Our test vehicle was the 4x2 WorkMate single cab cab-chassis with 2.4 litre turbo-diesel and five-speed manual for a list price of $24,990. That's cheaper than Ford’s 4x2 Ranger XL equivalent (2.2L diesel/6-sp manual) at $27,990, but more expensive than Mitsubishi’s 4x2 Triton (2.4L diesel/5-sp manual) at $22,490.
Fitted to our test vehicle was Toyota’s general-purpose aluminium (GPA) tray, with hinged drop-sides, rear window protector frame and mudguards, which costs an additional $1889.95 RRP. So combined with ORCs you could probably haggle a drive-away deal for around $30K.
This worker is as basic as you can get in a HiLux, starting with 16-inch steel wheels with 215/65R16C light truck tyres and a full-size spare. Inside there’s vinyl floors and basic cloth-trim seats, with no rake adjustment for the base cushion, no lumbar adjustment in the backrest and limited reclining room. And the steering wheel is only height adjustable.
However, it does have features designed to make a hard day’s work easier, like power windows and door mirrors, manual air-con, remote keyless entry, non-radar cruise control, 12-volt accessory socket, two-speaker multimedia system with 6.1-inch control screen, multiple connectivity including Bluetooth and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, plus numerous places to put stuff.