Toyota has been very busy with its HiLux line up of late, possibly in response to the changes seen onboard its competitor’s product.
In fact, it’s almost a mirrored response, depending on who you are talking to, but HiLux has not only increased its safety technology across the range, but has also introduced a much more significant ‘’new product’’, in the form of a new entry level two-wheel drive Hilux grade, the WorkMate, aimed at buyers who need an affordable workhorse.
Replacing the previous ‘S’ grade, the WorkMate comes to us with a single cab chassis and double cab variant. Both have a low body height, making loading and unloading an easier process.
There is also a new PreRunner SR Single Cab Chassis manual transmission variant and extra cab variants are now available.
As to the WorkMate, this is powered by the 2.7-litre petrol engine exclusively (thus keeping maintenance costs to a minimum and eliminating RUCs) and develops 122kW and 245Nm of torque driven through the rear wheels via six-speed automatic transmission.
All the accessories that are available for the 2WD diesel Hilux are also available for the WorkMate grade, including bullbars, nudge bars, towbar packages, tonneau covers, canopies, liners and two tray options for the cab chassis variant – either alloy with galvanised steel bearers and mounts or the galvanised steel and plywood timber deck.
Seven airbags are standard, along with reversing camera and a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system, but the WorkMate also gains the TSS Toyota Safety Sense package, now found across the entire HiLux range.
The Toyota Safety Sense suite includes Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist (brake control) and Road Sign Assist.
While it is easy to pass off the upgrade simply by saying Toyota has included TSS across the HILux range, what exactly do the various functions do?
The Pre-Collision System uses radar sensors and a camera to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. It will assist the driver with visual and audible warnings, braking assistance or Autonomous Emergency Braking if they fail to heed these warnings.
A Lane Departure Alert function that will warn the driver with visual and audible alerts if the vehicle deviates from its lane, and if necessary, use the braking system to create “yaw” to keep the vehicle within the lane.
Toyota’s Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) uses sensors to maintain a suitable following distance to the vehicle in front. The DRCC system operates at speeds above 40 km/h.
And to cap it all off, all Hilux variants also feature a Road Sign Assist system that recognises speed limit signs and displays them on the 4.2-inch colour display that is now standard across the range.
With this level of upgrade, Toyota Australia saw fit to resubmit its vehicles to the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) for retesting midcycle. This is not a small undertaking, but the results are worth it as Toyota can now claim to have the only ute with a 2019 five-star safety rating.
Despite the addition of Toyota Safety Sense technology to the Hilux range, there has been no increase in price.
The Toyota Drive-away pricing includes all on road costs; WOF, registration, a full tank of fuel, 1,000 kms RUC, the Toyota Care Service Advantage fixed price servicing package, floor mats, and the three years or 100,000 kms warranty.
