Toyota HiLux WorkMate model upgrade
October 15, 2008 by Matt Brogan
Already leading the race in new vehicle sales year-to-date, Toyota is now rolling out the new member of the HiLux family, the WorkMate, for the first time with automatic transmission. The new WorkMate single cab and double cab automatic models take the HiLux 4×2 range to 16 models and will no doubt strengthen Toyota’s strong sales record.
Toyota is definitely doing something right, offering just what car buyers are after, FCAI figures show the company retained the top sales position in September with a market share of 22.4 percent, well ahead of Holden on 13.1 per cent and Ford with 11.0 per cent.
The launch of the WorkMate automatic is part of an overall visual and technical upgrade for the now 32-model range of Toyota HiLux 4×2 and 4×4 utilities. The upgrade includes Euro IV compliance for HiLux’ two VVT-i equipped petrol engines (WorkMate’s 2.7-litre engine and the 4.0 litre V6), larger front brakes and improved rear suspension for all 4×2 models as well as improved front suspension across the entire range. WorkMate also comes with the option of ABS anti-skid brakes and all models now have 15-inch steel wheels.
The HiLux’ facelift features include newly shaped grilles, a fresh front bumper and headlight design on the outside as well as some slight changes for the interior.
As the company continues to build on its winning formula, we’ll see if the new strings to its bow see Toyota at the top of the table for October sales as well.
Print it: 
WRONG PHOTOS!!!
The sr5 4×4 dual cabs look good.extra ride height makes all the difference.
Workmate looks awful. How can people buy the workmate in all its ugliness/crudeness when the falcon 1 tonne is available?
Workmate is as sophisticated as a billy cart. Don’t believe me then drive one.
Actually, this article should be titled should be “Hilux facelift”! First photo is right, second one isn’t.
Wow! There’s finally an automatic gearbox. I presume, since the information is lacking, that it must be a boring old inefficient torque converted 4 speed. If it was something commendable, we’d have been told, right?
Realcars,
its not just a facelift,
but if you cared to read, they all come with 15 inch steel wheels as standard now. ha ha ha ha
oh and ABS as an option.
agree,
the top of the range scrub up alright once you throw on side steps and bull bar etc, but the base look crap.
they are also all pigs to drive.
the diesels are a bit better though, but still far from comfortable.
32 model variants in the LUX?? well you would want to hope they outsell holden and ford who only manage a quarter of that even after they combine 2 different name plates each
LloydS,
the hilux always had an auto box available.
i know someone who picked up one of the first of this shape and optioned the Auto.
i assume its that very same Auto
^^^^
sorry, should have directed first line before at VW Freak, not realcars
could have sworn a facelift of the stock standard 2wd hilux shouldn’t be equipped with photos of the range topping 4wd unless, oh I don’t know, they’re hiding the fact the black plastic bumpers are ugly as anything and 15″ steel wheels are hardly an upgrade.
Ok, that’s not quite correct Andrew. The Workmate in the current shape (05 onwards) was not available with an auto until this facelift. ABS has always been an option with all new shape Hilux models, including Workmate (except SR5 which it is standard). And regardless of the change in wheels, it is still regarded as a facelift!
That black double cab in the second photo looks nice with those wheels and without “TOYOTA” written accross the tailgate. Bet its an over seas model.
I don’t see much change in the double cab, the mags suit the car I do like those.
Gibbo – we have the more discreet Hilux you like here, so could be for the UK.
Why doesn’t the HiLux have the Toyota emblem on the rear of the vehicle, only on the front?
i bet all the tradies are running to toyota to get the new “facelifted” hilux. Also toyota probably paid CA to put the SR5 pics up so all tradies go in for the new workmate only to walk out with an SR5. cant wait for the VW robust
They are all pretty good.. how many of the above poster’s have actually driven these? Hmmm None. We sell everyone we can get, same as it ever was.
The Range streches from 20k to 60k, something for everyone. In fact the Hilux range as a stand alone model Probably sells more than Mazda or Honda’s whole range each year.
The workmate is MEANT to be basic. Or is ‘workmate’ not a clue?
Most tradies would love to have a Black SR5 on a set of aftermarket chrome wheels more than anything GM or ford can offer..
13.1%? 11%? Sorry to hear about your ‘friends’, mine is doing well..
Its about time Toyota reintroduced the automatics to the 2.7 litre models. They were always a good seller in the previous 2wd dualcabs and not everybody wants to buy a V6 auto.
VW Freak,
maybe you mis understood me before.
what i meant is that the Auto option is probably the same auto box that is/was available in the hilux range previously.
i was answering “Loyds” question as to what box they would use
Danman,
yep, i have driven hiluxs aswell as pretty much all of its Jap ute brothers.
all jap utes are pigs to drive no matter of the make, and YES including the Hilux.
Well, I downloaded the Spec’n from Toyota’s web site and guess what… the Workmate’s auto is a 4-speed. All the other models get a 5-speed! I suppose Toyota are just running out old gearbox inventory from someplace and think that tradies, the perceived workmate buyers, are either too dumb or too indifferent to notice and/or care. Pretty insulting really. More worrying is the way I correctly guessed that it would be an inferior unit simply because the CarAdvice reporter omitted the facts rather than report the mediocrity of the unit. Don’t expect motor columnists to report without fear or favor or you are in for many a disappointment!
DanMan Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 10:13 am
“In fact the Hilux range as a stand alone model Probably sells more than Mazda or Honda’s whole range each year.”
WRONG ……again (or is that sitll?)
I have driven a 2.7 workmate single cab 4*2 and it was a crude cramped shitbox.
Only good model in the lineup is the dual cab 4*4 SR5 4.0ltre. The 4*4 dual cab models have a better ride and look good with the extra ride height.
Take the rest to the tip please.
Realcars,
but dont forget the 4.0L jap motors chew twice the fuel that the falcons 4.0L does.
i would have said the diesels are better to drive than the V6 jappers. at least the diesel dont send you as broke, and you dont spend 3/4 of the time with them revving their ring off
Oh, and i reckon the SR5 needs big muddies to fill the guards.
those that i have seen with them, look 200% better
All I see is a face lift nothing really different
Just got the hilux 08 SR dual cab, huge 15 inch steel wheels with bicycle tyres, vinyl floor? yes vinyl floor carpet is an option and this time round got the V6 auto. The last model 06 turbo diesel needed to has the tits revved off of it to get anywhere. Want to overtake in a diesel? forget it, couldn’t pull the skin off a custard tart. P.S. its a work car and I’d rather be driving something else, like a falcon ute.