YEAR after yr, the Toyota HiLux variant retains smashing month-to-month gross sales numbers. It’s been Australia’s prime promoting car for a few years. That was till 2020, when it hit a couple of bumps within the highway, and was knocked off the highest step of the rostrum.
Gone are the times of the usual ute, likened to a mechanical mallet. The makers of the tradie vehicles have as an alternative targeted on making their work horses extra like automobiles, and never simply of their styling, to draw a wider viewers.
Which brings us to the 2020 Toyota HiLux Workmate Hello-Rider 4×2 Double Cab. It’s now not a humble tradie truck in exterior seems to be, inside or functionality. It’s had a development spurt, and now seems to be just like the employee model of a pickup.
Measuring 1.85 metres tall, it has a hand as much as be drafted as an influence ahead for the NBA, so be careful Lebron James. The HiLux can be lengthy, coming in at a whopping 5.35 metres.
One would possibly assume it’s because we had been take a look at driving the Hello-Rider Double Cab model, however the Single Cab Chassis variant is just 10cm shorter. You solely have one dimension alternative with the 2020 HiLux, and that’s mega.
Its nearly as huge because it tall, sitting at a width of 1.81 metres. So, if you happen to’re a tradie who was ready for the day the HiLux grew up, then 2020 is your yr.
You actually need begin to assume forward about the place you’ll park up this beast. If you’re in any metro area for work or play, you’ll battle to discover a parking spot, and if you do, it will likely be tight. However if you happen to’re lugging instruments and {hardware}, that’s a minor technicality.
The brand new HiLux has a imply and aggressive entrance finish, whereas from the aspect you’ll be able to see how beefed up it’s turn into. On the rear, the white Toyota letting throughout the tailgate harks again to an extended held custom.
The one eyesore you’ll expertise when gazing upon the HiLux are the 17-inch black metal wheels. In case your eager for one thing just a little extra engaging you’ll must go aftermarket, or step as much as the SR5.
One other factor to take heed to is that the tray is just not coated or protected. You’ll see scratches even with the lightest of masses transferring round. Our suggestion is to put in a tray liner and scale back the wear and tear on that paint.
Hop on up into the cabin, and also you’re met with a expertise ahead house, even on this base mannequin variant. Toyota have been constructing workhorses like this for a few years, they usually have nailed the usual inclusions.
For example, smack bang in the course of the sprint is an 8.0-inch color touchscreen show, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto related by way of a USB port.
We’ve handled the ‘you-beaut ute’ as a second workplace ourselves in earlier careers, and smartphone connectivity is a recreation changer when it comes to navigation and communication, and once more, a useful inclusion within the base mannequin HiLux.
The 2020 HiLux WorkMate has local weather management sorted with conventional dials and buttons, and there’s a small 4.2-inch multi data show wedged between the speedometer and tacho.
The steering wheel is well-laden with helpful controls comparable to telephone, cruise management, and quantity management. However the usual two speaker sound system is mediocre at finest, with noticeable bass distortion on loud volumes.
Don’t expect something flash when it comes to upholstery both, it’s customary black material for you. That stated, it’s snug, practical and applicable.
There are handy twin cup holders within the centre, and a beneficiant house for water bottles and different bits and items within the doorways. It rides amazingly properly too, and whereas it’s just a little stiff over some lumps and bumps, total, it’s good.
Sporting a sturdy 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine pushing out 110kW of energy and 400Nm of torque, the HiLux will be had in both a 6-speed guide or an equivalent auto. Braked towing capability permits for as much as 2.8 tonnes.
An overhaul of the engine administration system has additionally helped enhance energy supply, with extra responsiveness throughout the whole rev vary. The steering and suspension geese and weaves effortlessly between lanes and turns. It’s a nimble, regardless of its massive physique.
The HiLux Hello-Rider is loaded with Toyota’s Security Sense package deal, with lane departure alert, pre-collision security system with pedestrian and daylight bicycle owner detection, highway signal help, and lively cruise management.
Add within the ABS, stability management, driver/passenger SRS airbags, and a reverse digicam, and it’s no shock that the HiLux hits 5-stars on the ANCAP security rankings. All it’s important to do is select the spec you need your 4×2 HiLux Hello-Rider in.
There’s a couple of choices, with double or singe cab being the primary alternative you’ll must make. You then’ll must determine if it’s cab-chassis or pickup, petrol or diesel, and at last guide or computerized.
Priced at $45,650 (drive away), the 2020 Toyota HiLux Workmate Hello-Rider 4×2 Double Cab actually deserves a take a look at drive. Our take a look at car was sprayed with Nebula Blue however can be accessible in Glacier White, Silver Sky, Graphite, and Eclipse Black.
Our take a look at car was offered by Toyota Australia. To seek out out extra in regards to the 2020 Toyota HiLux Workmate Hello-Rider 4×2 Double Cab, contact your native Toyota supplier.
