Mako goes after Raptor
With Ford holding the reins of the ute market since about 2014, it was always going to be a case of when – not if – Toyota NZ would deliver a model to compete.
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.
