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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 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.
the Surf does show the effect of its large unsprung mass. You can feel the whole wheel, brake and suspension assembly hopping
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_0979/...popularArticle
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 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.
the Surf does show the effect of its large unsprung mass. You can feel the whole wheel, brake and suspension assembly hopping
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_0979/...popularArticle
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