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Sure, you possibly can brag about proudly owning a hybrid at dinner events, however you possibly can’t idiot me – I do know you’ve secretly dreamed about proudly owning a squared-off quasi-military off-roader in some unspecified time in the future. It’s okay, it is a protected area.
Hummers, Defenders,G-Wagens, and the whole lot else in that area of interest phase have commanded loyal and cult-like followings, as house owners purchase into the concept of getting a car that would get them to the ends of the earth in model.
But there’s a superb likelihood that is one you haven’t heard of earlier than: the Thairung Transformer II.
It is, kind of, only a sq. SUV physique on a Toyota HiLux platform, created with governments and navy prospects in thoughts – although they’ll fortunately promote one to a retail purchaser, supplied you’re inside shouting distance of Thailand.
Thairung Union Car is a car physique builder in Thailand, however you might have the corporate to thank for the likes of the Toyota Fortuner,Ford Everest,Isuzu MU-X, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – in addition to different forgotten fashions just like the Holden Colorado 7.
You see, the corporate rose to prominence by taking dual-cab 4×4 utes and turning them into seven-seat SUVs within the Nineteen Nineties. While ute-based SUVs just like the Toyota 4Runner and HiLux Surf existed beforehand, they solely got here with 5 seats.
Thairung had the concept of utilizing the longer wheelbases of utes so as to add a 3rd row of seats, thus creating a brand new phase – and its recognition pressured all the massive automakers to observe.
However, the Transformer II is strictly created for Southeast Asia, which suggests you’re unlikely to ever see one in Australia. For the time being, anyway.
But given its uniqueness – and the actual fact it’s an attention-grabbing model of Australia’s second hottest mannequin, the HiLux – we thought it might be a cool car to take a look at.
As it seems, we’re the primary English-speaking media to be given the chance to evaluation one.
How a lot does the Thairung Transformer II value?
As the Transformer isn’t obtainable in Australia, its worth is a little bit of a moot level – however for context, the car begins at ฿1.6 million – or virtually A$72,000.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Thairung Transformer II 2.4 2WD handbook | $72,000* |
| 2026 Thairung Transformer II 2.8 4WD auto | $89,000* |
That’s for the five-seat short-wheelbase mannequin, with the two.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine from the Thai-market 2WD Toyota HiLux – which is not obtainable in Australia.
Buyers can select from 5, seven, 9, or 11 seats, with the range-topping high-roof variant ranging from round A$89,000.
Interestingly although, whereas the autos can be found for locals to purchase, executives revealed to CarSkilled that the corporate was not actively advertising and marketing the car to retail consumers, following the inflow of cut-price off-road SUVs from China.
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
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What is the Thairung Transformer II like on the within?
It is, actually, a Toyota HiLux on the within – although customized upholstery is out there to consumers.
But with the brand new physique, there are a number of noticeable modifications, just like the fully flat windscreen, the upper roof, painted metallic pillar trims and, clearly, the rear cargo space.
Much of the unique HiLux has been retained or reused, that means issues like exterior door handles and inside door trims are acquainted Toyota fare.
We got the prospect to poke round a number of variants, however the one we drove was a motor present idea they known as the Bumblebee – named after the long-lasting Autobot from the Transformer collection, which is arguably greatest identified for morphing right into a Chevrolet Camaro.
That meant a brand new yellow and black paint job and an inside retrimmed in the identical colors.
Together with the Hummer H3 silhouette and the Ironman-inspired headlights, the car definitely attracted some consideration on the outskirts of Bangkok.
The seven-seater affords a conventional 2+3+2 association, whereas the 11-seater has a pair of three-pax bench seats dealing with one another, like in a Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series Troop Carrier.
A side-swing rear door and a spring-loaded rear step make for straightforward rear entry, although the rear bench seats within the nine- and 11-seater can be higher suited to shorter journeys.
| Dimensions | Thairung Transformer II |
|---|---|
| Length | 4988mm |
| Width | 1870mm |
| Height | 1980mm |
| Wheelbase | 3085mm |
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What’s below the bonnet?
It’s additionally only a Toyota HiLux below the bonnet, with a alternative of two.4-litre or 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engines, six-speed handbook or automated transmissions, and both rear- or four-wheel drive.
| Specifications | Thairung Transformer II 2.4 | Thairung Transformer II 2.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4-litre turbo-diesel 4-cyl | 2.8-litre turbo-diesel 4-cyl |
| Power | 110kW | 150kW |
| Torque | 400Nm | 420Nm (handbook) / 500Nm (auto) |
| Transmission | Six-speed handbook/auto | Six-speed handbook/auto |
| Drive sort | Rear-wheel drive | Four-wheel drive |
| Fuel tank | 80L | 80L |
Outputs are 110kW of energy and 400Nm of torque for the smaller four-cylinder, or 150kW and 500Nm from the larger unit. However, as within the HiLux, the two.8-litre sees torque capped at 420Nm when paired with a handbook transmission.
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
How does the Thairung Transformer II drive?
Brace yourselves – nevertheless it drives just about the identical as a previous-generation HiLux.
But regardless of retaining the leaf-sprung rear-end from the ute, the additional weight over the rear axle means it truly drives a good bit nicer on the highway than the HiLux.
The pre-loaded rear springs, coupled with shocks that appear tuned extra for consolation, make for a fairly nice experience. The car feels settled over bumps, however naturally doesn’t supply the form of sophistication present in ute-based seven-seaters from main automotive corporations.
Our (very) restricted time with the Transformer meant we didn’t get to blast the car throughout the Thanon Thong Chai mountain vary, however dealing with was extra utilitarian than something – although the upper centre of gravity meant the burden of the physique was extra noticeable than with a HiLux or Fortuner.
The Bumblebee used the two.4-litre engine and auto, which I used to be anticipating to be underpowered, however that wasn’t the case in any respect. There was nonetheless loads of perk to get the Transformer up to the mark, even with three folks on board.
Again, we weren’t in a position to take a look at its off-road talents first-hand, however we have been proven footage of the car in motion. Given its HiLux underpinnings, it’s no shock that it appears fairly succesful when the going will get powerful.
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What do you get?
Given the Transformer II is predicated on the previous-generation HiLux, the record of options is determined by which variant of the Thai-market Toyota ute is specified.
Transformers are underpinned by both the two.4-litre or 2.8-litre variations of the HiLux Revo Rocco Double Cab – roughly the equal of the Toyota HiLux Workmate Hi-Rider 4×2 or HiLux SR 4×4 dual-cab utes beforehand provided in Australia.
2026 Toyota HiLux Workmate gear highlights:
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Two-speaker sound system
- Adaptive cruise management
- Automatic headlights
- Air-conditioning
- Power home windows
- Vinyl flooring
- Reversing digital camera
- 17-inch wheels
The SR provides:
- Multi-Terrain Select with six selectable modes
- Hill descent management
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Six-speaker sound system
- Front air-conditioned cooler field
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
Is the Thairung Transformer II protected?
While the Transformer itself hasn’t been independently security examined, the HiLux acquired 5 stars from ASEAN NCAP in 2020.
Safety options of the Toyota HiLux Revo Rocco:
- 7 airbags
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Accidental acceleration suppression system
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
How a lot does the Thairung Transformer II value to run?
Continuing the theme, guarantee and upkeep are each carried out below the Toyota banner.
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Service intervals are 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first), which is a decrease mileage cap than most different diesel-powered mild industrial autos within the phase.
Despite the unique seems, the Transformer II isn’t any harder to take care of than an ordinary HiLux – and has all the benefits that include proudly owning a HiLux, akin to dealership accessibility, elements availability, and reliability.
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
CarSkilled’s Take on the Thairung Transformer II
Thairung may not be about to take the place of the now-defunct Toyota Fortuner in Australia, however the Transformer II is an attention-grabbing perception into what could be achieved when there may be sufficient market demand – together with a sprinkling of creativity and ambition.
While maybe a bit of crude in spots, just like the plastic add-ons and low-res decals, the physique itself is fairly effectively constructed – in some areas even to the next stage of high quality than some from automotive producers, given it has been designed for navy and specialty makes use of.
However, in different areas, the bodywork does lack among the refinement present in trendy mass-produced passenger vehicles – however once more, the lots aren’t the goal market right here.
Besides the seems from passers-by, the Transformer doesn’t really feel notably particular or completely different from behind the wheel. But with the ability to transport as much as 11 folks in a car with the identical footprint as a dual-cab ute will surely have its functions.
Ultimately although, the character of it being primarily based on a previous-generation ute means it doesn’t supply the form of tech or consolation that Australians can be extra accustomed to from an off-road SUV, notably at these costs. However, generally it’s a must to pay to face out from the group.
The Transformer feels very very similar to it exists in an alternate actuality, one during which militaries just like the Australian Defence Force commissioned a flexible field physique on dependable HiLux structure – slightly than going with the Perentie, which used a Land Rover Defender physique with an Isuzu powertrain.
Still, it was admittedly enjoyable to expertise Thailand’s homegrown Hummer first-hand, and it is going to be attention-grabbing to observe how the Thairung Transformer II evolves – and whether or not it, or future generations, ever attain Australian shores.
Interested in shopping for a Toyota HiLux? Let CarSkilled discover you the perfect deal right here
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MORE: Explore the Toyota HiLux showroom
*Conversion from BHT to AUD appropriate at time of writing.
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