Toyota Hilux Workmate: Keep up the good work

What is it?

Retaining that thought throughout a week with the workhorse failed to take the edge off initial utilitarian impressions: horses for courses of course.

Not that ‘old mate’ harked back to some long-past Luddite era.

Depending on the grade, the new WorkMate boasts a line-up of automotive advances such as Bluetooth connectivity, Toyota Safety Sense suite of measures, Toyota Connected Services and power this and that.

Performance also is taken to new heights with a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with V-Active technology.

But, for the budget conscious, there is still the tried-and-true 2.4 litre turbo-diesel available. 

What’s it cost?

The WorkMate is scattered throughout the numerous variants of the most popular vehicle in Australia, the Toyota Hilux.

It straddles the 2.7-litre Single Cab Cab-Chassis RWD manual at $26,475 (plus on-road costs) to the Workmate 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel Double Cab Pick-Up, six-speed auto, at $50,420 — our test vehicle.

Nothing on the outside appears dated. The Hilux Double Cab Pick-Up looks the goods in the company of any of its ubiquitous rivals.

However, embellishment is sparse. There’s not even a protective tub liner, just painted metal, as though it’s not afraid of hard work: a genuine ute.

A body-coloured grille surround is home to automatic headlights, and halogen daytime running lights.

In recent upgrades all pick-ups now carry a gloss black rear bumper and side mirrors, plus a semi-automatic damped tailgate — making it convenient for loading.

The ute rolls on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 265/65 R17 tyres and is topped off by a modern shark fin antenna.

An 8.0-inch colour touch screen incorporates the AM/FM tuner, feeding only a utilitarian pair of speakers.

Bluetooth Connectivity is on hand with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto left to dealer contact.

Missing are satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio. Both are far off in SR5, Rogue and GR Sport territory.

However, there is USB input.

The Hilux attracted a five-star ANCAP safety rating on 2019 testing.

Since then, the Toyota Safety Sense system has taken care of occupants through things such as lane departure alert, a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, speed sign assist (a touch wayward at times) and high-speed active cruise control.

Seven airbags carry the passive safety banner.

All versions are covered by Toyota’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

What’s it go like?

Inside the double cab is seating for five, the driver and front passenger in bucket seats, the rear 60:40 split (only the latter accessible), all done out in quality fabric, the doors in black trim.

The floor is durable black vinyl, the test car adding optional removable rubber mats, a boon to keep the interior looking fresh.

There are power windows all round, the driver’s automatic, for access to fresh country air.

However, the air conditioning is limited to manual operation and is not easy to operate on the move.

The steering wheel has manual tilt-and-reach function with switches for phone, voice recognition and audio control.

There’s a separate power accessory socket.

Storage consists of a large glove compartment, plus a centre console with lid. Cup holders are found in the dash.

The test car relied on the lesser of two diesel engines – a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel motor developing 110kW at 3400 rpm and 400Nm between 1600 and 2000 rpm.

It was mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and puts power to ground through all four wheels.

The Toyota Hilux Workmate Double Cab Pick-Up is no town car.

With an unladen tub, the test vehicle was jarring on uneven suburban road surfaces and jolting over potholes.

A long(ish) jaunt in the test truck left some passengers ride weary.

The double wishbone/leaf spring rigid axle set-up, I should imagine, is more suited to transporting chook food or cattle fodder, the latter, perhaps, to be delivered to the remotest paddock.

The 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine attracted few complaints, without paying too much attention to the performance.

Toyota claims fuel consumption on the combined urban/highway cycle at 8.6L/100km.

The test vehicle recorded 9.1L on mainly city and suburban driving.

The five metre-plus long juggernaut, with 12.6 metre turning circle and large steering wheel, is a devil to park in restricted shopping centre spots and regularly came up with a prominent white-line overhang.

A reversing camera went some way to easing any stress here.

On the other hand, ground clearance of 317mm and wheelbase of 3085mm makes light work of bashing about the bush.

A 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked towing capacity is recommended.

Like the rest of the Hilux crowd, the WorkMate security systems cover remote keyless entry, power locks and alarm, plus engine immobiliser.

What we like?

• A genuine ute
• Lots of ground clearance
• Removable rubber mats (but optional)

What we don’t like?

• Not even a protective tub liner
• Missing are satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio
• Not easy to operate aircon on the move
• With an unladen tub the vehicle is jarring
• A devil to park in restricted shopping centre spots

The bottom line?

With all those fancy-pant pick-ups parading the streets, it’s good to see there’s one genuine workhorse upholding the traditions of the ute.

Well done, Mate — keep up the good work.

 

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