether it exhibits truth is usually an entire different thing again.

Oh what a feeling – what are you on this blog is about Toyotas Hilux yet you continue to rant aimlessly about Toyotas racing scene. pointless frankly pointless.

Must admit this Hilux vesion is rather ugly, thank god we Eurospuds are not daft enough to want such a Gas Guzzling ego machine.

Oh What A Feeling: ATM there is approximately a 3 month wait for a HSV Maloo what is the waiting list for the TRD Hilux [or Aurion for that matter]?

The Maloo is HSVs second most popular selling model after the Clubbie – of which there is approx a 1.5 month wait

Surely the fact that there is such a waiting list not to mention record sales shows how popular HSVs are compared to TRDs

Which kind of dispels your statement that people with money to burn would find the TRD more appealing

TP: The point Im leading to… how about a comparison with other similar vehicles (not a friggin Maloo)

I agree the TRD and Maloo are in different classes – The Maloo is far superior in terms of performance etc

but can you name another jacked up 4×4 crew cab pick-up [not a ute] with a supercharged V6; boy racer stripes; 70s style flares/bodykit wheels and interior etc

As that is the only way you will ever be able to make a justified fair reasonable comparison.

Alborz, you must stop upsetting people the way you do.

So far, 10 out of 33 comments….count ‘em. My lips are sealed.

If Toyota RACING Development are the Racing and performance division of Toyota as HSV is to Holden.. FPV is to Ford.. STi is to Subaru.. M is to BMW.. AMG is to Merc – and if their engineering work etc is as good as we are lead to believe

Then why doesn’t TRD have its own unique badge [like the others] which they can put on their cars inplace of the Toyota factory badge..
Why have they just recessed the “TRD” into the leading edge of the grille only to be painted the same colour of the car so that it ends up looking like a standard Hilux with a few bolt on bits?

Are TRD embarassed or something? I mean when your paying such a premium for a “sports ” car [and I usre the trem loosely] you’d want people to know what it is.. I mean you wouldn’t de-badge and Aston Martin would you?

All good points raised there, Wheelnut.

Oh, and what do you think of the tasteful TRD imprinted plugs where one might a fog light to go? Mmmm, delish.

Thats right Golfschwein.

There’s a thought why doesn’t the TRD have spot/foglights? surely you’d want them IF youu were going to take it off road? [ha ha ha ha]

Oh What A…. I realise that you haven’t/didn’t mention the waiting list of the TRD [is there one?] or the HSV

My point was the fact that HSV and FPV have a waiting list for their cars shows where people with enough money to buy an ozi “performance” car like the TRD are heading…. and its not the local Toyota Dealer

[Can't believe I used the Words Performance and TRD in the same sentence]

TRD means Toyota Rubbish Department, doesn’t it?

Based on all the evidence it certainly appears so.

Oh what a feeling

Nascar has as much relevance in Oz as ice speed skating. Why bang on and on about a completely irrelevent form of entertainment (it can’t seriously be called motorsport) when as “TOM” states above they use an engine they don’t produce in a chassis not even loosly based on any of their production cars…?

Your obsession with Toyota is clearly a concern. You mention above you live in a coastal/country area, just as the psycho in Silence of the Lambs did…

Coincidence?

I DONT THINK SO!

Gimme a new Mitsubishi Triton any day.

At least its an honest effort and not trying to be everything to everyone and failing like the TRD Hilux.

C’mon!

By Wheelnut
“If Toyota RACING Development are the Racing and performance division of Toyota as HSV is to Holden.. FPV is to Ford.. STi is to Subaru.. M is to BMW.. AMG is to Merc – and if their engineering work etc is as good as we are lead to believe

Then why doesn’t TRD have its own unique badge [like the others] which they can put on their cars inplace of the Toyota factory badge..
Why have they just recessed the “TRD” into the leading edge of the grille only to be painted the same colour of the car so that it ends up looking like a standard Hilux with a few bolt on bits?

Are TRD embarassed or something? I mean when your paying such a premium for a “sports ” car [and I usre the trem loosely] you’d want people to know what it is.. I mean you wouldn’t de-badge and Aston Martin would you?”

- Because technically, the TRD in Australia is simply a BADGE, the cars are “tuned” by local engineering sources.

TRD as a WHOLE, like you know…. actual racing technology development in JAPAN… is different. They are more comparable to STi, Mugen, Nismo etc….

Australia’s FPV, HSV aren’t really that good either compared outside of Australia.

Some people here bag on the engineering from Toyota… oh how I laugh, do you think the TRD in Australia is engineered by Toyota Racing Department??? as I said, Toyota Australia bought the TRD “name”, TRD as a whole only consists of a very small team and most tuning are outsourced.

Ignorance is bliss..

For gods sake will everyone stop comparing this to a Maloo! Its not aimed at the same buyer, nor is it aimed at the Falcon XR or Pursuit range.

Yes it has the same objective, as in take a standard ute (in this case 4wd dualcab) and improve the performance, handling and appearance. In this context they have achieved their objectives.

The TRD models are certainly better than the donor vehicles. As are the Maloo and Pursuit ect over the SS-V and XR8 utes.

As for value for money over their lesser siblings? well make your own mind up. Some people will pay, some won’t. Personally I couldn’t justify the 17K premium for the Maloo over the SS-Vs price. Maybe not for this either, but that doesn’t make it a failure, the truck still rides, handles and goes harder than the vehicle from which it is derived.

Toyota are breaking new ground with the creation of a new market. Perhaps others will follow, maybe we will see a Ralliart Triton or HSV Rodeo/Colorado one day, after all they did have a crack at a HSV Jackaroo back in 1993.

DlR1, if you have sixty grand to spend on a factory-warmed over ute or pick-up, Toyota wants to hear from you!

That’s why I support the comparison between this and the FPV and HSV offerings. Yes, I know there’s a bit of Sesame Street’s “One of these things is not like the others” theme going on in terms of seating capacity and drive configuration, but they compete in the market place very directly.

Why bother, Buck? HSV would never pretend that the Maloo can traverse a sandy track but Toyota would LOVE you to believe that this here Hilux is a good drive on-road.

It isn’t. It’s a pig, plainly.

I tell you what, Buck. Forget the Maloo. Forget it altogether. That’s in the past.

This test deals exclusively with the TRD Hilux. And it appears to be not very good, on the whole. As the French would say, “Quelle surprise”.

Or, as you say, we’ll agree to disagree.

Correction, the TRD Aurion did compete in Targa TAS but I still think TRD should of brought out a turbocharged Corolla, much like the Sportivo one they had a while back.

Thank you Alborz, you may have just saved this website.

I think the TRD Hilux is over-rated.
The interior/exterior/engine bay finish of the 4000SL at the Melbourne Motor Show did not justify the 65k price tag. The leather trim and stiching of the Gear lever and steering wheel looked like they had been finished by a backyard apprentice upholsterer.
I think this review is justified.

While Toyota may have this niche product segment all to themselves in Australia, it is 100% modelled on the American segment dominated by Ford F-150′s and Chevy Silverado’s. And while this comment may surprise some, the presentation of the current F-150 and Silverado is superior in all ways to the Toyota. If only Ford and Holden would import them……

And I don’t want to hear the typical american car bashing comments because quite simply, Pick-ups and sport pick-ups is one area the americans do best!!

Where is this comment policy Alborz? It’s a bit dodgy deleting someone’s comments when they haven’t been attacking someone or swearing, especially when those who opinions vary from “Oh what a feeling” ‘s are allowed to remain. Some consistancy would be good.

And some computers are used by more than one person, so it’s a bit rough deleting someone’s posts solely because you believe they are using more than one alias…

On the car, for a 4×4 utility I think it is a pretty good product. Of course it was never going to handle like a lower, more car-like ute, but it has kept its off-road ability (also why it still has small wheels with offroad tires!!) which I’m sure many people looking at buying a ute like this will be very happy. If I was in the market for a ute like this, the SR5 get my money as it does everything this TRD does, albeit a bit less flashy or quite as quick.

Love your work, Alborz.

Alborz. Great review. Very subjective on the facts and leaves the reader questioning to the overall need for this car.
I ponder Toyota and some of the decisions that are made in bringing certain vehicles on to our market. Who do they survey that results in cars like the TRD Hilux, The V6 rav (why? why? why? when every body else is bringing out a diesel soft roader) and even going further back to decisions like choosing the Avalon over the Chaser (rear drive).
My conclusion on these questions takes me back to the day I met John Conomos (VP Toyota Aus). A very strong directive character (as you would expect for one in his position) who told me when asked about the Avalon that Australians “dont need rear-wheel-drive”. He almost had me convinced at the time but in the end (like all busniness) it comes down to cost.

Maybe Toyota product planners should look at the market as a whole and listen to people who DONT buy Toyota’s when it comes to planning their line-up.

FENNO…..maybe class might arrive again with sporty numbers just as it did back with Celica GT4 and MR2. That was long ago and they still look hot…….nowadays it looks boring and appealing to masses and has lost its soul and sporty feel!

I tried to submit this comment earlier but it says awaiting moderation or something, and I don’t know why… I normally get that message when I post a link in the comment.

——————————————————-

Have you guys realised that you used the 4000S photos for a review of the 4000SL…

Unless you tested the 4000S and made up the review of the 4000SL based on it?

Can you please change the photos or clarify which vehicle was tested?

Yeah I noticed the picture had a manual gearstick but the review mentioned automatic transmission heh

“JW that is correct, the photos are mostly of the 4000S which Anthony had in Sydney mixed in with press photos, unfortunately my photos of the SL were lost in transit. But the car reviewed was the SL. ”

Thats not good, it could mislead people who rely on imagery than anything thinking this is the SL, I would advise next time not to put any pictures at all, until the right ones are available.

Not really Alborz. For one, you included a picture of the lack of foglights. I’m almost 100% sure that the 3500S has no foglights, but the 3500SL has foglights. I think the 3500S also has black door handles and other bits while the 3500SL has body coloured ones. The rear tailgate also has a different TRD logo design, I do believe.

I would have thought 2.5 stars rating is good for a Toyota. This and the Camry…ooops….Aurion TRD is Toyota trying to design a car with character……..and look what they come up with !!! TRD………Toatally Retarded Design !!!!

AURION …….. THE NAME HAS CHANGED !!!!!

Alborz,
what area did you drive through building sites?
i reckon the looks you claim to have gotten would have been more like……..
“oh my god they have thrown a tacky front spoiler and home made look-a-like black roll bar on the SR5 and totally ruined it”

why wouldnt you buy the SR5 over this???

the SR5 actually looks uniform through the entire design of it.
its like they took the SR5 to Supercheap Auto, and got the dodgy’ist looking slap on go fast bits they could find.
even the steering wheel and gear nob looks like the pack supercheap had on sale last week for 20 bucks for the pair.

not to mention some one has emptied a can of black paint on the nice looking SR5 wheels and totally ruined the appeal.
even the base model SR steel wheels look better than these

any one questioning why others want to expect good performance/handling from this, should also go and ask toyota why they associated it with the TRD name plate.

its like ford slapping a FPV badge on a Ranger and wondering why people expect better performance

Honestly,
if toyota keep abusing the TRD Badge with half baked vehicles, it is never going to gain any respect.

Wheelnut,
fair enough the Maloo has a 3 monath waithing list, but i believe the TRD Hilux and Aurion actually have in the order of an 18 month waiting list at present.
but unfortunately for toyota their waiting times refer to how long the dealer has to try to sell one

dont compare this to the Maloo???
i wouldnt dare since the Maloo has more cred on building sites than this. how could any one associate the maloo with this half baked idea?
take a new Maloo through a building site and see how many lookers you get

which section?
i know that part very well.
i do a lot of work in the springfield lakes area.

hang on,
i remember seeing one on the road a little while ago. it could have very well been you.
im just trying to remember exactlly where i saw it

i see a lot of SR5′s getting around, and they are definately the much better looker IMO.
did yours have that 80′s style tray on it?
the one with the out dated rope hooks

Erm……….
what THEY said!!!!!!!!!!
Hye if its your bag, go for it. I’m just fearful of the types of drivers it may attract. Thinking Prado “tosser” types here. I’m counting the days until I get cut off by one of their drivers!

I have to say it’s a pointless effort to put a TRD badge on something that wouldn’t be bought by anyone primarily for racing. If there’s a need for more power and torque for the toughest jobs, they could have borrowed the Tundra’s V8 instead. At the end of the day, it’s still a pick-up, and truck and track don’t come hand-in-hand.

It’s a shame Toyota’s motorsports involvement doesn’t trickle down to the showrooms. Dad’s Aurion, let alone this Hi-Lux, aren’t sports cars to begin with. Their performance segment, ironically, has died down, and the only car left in the current lineup that can pretty much do well at the track is the Lexus IS-F.

Toyota just have to sit down, think this through and come up with true sports models. If a much smaller company like Nissan can get it right, I don’t see why they can’t.

It was a fade of sorts on the Jack Daniels wagon, TP. Extreme heat build-up caused the connector pipe on the right front caliper to fail, I read. The pedal went to the carpet.

Still, point taken. The team wasn’t allowed to make any changes, just like all the others. And if it was you or me enjoying 90 minutes of hard-driven track time in our own Sportwagon, the same thing could have happened.

TP,
how is brake fade/failure in the sports wagon related to the HSV range?

i still fail to see evidence that the FPV’s have poor brakes.
it is a fact that in stock form the XT Falcon out brakes the Aurion by around 1 metre.
the brakes just get better on the FPV as they use the well respected and “proven on the performance sceen” Brembos

you have seen one instance where HSV brake fade was complained about, and you have beaten that argument to death whilst at the same time lumped the FPV with the same tag for some reason

maybe you did read something that complimented the TRD around a track, but does that article put it above the FPV and HSV’s?

Latest American Nascar updates brought to you by Dingo and brother Luke GT “WHO CARES” lets talk about Australian motor races and Australia cars not pointless American circle work..

Ive said this previously :

Nascar – common chasis cars wearing a body skin – those Joe Gibbs racing cars could be Fords tomorrow with a simple shell change.

Regardless, the motor is one that Toyota have never sold, and will never sell, based on a chasis that will never be made or sold by Toyota.

The only Toyota is the stickers, and dollars. Its not really a major achievement for TRD.

Regardless, it has NO technologies that will be passed on to Australia’s TRD range.

Glen – the drivers who placed 1-2-3 today were Joe Gibbs drivers but Denny Hamlin was driving the No.32 car of Braun Racing. Kyle Busch & Denny Hamlin regularly drive for Braun Racing when Joe Gibbs does not have the sponship to enter the No.18 car in the Nationwide Series. The No.20 car however is entered full time with all of the Joe Gibbs drivers including rookie Joey Lagano sharing the seat.

As for my statement of developing all equipment… were did i say that ??

Let me help you abit … i didn’t !!

Toyota satisfys all rules, regulations and engineering requirements to compete within the series as it’s on entity as much as Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge. It’s racing package that is supplied to the teams affiliated with Toyota it’s it own development in accordance to the mandatory requirements all manufactuers (and teams) are required to satisfy.

So … if Toyota’s and affiliated teams success so far in the 2008 season is not worth recognition then Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge are equally not worthy of it either … PERIOD !!

What’s ludacris is the fact that you are trying to offer ridiculous excuses for Toyota’s current success in NASCAR when infact thier wins have been achieved on the same level playing field as each and every other manufactuer.

Here are some more facts for you … of all the 3 tiers of NASCAR combined – Spirint Cup, Nationwide & Craftsman Trucks – a total of 45 races have been completed so far this season and of that amount, Toyota alone has won 23 of those which equates to a little more then 50%.

Of the remaining 22 races – Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge share the other wins.

so luke/dingo – where can anyone buy a V8 RWD camry???????

Word has it that Luke actually drives a NASCAR to the shops, does all his shopping, then drives home again.

Hey Alborz.. how about an automatic script that deletes any post Luke GT, Dingo etc. make that contain the key word ‘NASCAR’, or better still, add it to the swear filter list! Poor bugger would be lost…

Oooow … i must have hit some nerves !!

HA, HA, HA – Toyota kicks the a*se of the American manufactuers at thier own game on thier own soil …. oooch – that would be bloody painful.

I thought Ford and Chevrolet were good at racing !!

Hang on – it’s bit like Holden and Ford in Oz … they seem good until someone enters the fray and then all of sudden : ‘they don’t look so good anymore’

Anyway my little wimpering princesses, Toyota may have lost it’s No.1 position (now 2nd) in the Craftsman Trucks this weekend but they widened thier lead in the Sprint Cup (1st tier) and Nationwide Series (2nd).

Oh What A Feeling … TOYOTA (ooops, in the case TRD )

Do you honestly think anybody gives a f**k about Sprint cars?
Anyway, Good to see such a tacky car get the panning it deserves- that console plastic, gear shroud and engine bay all scream Daewoo. This is the only car in that price range where you’d still look like a bogan for purchasing it.

Oh, Luke. Where can I buy one of these racing Camrys..

Ahh that’s right, I can’t. It could never pass ADR and can never be REGISTERED here in AUSTRALIA.

Yep, that’s right. You FAIL again.

Ghis – wrong.

Sprint Cup … 1st
Nationwide … 1st
Craftsman Trucks … 2nd
Formula 1 … 5th
Australian Rally Championship … 1st

oooow, there’s that warm and fuzzy feeling again !!

Luke GT, V8 Supercars have nothing to do with production cars.

The good thing is, at least we can knowledge that unlike yourself, having to constantly revert back to wins on a racetrack ( or 5th place F1, HAHAHAHA), involving cars which cannot even be driven on the street, to make up for such a scathing review on a nugget car.

Back to the TRD HiLux, pretty woefull hey. Wow, 2 and a half stars… awesome. There’s that fuzzy feeling again!

Three consecutive posts, all three relating to MOTORSPORT… all three suppose to have been commenting on the TRD HiLux.

Somehow, I really don’t think the TRD HiLux is going to be winning any motorsport accolades.. HAHAHAHA

Poor bastard, still can’t make a comment without refering to motorsport.

In other news, the TuRD HiLux got axed in a review against the HSV Maloo … Now THERE’s that Fuzzy Feeling!

GhisGT – i’m still waiting on that fuzzy off-road comparison of the Maloo against the TRD Lux. Infact, i have a warm feeling that the Hilux can haul a greater load and passengers across a much greater variety of terrain.

Were the bitumen ends, so does the Maloo but that’s when the Hilux gets that Toyota feeling.

Pretty sad when the Maloo can only be compared against a 4×4 on the bitumen. What a joke !!

Again … were is that ‘ute’ load hauling comparison or the off-road bash up Fraser Is or across Stradbroke. I’m heading up to the Krombit Tops this week so naturally i will sight a Maloo or two towing camper vans and loaded up with gear hualing through creek beds, across undulating tracks and of course rocky meanders.

oops … i forget – the Maloo carn’t carry anything heavier then a cricket bat and a straw hat not to mention gets the shivers at the sight of ‘work’.

Better still – for the guys who buy the Maloo, i hope they don’t have fat chicks to haul around otherwise the TRD Hilux will have to tow the poor bastards out of every pothole.

Oh yeah – i notice the first picture was taken on a beach … were is the Maloo or did that get left behind hopelessly spinning it’s wheels about a foot after leaving the bitumen.

Ooooow – there’s that warm and fuzzy feeling again – OH WHAT A FEELING

ps. did i tell Toyota is having a blast in motorsport at the moment … !!

pity that they use a FORD diff in thier NASCAR – may be they could try the HiLux diff -

Glen – what page are you upto in your pocket book of excuses. When you are finished, can i have it ??

Peterd – All teams run nothing but all Ford gear. The only differance is they change the badge. Same goes for F1, WRC, Indy cars, V8 Supercars and so forth … it’s all and nothing but, Ford gear.

The Ferrari F1 team … it’s not really Ferrari – it’s Ford !!

Exactly Tomas. The only argument they have is ‘oh its TRD…Toyota RACING development… its not a great car’. The problem for these numb skulls is that TRD doesnt make race cars, they make roads… the brand just represents more peformance orientated vehicles… which correct me if Im wrong the Hilux is. Id really like a comparo with other SUVs, none of this Maloo BS

The Jack Daniels Wagon which crashed at the 12 hour due to brake fade wasnt really a production car….it was a test mule a prototype given to Larry Perkins Engineering to fit a roll cage to.. However; it did resemble what the production car would look like. in the same way the GRM Monaros were from a couple of years ago

Thomas,
my biggest beef is why would you buy this over the SR5?

the SR5 looks miles better as it doesnt look as tacky as this

also the SR5 diesel would consume 5-6L/100k less than this.

the TRD interior is trying to be something it is not, and hence it has turned out tacky. at least the SR5 interior looks fluent with the overall design and purpose of the vehicle.

i would take an SR5 diesel with bull bar, scrub bars, side steps and a chrome (not tacky black) roll bar, over this any day of the week. and not to mention the tough looking intercooler scoop on the SR5

if you want a 4X4 dual cab and you want a Hilux, go for the SR5.

if you want a 4X4 dual cab and arent brand biased, go for the Navara

its not just bogan speak going on here as most comments are well backed up with explanations.
just because you dont like the surface of whats being said, it doesnt mean you cant look deeper to the meaning of whats being said

Andrew M,
As I have said in my previous post, I haven’t really done the maths, but given the current price of diesel, and since the servicing on diesel engines is recommended every 5K, although on the D4d only necessary every 10K to keep the car under warranty. You could consider this turbo charged version of the petrol hilux a bit more economical, and quicker. With greater torque!! And probably a nicer driver!!

I myself would probably do up a d4d SR5 for bush, but thats not to say TRD hilux doesn’t have a place.

I’m not buying it myself, but i have full confidence that Toyota did their market research right!!

As for whats being said, i only see a lot of off-topic, insults and unbacked up rubbish from bogans that have chip on their shoulder against Toyota. WTF does motorsport got to do with a 4×4 ute?

That’s right tomas/dingo, what has motorsport got to do with a 4×4 ute. NOTHING. So why badge it TRD, with R standing for RACING. Probably would of made sense to call it Toyota Performance Development.

Whereas HSV & FPV don’t actually mention Racing or motorsport yet there’s always the comparison. But everyone knows that motorsport is the motivation for the package.

Dingo your the biggest brand basher on here and for calling holden & ford enthusiasts bogans, I’ve seen plenty of friggers driving around in Cruisers & Hiluxs who are much bigger bogans than most holden/ford owners

you beat me to answering that question Glen.

just to add further Thomas,
if you consider more frequent service intervals of the diesel to out weigh the 6L/100k saving,
then why do people move from large low revving “petrol guzzlers”, to high revving 4cyl engines.

compare a 4cyl dipstick @ 5000k’s to a large 6cyl @ 5000k’s.
smaller engines may use less fuel, but they turn you oil brown just as quick as your undies will with ride in the out of control TRD Lux.

(and dont get cut over that last comment, its just in fun)

U better get to bed before your mummy finds out Thomas69.
Ha Ha.

School tomorrow.

Realcars,
You still haven’t told me what car you drive?
I bet a 86 VL Commodore, you got of your mum?

Glen, are you an idiot or something?
Where exactly do i dispute Caradvice’s review?
I get the point, that the reviewer doesn’t see this as a performance car, which is fair enough.
On the other hand,I have 2 reviews from serious 4×4 magazines that look at the TRD favorably, the same way as i see it.
But as i said, I don’t object to this review.
To what i do object is the Bogan muppets commenting on this site, with chip on their shoulders againts toyota.

Hear hear – sadly the fanatics can’t cope with realising the comments are peoples opinions.

I for one couldn’t cope with driving a truck and a ‘sports’ truck at that.

Andrew … EXACTLY – my comments are often well explained, backed-up (supported) but then get deleted !!

Glen – i believe it’s about time i set you straight on the topic.

The TRD Hilux is worthy of it’s title as Toyota has taken a standard SR5 and beefed it up. Not only have the road going credentials of the Hilux been improved with greater handling characteristics, acceleration and braking capacity but have achieved this by maintaining (if not, improving) the off-road ability of the Hilux at the same time and of course it’s rights as a work utility.

Unlike the Maloo – the TRD Hilux has retained it’s 1 tonne load capacity (or near enough) while exhibiting an all-terrain ability which means it retains the ability to haul or tow capacity not just on-road but off-road aswell making it a very versatile unit.

As I explained before but was then deleted for some unknown wacked out reason but Toyota have unfact published thier marketing reason behind the Hilux of which i will decribe to inform uneducated people like yourself.

More so in Queensland then any other state, Toyota’s research proved/indicated that a proportion of buyers of the SR5 infact continued to spend more money on improving / beefing up thier Hilux so Toyota naturally indentified a market that they considered would be worthwhile to pitch towards with thier own hotted-up version to hopefully secure some of the sales away from the ‘after-market’. An added benefit for the purchaser is that the TRD Hilux is supported by factory warranty aswell.

So … it is infact a niche market indentified by Toyota’s marketing research into SR5 buyers that assisted thier decision to develop the TRD Hilux.

Oh yeah – and explain to the rest of us bloggers were perfromance brands are retained for bitumen going vehicles only …. let me help you abit – the’re not !!

Correct me if i am wrong but we live in country were a sizeable proportion of our population has a growing thirst for SUV’s and 4X4′s because of the practical and versatile nature of the vehicles.

Better still, considering the Toyota brand is synonomous with 4X4′s, would it make perfect sense to offer a ‘perfromance package’ derived from a platform that is hugely popular.

What about the Ford’s F6X, a beefed up Territory yet still exhibits no genuine off-raod ability. Personally, the TRD Hilux makes more practical sense with greater versatility then either the F6X, Maloo or F6 ute and all for a similar price yet you say the TRD Hilux is expensive.

Incase you haven’t noticed – so are all the other toys but yet it appears you have completely failed to even identify this in greater perspective.

Have a think about it … !!

All this posting has been awesome

Great read

HAHAHA Awesome!

Oh whats that, drum rear brakes on a $65k Ute? FAIL

Paraphrasing and picking out the best quotes from another review isn’t going to help the cause either.

And dont give me this sh1t about designed, engineered, satisfaction… it’s a Hilux with an added blower and bloated price tag, nothing more.

Bland, cheap interior? Check!
Bland exterior looks? Check!
Thirsty? Check!
Lacklustre performance? Check!

Oh wait, but it drives on gravel… oh wow… I’m sold.

This vehicle has such a limited market it’s not funny, and the fact the Ute get’s picked up on it’s clearly obvious flaws is exactly what you would expect from a supercharged HiLux.

Why would you fly the flag of a single brand so high? I couldn’t care less who made this thing, it’s a stupid idea. FULL STOP!

Does the supercharger help for off road driving? NO! What it does do though is add bugger all more performance, but yeild the poor driver 14L/100km at the expense of $65k.

Any halfwit can strap a blower to a vehicle… it just seems Toyota have been quite good at failing to make it good. Oh.. whats that, another TRD Aurion engine failure? More Fail.

Epic, epic fail.

WHEELS paid to say the right thing, AC Cobra? I think you should pick up the last 2 issues to see where the FG leaves the VE, if that’s what you’re referring to.

Drum rear brakes?

FAIL

Comparing 1300kw 2GR-FE to a HiLux? Please, your even more delusional that I thought. My fav import engine is the 2J, it is simply the most potent and over-engineered motor ever and I can’t describe how highly I rate that little 3-litre fella, but it’s not the issue here.

To quote you, “for inexcess of $60 000, wouldn’t you expect more from the Maloo or F6 ute then a poor load carrying capacity and seating for 2 only”

For $65k, you expect alot more that DRUM REAR BRAKES wouldn’t you? The F6 and Maloo are a sports car, capable of low 13 second passes for 60k. Show me a Toyota I can buy, today, in Australia that competes with that?

GhisGT – passing comment is easy but wether it is even remotely connected to reality is usually an entire different senario.

Oh yeah, as for the drum brakes … are they the same ones that have been described by all publications i have read to date that offer strong, consistant and fade resistant stopping capacity.

If they didn’t do the job adequately then i would side with your critism but fact is, the brakes have recieved a great deal of good reviews in all tests.

As for failing to making the strapped on blower good … explain that further with evidance.

A professional integration of a force feeding device requires considerable R&D to not only ensure the targeted output figures are obtained but consistant delivery of that in any environment wether it be in a cold or hot & humid environment not to mention retained reliability, dependability and durability.

As for your comments otherwise … it is has no substance and no-doubt you will not be able to support your comment either.

The Supercharged 4.0 V6 in the TRD HiLux is infact a very close cousin to the unit developed in the states by TRD USA that is available as an option for an array of SUV’s and 4X4′s in the Toyota USA fleet.

Visit the TRD USA website and you can educate yourself more about the unit and it’s proven history as a strong, robust and dependable unit.

As for bland interior … agree, but as for a cheap and poor quality – NO !! Infact, the Hilux interior has long proven to withstand the working enviroment with the best of them.

The exterior, that is subjective and personally i find it looks as rather ‘tuff-truck’ in appearance and no-doubt many of our tradies will agree.

As for failing to making the strapped on blower good … explain that further with evidance.

0-100 in mid 7′s with 14L/100kms evidence enough… oh, and 1 confirmend engine failure in Aussie conditions.

Now your praising drum brakes? FFS, there was a reason EVERY CAR MANUFACTURER ON THIS EARTH stopped using them. Oh wait, there are a few left in sub $14k cars… that’s right, it sucks to be a $65k TRD HiLux.

Im sure it stops fine the first time you use them. Load them up, get them wet… hmmm not no sure.

I’m sure the 4-litre supercharged motor is a pearler, just asked the fellas that were on a test drive when their Aurion suffered terminal engine failure.

CARADVICE:

Honestly , it’s pretty damn clear this clown works for Toyota. Look at his wording, it’s all about conjuring up good internet presence for Toyota and reeks of press releases in EVERY post he makes. EVERY, SINGLE POST praises Toyota. Even when it is not needed, or warranted. Bang, a post reffering to motorsport. For crists sake, ban this assclown

Alborz, you reading this ^^^

And you don’t work for Toyota marketing?

The Maloo was never designed to go offroad. It’s like comparing the Captiva with the Prius, the ragging on the Prius cause it’s no off-roader.

The Maloo is a 2 seater sports car with a large boot, capable of very good performance. You want a work horse? Grab a Holden or Ford ute, the sub $30k ones… or even a HiLux if that floats your boat. But a racing HiLux? Pleeeeeeease.

Clearly if your intentions lie in transporting 4 people and a shed load of luggage, you wouln’t buy the Maloo. However, if your transporting only two people, why on earth would you choose the TRD?

Ok Mr. Toyota…

“How many engine failures have thier been over the years with HSV and FPV vehicles …. literally hundreds, possibly thousands !!”

Evidence of thousands of engine failures? Yeah, thought so.

“Remember the woeful oil consumption, piston slapping and siezed engines of the GEN3 ?? … despite Holden exhibiting full understanding of the issues plaguing the engine, they expressed no due care and continued to sell them by the hundreds to customers.”

Holden responsed in a professional manner to determine the reason and fixed the issue with the next series update. Also, I like the added ‘seized’ in there too for effect. Nice try, but fail.

Look, at the end of the day, TRD have two $65k cars. The Aurion and the HiLux. I could sit here all day and pick faults with both the heavy and ill-performing HiLux and the $65k ” I can’t even crack a 13 ” Aurion, but thats the good thing about CarAdvice, they have already done that for me

HAHAHA just awesome. “Yeah look it’s Toyota here, we are still not sure why that engine blew up.. but were going to sell ‘em anyway.” – Real professional, d1ckhead.

Once more thing, I’m only claiming what is written in plain black a white. Read my ubove posts again. No out there claims, just fact. Poor bloke.

it’s quotes like these, who set you aside from the rest. Your not passionate, your blind. These arnt the quotes for a car enthusiast. Everything you say blows the wind up Toyota ass. It’s not hard to see you work for them, read these extracts. They do all the talking:

“…proves the professional integrity differance between Holden and Toyota.”

“oyota has to be mindful not to overlap it’s hotted up Toyota’s from TRD with that of the ‘F’ series from Lexus”

“TRD will introduce it’s own ideas and experiance to the market.”

“Toyota responsed in a professional manner to determine the reason”

“TRD Hilux is a much more practicle and versatile machine that can satisfy a greater variety of tasks and cover a greater variety of terrain”

“Infact, the Hilux interior has long proven to withstand the working enviroment with the best of them. ”

“Not only have the road going credentials of the Hilux been improved with greater handling characteristics, acceleration and braking capacity but have achieved this by maintaining…”

Oh, and these are only in the upbove few posts. It’s clearly advertising / market drivel.

I have been in the industry for too many years to count now and I tell you, I have come across every drand hugging freak there is but you, you’re somthing different.

Educated? From the man who belives drum brakes are the new ‘in’ thing. Please, never reproduce.

GhisGT – don’t bullsh*t me with the HSV and FPV engine failures over the years becuase you understand as much as myself they have been plentyful.

As for the GEN3, i was infact employed in Spart Parts for Holden (Shacks Holden, Perth WA) during the VT / GEN3 era and know exactly what i am talking about. The GEN3 plagued thier customers by the hundreds and leaving the fix to the next model is not professional … lazy and a lack of due care is a far more appropiate and accurate decription.

Toyota responded with the lone engine faliure immediately with comprehensive tests that tried to repeat the senario but with no further failings.

That was done immediately not with the next model.

Do i need to re-highlight the clutch failings of the FPV’s only a few years ago.

Oh yeah – nothing changes the fact that Maloo is a very expensive 60k + ute with poor load carry capacity, limited versatility and legal seating for 2 only.

At the end of the day, you have tried to discredit TRD but when i have challenged you, your responses have been lame, weak and just downright rotten !!

Really proves you had no idae from the first place.

Just had a read of this test. Gosh. Sounds like a bit of a stinker, this TRD Hilux thing.

Family? You mean they survived the ANZAC Day homecoming onslaught?

Luke/Dingo, what you have is not passion, you only say what you have to say to get a rise out of people then create alternative identities to support your claims. Ok you love Toyota’s (im sure you have a stuck together TRD pamphlet in your bedside table) but when you make unsubstantiated claims of “thousands” of engine failures from by FPV & HSV without any proof or figures it just makes you sound like a 12 year old.

I was waiting for you to bring up the Typhoon Clutch problem, it happened once, FPV suspended sales, found the problem with an AP Racing clutch which is the same clutch used in the Enzo Ferrari. Modified it and have never had a problem since. TRD still don’t know what caused a terminal engine failure.

Gee that vl was a good car.Kept it for five years and got nearly what I paid for it.If u can remember in the nineties vls were like gold!!! Traded it on an 80 series petrol twin cam cruiser for the extra seats.

Wish I still had that VL!

GhisGT – the TRD Hilux has been available in Australia for no longer then a ‘dog watch’. What possible evidance do you have (love to see it) that proves no market exists ( or can be created) for a hotted up Hilux …. let me help you abit – you don’t becuase there isn’t any.

However, Toyota’s local research revealed an ‘after-market’ exists for hotting up SR5 Lux’s that they considered would be worth while to tap into not to mention the advantage for customers of enjoying factory-backed warranty.

But haa .. i already explained this but abviously went flying over your head!!

However, unlike the large car segment, the popularity of SUV’s and 4×4 have bucked the trend against rising fuel costs and increased becuase of the greater practicality and diversity of the vehicles.

Glen – naaa …. it’s passion.

REAL PASSION !!

GhisGT – like i said, TRD ensures it’s forced feed engines achieve expected output, maintains those figures in any condition wether it be cold or hot & humid and ensures reliability, dependability and durability is manitained and supported by factory backed warranty.

Do you offer the same with your shonky back yard job … put it this way, any half-wit clown would be smart enough to be fooled by a joker like ‘yaself.

Big words but do they hold any substance … NOT AN ONCE !!

But haa … now you are just waffling on with rot becuase you’ve got nothing – jack friggen sh*t.

What a walk over you turned to be.

Oh, and another thing, how do you know TRD ensures it’s forced feed engines achieve expected output, maintains those figures in any condition wether it be cold or hot & humid and ensures reliability, dependability and durability is manitained and supported by factory backed warranty?

Give me solid evidence, how you in fact know this.

Oh wait, that’s right, you work for Toyota. Just like you know all about Toyota’s local research results.

Come on mate, we all know the truth.

CarAdvice, where are you?

GhisGT – take the time and read any article or publication that has printed the story behind the development of the TRD Aurion (or Hilux)

To begin, read the comprehensive development story published by WHEELS in the September 2007 edition pg 72 – 84.

It even breaks down the development of each core aspect such engine and chassis development, design and so forth.

Worth the read and explains alot.

Another referance but in less detail … MOTOR October 2007 pg 77 – 82.

That said … all manaufactuers (not just Toyota) support thier blown engines with gauranteed output as well as retained reliability, dependability and durability which is why they cost more because of the often comprehensive Research and Development that is invested in the projects.

The TRD development of the Aurion and Hilux are no different and as Wheels commented – the local TRD boys had to adhere to stringent and tough regulations enforced by Japan ensuring reliability, dependability and durability of the cars (engines) are retained and not reduced.

If you can access any of these publications, take the time to sit down and read – you will familiarize yourself with the TRD process as much as i have.

It’s not hard, just a matter of taking the time to read.

Here is another referance : Carsguide, Northern Territory News, Saturday September 22 2007 …

qoute

“The TRD Aurion was put through rigourous testing which included 100 hrs at maxiumum power, 10 000km’s at 200km/h and a 100 000km/h durability test over 5 months which included hot weather testing in Alice Springs and cold testing in Japan”

unquote

I have alot more but i assume you get the gist … !!!

Be convinced as much you want … couldn’t careless !!

I had quick referance because they were printed soon after the release of the TRD Aurion – keep them in my ‘Cars Magazine’ box which is next to my ‘Nudie Magazine’ box that every Aussie bloke should have.

Now that i have provided you with some referances – take the time and read them for youself because that way you can answer your own questions.

My point exactly Phill…

To quote car advice:

“The all new TRD HiLux… a performance utility it ain’t…”

According to other articles such as Carsguide, The Motor Report, 4×4 Monthly and so forth … they have all published differantly.

Take the time and read the different articles.

GhisGT – unlike yourself, i have added weight behind my course by providing referances … were are your yours ??

But then again, it’s impossible to provide credentials when you pass nothing but junk.

Luke, refer to my ubove posts, you still havent given me facts to back up all your claims.. I like how you tippy toe around bits you dont wanna answer, and the bits you do.

So… hows Toyota marketing these days hey? …hehehe

I never, ever had anything against Toyota, but I tell you want, thanks to your mindless drivel I sure as sh1t do now. Thank you, and good night

PS, two and a half stars…. OUCH … !!!

^^^ Paid marketing, the proof is all there

Luke Gt – $10 000 cheper than a W427 is still $75 000 more expencive than a F6,i don’t think its $ 75 000 quicker,if quicker at all,at least its a decent performance RWD Toyota for Oz,theres something to sink your teeth into TRD Australia,give us a TRD IS-F,soure a 5.0 from the US(just for racing)and BAMMM Toyota are in V8 supercars.Spam word Lexus

Phil – don’t even insult me with your W427 or F6 comparison to a Lexus … it’s downright insane.

For $75 000 more you get a much, much, much better car then the F6 … PERIOD !!

For $10 000 less you get a much, much, much better car then the W427 … PERIOD !!

Perfect example of a dented personality is when people compare thier everyday Falcodres to cars from Lexus, BMW, Audi and so forth.

lukey
having driven Lexus and the F6 – which I BET u havent – the F6 is just as good – and if u bothered to try I am betting that u would see this as well – pity is u would never admit it
Ford has come leaps and bound in quality in the last 2 years – I know cause i see the warranty figures from both Toyota and Ford dealerships

Would Toyota entering V8 Supercars bring i wave of IDIOT supporters or just ONE SUPER IDIOT, prtending to be many IDIOTS.Ill take the F6 and $75 000 thanks

forget surveys dude – I am talking REAL money that gets paid – so get over your self

WOW… Toyota sets yet another record in sales.

V8 Supercars … what supercars – why waste the time and effort.

TMCA – what exactly were you saying about doing the brand no good … i love it, it just keeps getting better by the minute.

OH WHAT A FEELING

Luke GT – when you say “OH WHAT A FEELING” do you Touch Yourself at the same time

Quote -Luke GT [Dingo}: I have passion to challenge what i consider is wrong, mis-informed, unjustified and so forth.

Thats just it! you challenge it because you consider or believe it to be wrong ill-informed misguided etc even though it may actually be right.

However; you get on the offensive [what am I saying; you're always on the offensive] when people challenge your views for exactly the same reason.. As proof there’s 100s of your replies which contain personal insults

I mean just because the majority of people don’t read the “Toyota Weekly” [or use it as their reference] doesn’t mean their views are any less founded or researched than yours.

At least the majority of people on here are willing and able to talk about cars other than Toyota instead of hijacking a blog to talk about their beloved make of car as it’s the only thing they know about cars

I can barely remember when we used to have civil friendly discussions about cars on this website and most of the time we stayed on topic…. Not any more

People have an opinion that is different to yours – that’s life…. get over it

Quote [Dingo{: As it stands, no owner has been reported a failed TRD Aurion unlike literally hundreds of owners of cars from Holden and Ford over the years.

Could that be because as it stands Toyota aren't or haven't sold that many TRDs...?
given that they have reduced the price of the TRD Aurion
3-4 times and they are no longer selling them through selected dealers indicates that they're not selling that well unlike HSV or FPV [which unlike TRD have waiting lists for their cars]

Which means its hard to make such a comparison.

I mean you could take a TRD Aurion HSV Clubbie and FPV GT and those 3 cars mightn’t have any problems at all – alternatively you could take another TRD HSV and FPV all of which could have a mechanical problem of some sort

In the same way the ANCAP tests dont actually test the build quality or safety of a particular model car…. more like the safety of a particular car of that model. Your car might be unreliable etc but someone elses might be perfect.

PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!PING!!!!

That’s the sound of Dingo’s dummy

What else has there been lately – MOTOR reported brake fade on a HSV after a single lap, The HSV wagon (or SS – what ever it was) that suffered brake failure and resulted in a crash, WHEELS testing of a FPV about 6 mths ago but was cut short when the car decided it was ‘GAME OVER’ and not restart … the list can endlessly continue. This is just on the very top of my head without taking a minute to think of a many, many more.

Oh yeah – what about the fact that MOTOR reported 12 faults with 12 different variants of the VE Commodore they tested not to mention the rather lenghthy list of recalls and quality issues that have been indentified and reported associated with the VE Commodore.

Would you like me make a list … i rest my case !!

hiiiiiiiiiiiiii

hiiiiiiiiii

I’d like it – if it want so silly overpriced….