Overview
WE ALL knew it was on the playing cards, however when the Toyota 2.8-litre four-cylinder LandCruiser 70 Collection arrived the love was virtually palpable from all however rusted-on V8 70 Collection followers.
Here’s a far more civilised beast with computerized transmission, no much less, and extra kick than the V8… although that mannequin’s locomotive sound is absent.
The two.8-litre 1GD engine as we all know is lifted from different Toyota mild commercials… Hilux, HiAce and the Fortuner and Prado fourbies.
It’s been tweaked for 70 Collection software with a deeper metal oil pan, redesigned oil strainer, oil filter relocated to a safer place and an even bigger cooling fan with an extra loafer pulley for improved reliability.
The transmission is equally upgraded and incorporates a wade-safe high-mount breather outlet, greater oil pan and a helpful Energy Haul mode optimised for towing.
Apart from that, it’s the identical powertrain – a 4 pot single turbo diesel cranking out a helpful 150kW and 500Nm, the latter from as little as 1600rpm.
On take a look at was the 2 seat, base mannequin, single cab chassis Workmate aka the “farm” or “mine” spec’ mannequin that sells from $76,800 plus on-road prices and has no direct rivals.
It appears to be like like a throwback with funky headlights and is a throwback in some areas, however we just like the no beg your pardons look.
Tipping the dimensions at 2145kg, the Workmate ute rides on a time-tested ladder chassis with coils up entrance and leaf springs down the again with reside axles entrance and rear.
Dimension-wise we’re taking a look at an enormous car, lengthy and tall at 5235mm lengthy x 1790 extensive x 1970 excessive on a 3180mm wheelbase.
Nonetheless, we seen the slim rear axle (practically 100mm narrower than the entrance at 1420mm) has discovered its means via on the brand new mannequin giving the 70 Collection Workmate one thing of a constipated look from behind.
Maybe house owners might deal with the observe variance just by utilizing completely different wheel offsets entrance and rear. That’s what we’d do.
The lengthy (metal) tray measuring nicely over 2.0 metres lengthy can take as much as 1365kg payload whereas the car itself can tow the 3500kg commonplace.
It has an enormous 130-litre gas tank and a full-size spare tucked underneath the tray on the rear. With 330mm floor clearance the 70 Collection Workmate has little hassle in even essentially the most arduous off-road driving aside from restrictions brought about on this mannequin by rear overhang.
The gloss gray metal wheels (that look nice) carry 225/95 sequence tyres braked by double piston entrance callipers and single piston rear stoppers.
Some pesky ADAS package has discovered its means onto the brand new 79 Collection Workmate together with lane departure warning that have to be turned off at each restart if you happen to don’t prefer it, visitors signal recognition, auto excessive beam, and a few Toyota SafetySense options. The downhill deceleration operate is worthy.
However there’s no reverse digicam which appears an enormous oversight.
Two small screens are fitted into the sprint for infotainment management, however you’ll want a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Not sufficient storage choices are supplied probably as a result of age of the car’s design.
The seats are vinyl lined and OK aside from the sweat issue and the driving place is excessive and mighty, makes you are feeling such as you’re king of the street.
The beast has old-fashioned recirculating ball steering and a large 14.4m turning circle.
Mixed gas economic system is a claimed 9.6 litres per 100km.
Driving Impressions
Having lately pushed the earlier cab-chassis mannequin with the 4.5-litre V8 and five-speed guide we had excessive expectations for the beginner which have been realised as quickly as we received on the street.
It’s a livelier drive than the V8, has stronger acceleration and is smoother due to the six pace auto. Ignore the wheezy diesel 4 engine sound and it’s all good.
Off the road acceleration is relaxed nevertheless it will get higher on the transfer and higher once more at freeway speeds the place the slick auto slips down a cog as wanted giving straightforward acceleration always and no lag. Which performs an enormous half in how nicely this mannequin tows.
It isn’t as clean and quiet as say the HiLux or the Fortuner with which it shares the powertrain however a little bit of a grumbly vibe is completely in step with this powerful truck.
What comes as one thing of a shock is the boat-like steering that makes three or 4 level turns a daily incidence coupled with the car’s top which dictates care going into underground carparks.
As anticipated, the trip and not using a load is jiggly with rear leaf springs nevertheless it settles as soon as there’s cargo or a trailer on the again.
Braking energy is powerful and the lug tyres although too skinny have a stunning quantity of grip within the moist and dry exhibiting just about zero tyre hum, even at freeway pace the place wind noise masks all the pieces. It has an aerodynamic ranking of 0.47 Cd … so, not slippery in any respect.
Sitting within the beast is comparatively comfy and attaining a snug driving place is simple due to respectable adjustability however nothing is electrically assisted right here together with the home windows, central locking or seats.
The aircon’ is OK however the quarter home windows are a bonus as are the a number of steering wheel controls.
We discovered working the infotainment a problem on quite a few fronts as a result of the display decision was poor and the menus troublesome to search out exacerbated by little selector buttons/pads.
We towed a van with the Workmate on- and off-road and it was barely perceptible although gas consumption elevated to 11.7L /100km with a 750kg camper trailer on the again.
On a protracted freeway run, the Workmate was good on clean surfaces, jiggly on tough roads however aside from that, it went like a prepare.
On reflection, we just like the retro feel and appear of the Workmate, its relative lack of pesky ADAS and operated by hand options. It’s like a time warp and sure, we’d purchase one given the precise circumstances. It’s an entire step up on a one tonne pick-up in useability phrases.
However a reverse digicam is a necessity on such a car and please are you able to check out the steering subsequent time, Toyota.
