Toyota introduced its Hilux way back in the 1970s. It was released as a 2WD and 4WD commercial, with a family sports-truck version (known in Australia as the SR5 4-Runner) created not long after. However, when Toyota Australia ceased selling its full range of 4-Runners, they created a huge opening for second-hand grey imports. Today, these Japanese-import Hiluxes (known as Surfs) have become one of the most popular imports on the Aussie roads.
Here we test the newest top-line model - a 1998 (KZN185) Surf SSR-G...
The latest Surf line-up comes with two petrol engine configurations - a 3RZ 16-valve 2.7 litre four (110kW at 4500 rpm) and a 5VZ quad-cam 3.4 litre V6 (136kW at 4800 rpm). There are also two four cylinder turbo diesels - the 1KZ-TE (as tested) is rated at 96kW at 3600 rpm and 289Nm at 2000 rpm, while an air-to-air intercooled version of the same engine takes this up another 7kW and 44Nm (both still at the same revs). A subtle bonnet scoop identifies the intercooled version. The 1KZ-TE diesel motor uses a 96.0mm bore and 103.0mm stroke to displace a total of 3 litres. Being a diesel, it runs a compression ratio of 21.2:1and breathing is through a SOHC 16-valve head.
Our test vehicle was equipped with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox, which has well-spaced ratios to make the most of the turbo diesel torque. A short 4WD selector lever enables you to slide into High 2, High 4, H4L or L4C; that means you can select between RWD, constant 4WD, diff-lock 4WD or low-range diff-lock 4WD. The engaged drive status is displayed on a dashboard indicator, which is similar to the current Mitsubishi Pajero's. Note that a 4-speed automatic trans is an option.
On the road, Toyota has obviously put a lot of effort into suppressing diesel engine noise - the rattle of the diesel is only really apparent at idle. It is also quite a user-friendly engine. With its high compression ratio, take-offs are a breeze (meaning it's virtually impossible to stall) and engine braking is strong. Below 1500 rpm, however, there is slightly less acceleration than there is further up the tacho. Torque is definitely strongest in the mid-range, so there's not much point in approaching the 4400 rpm red-line.
Weighing around 1800kg, the Surf is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 13 seconds. Certainly it's no speed machine, but it can keep up with everyday traffic flow without hassle. During our test, the 3.0 turbo diesel drank an average of 11 litres per 100km (with diesel costing slightly more than normal unleaded). Fuel is sucked from a standard 70-litre tank, plus there's plenty of room for an additional tank under the floorplan.
All late-model Surfs ride on the same suspension arrangement; MacPherson struts and wishbones at the front with coil springs, trailing arms and a live axle at the rear. In addition, the top-of-the-range SSR-G model (as tested) comes endowed with Dual Control Suspension, which lets you select between two preset damper rates. Under normal driving conditions, the Surf exhibits good ride - for its class. However, flick the centre console switch to "hard" and the damper rates become noticeably firmer - almost too hard for normal unladen road conditions. Like most off-road based 4WDs, the Surf does show the effect of its large unsprung mass. You can feel the whole wheel, brake and suspension assembly hopping around beneath the floor.
The well-equipped SSR-G rides on 16 x 7 inch alloy rims wearing road-tyre based 265/70 Bridgestone Dueller H/Ts. As you would expect - on 70 series tyres - turn-in is dull, and (depending on road speed and the amount of lock) body roll can be significant. Understeer is the vehicle's primary handling trait, and the tyres squeal at their earliest opportunity.
Behind each of those alloy wheels are disc brakes at the front and sizeable drums on the rear. Four-channel ABS control maintains good driver control when braking under slippery conditions. Indeed, the Surf doesn't miss out on too many contemporary safety features. Up front it carries driver and passenger side airbags, large external mirrors, good headlighting, side impact door beams, front height adjustable seat anchors and adjustable head rests.
The body is mounted on chunky full-length chassis rails, which hint that the Surf should be able to tow a reasonably heavy load with minimal fuss. Indeed, a ski boat attached to the back of a Surf is nothing unusual. From an off-roading point of view, the vehicle has 240mm of ground clearance plus 745mm front and 1015mm rear overhang (measured from the centreline of each respective wheel). Its departure angle is slightly reduced with the fitment of an optional rear step.
The Surf's station wagon-like cabin is rated to seat five people - though there is minimal stretching space for three rear passengers. Our evaluation vehicle was decked out in tasteful grey fabric trim and the SSR-G's wood inserts. The seats were comfortable, with the driver's side offering adjustable lumbar and bottom cushion angle. If you can't find a comfortable driving position by adjusting the seat, the tilt adjustable steering column will get you there. Based on an old body design, it's no surprise that the Surf's space utilisation is nothing special. Front passenger shoulder width is okay, a 183cm driver has around 25mm headroom (with the sunroof blind closed) and legroom is average.
The step up into the front seat is not too athletic, though rear passengers face more of a challenge. The space between the B-pillar and the leading edge of the seat cushion means there's quite a narrow window for entry. This aside, rear accommodation is reasonably good. There's plenty of knee room and an average serve of feet space. SSR-G models also boast rear passenger heater controls.
Being a luxurious sports-truck, the SSR-G is packed with a tuner/cassette/6 stack CD, dashboard cup holder, climate control, power windows, central locking, (retractable) power mirrors and A-pillar grab handles. Oddly, there is no cruise or trip computer. However, there is a roof console that holds map lights and displays for ambient temperature, barometric pressure/altitude and compass direction (the display even shows when the vehicle's moving!). The instrument cluster incorporates the basics - a tachometer, speedometer, odometer/trip meter, fuel level and coolant temperature gauges.
The luggage for a weekend 4WDing trip can easily be accommodated by the Surf's rear cargo area. Access is gained by swinging the spare wheel mounting arm to the side (using a pull-handle release) and lifting the hatch vertically. The cargo volume has an abundance of width, length and a reasonable amount of height. If necessary, the 50/50 split backrests can fold forward to create an even larger rear cargo area. The steel cargo floor is covered by neat-fitting carpet, while a storage bin in the side trim is the perfect place to stow some basic tools.
The imported Surf's widespread popularity can partly be attributed to its unique "sports-truck" looks. It's well proportioned, cleanly styled and its colour schemes are often quite eye-catching. The SSR-G Surf is also publicised as "widebody" thanks to its fixed wheel arch flares (which most lower-spec Surfs don't have). Oh, and check out our test vehicle's elaborate spare wheel cover. It reads; "Detached from reality, liberated I lost all sense of time. In that moment, I felt a gentle breeze. Presented by Toyota"...
The SSR-G body also features Japanese-spec left-hand guard mirror, triple door seals, side glass deflectors, power aerial, chrome surround rear lights, rear window wiper, Toyota's excellent power tilt'n'slide sunroof (with trim blind), electric tailgate glass and a wrap-around aluminium bull-bar. Note that the aluminium side and rear steps are easily sturdy enough to be walked on. Certainly, one of the trickiest features of the SSR-G must be its Power Rear Under Mirror. This electrically retractable mirror (integrated into the roof spoiler) lets you see what's sitting immediately behind the rear bumper. Very clever.
Price and Summary
The Toyota Surf SSR-G is a well-appointed high-quality 4WD. It's not in the luxury league of - say - the imported Toyota Harrier RX300, but it's a cosy off-roader nonetheless. The tactile feel of its switchgear is good, the paint quality and panel fit is exceptional and the whole vehicle feels very durable. It performs reasonably well on the road, and the Hilux chassis has proven 4WD abilities.
Our test SSR-G was built in 1998, had covered 32,000km and is for sale (at Melbourne's Sport and Luxury Cars) for $36,500. This just under-cuts the price of a new (base model) Toyota Prado. Like all Sports and Luxury vehicles, the Surf comes covered by a 1 year unlimited kilometre warranty and is backed by a full (in-house) parts supply. Given its resemblance to previous Australian-delivered Hiluxes and the sheer number of Surf imports on the road, sourcing spare parts Australia-wide shouldn't be too difficult.
Contact:
Sports and Luxury Cars
+61 3 9753 5799
www.sportsluxurycars.com.au
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