Enhanced Hilux hits the spot
The war for supremacy in the ute market is still being waged by market leaders Toyota and Ford, with the Hilux and Ranger.
Replacing the ‘S’ grade as the entry-level choice, the WorkMate is available in single cab chassis and double cab variants, as a two-wheel drive, this with low body height allowing easier loading.
Power is delivered by the proven 2.7L petrol engine producing 122kW /245Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The petrol choice means no road user charges, cheaper registration and lower servicing costs.
Standard equipment includes the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package with a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert and road sign assist. This has netted the vehicle a 2019 five-star ANCAP safety rating. (No other ute now for sale has that 2019 rating.)
The WorkMate also has a reversing camera as standard, seven airbags and a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system. All accessories found on the 2WD diesel are compatible with the WorkMate.
Two tray options are available from Toyota for the cab-chassis variant. The Toyota genuine alloy tray has high quality galvanised steel bearers and mounts, while the T Custom steel and timber tray is made of heavy duty galvanised steel with a Transtex industrial plywood deck.
