Dirt Surfer, Hilux Turbo Diesel

What You Get

Ready? Aluminium step sides, high/low range gearbox, and push-button four-wheel drive engagement, hard/soft suspension settings, electric rear window control, economy selector (normal/power), electric mirrors and windows, window kiddy locks, central locking, separate rear heat and fan control and air-conditioning.
A unit above the dash describing the pitch and roll and altitude of the vehicle, overhead map lights and retractable sunroof with blind. Mid-dash cup holders preventing spills on the tweed/velour upholstery. Rake adjustable steering wheel, supportive seats, adjustable for pitch, rake, side bolster and lumbar.
On the SSR-X wide-body you'll also find flared guards, a nudge bar, super off-roader fog lights, bracket mounted spare, front parking mirror and alloy wheels.
Lots of goodies eh?

Driving and owning

Early Surfs (pre '93) have the smaller 2.4 litre turbo diesel and these are, admittedly close to a semi in acceleration. However, the post ’93 Surf is a treat, the 3.0 litre engine giving it the performance to match or surpass the petrol models, on or off-road. Both models vibrate a little at startup and you'll notice some smoke from the exhaust, telling you you're in a diesel.
Less desirable traits include; the tinny sound of the closing doors and rear seats that don't fold flat, restricting load space. All up though, the Surf is great; comfortable, but a true off roader, and while some examples have S U R F splashed down the side in unfeasibly large letters, why not let people know that you are driving the best Hilux that has Toyota produced.

Importdriver's choice

If we could we’d take this one, the new 3 litre intercooled Surf, but it is unlikely to make it here, so an all the fruit SSR-X will do nicely.

Many thanks to Just Jap Auto Imports in Kirrawee for providing us with our test vehicles. Contact them on 02.9545.0532 or Just Jap.com