HOW MUCH?
The base LC79 cab-chassis Workmate costs $68,950, the GX is $70,950 and the GXL is $73,050.
The double-cab-chassis Workmate is $71,500; GXL is $75,600. The four-door, fiveseater Workmate LC76 wagon is $67,400 and the GXL, tested here, is $71,500. The three-door Workmate LC78 Troop Carrier wagon is $71,350 and the five-seater GXL is $74,550.
NUTS AND BOLTS
• The 70 Series is made in Japan.• Wheelbases are 2730mm (wagon), 2980mm (Troopy) and 3180mm (cab-chassis).• Occupational health and safety policies now dictate the purchase of five-star ANCAP-rated vehicles by many government and industry users, so in mid-2016 Toyota upgraded the 79 Series single• Double cab-chassis, troop carrier and five-door wagon variants don’t get these updates (apart from the bonnet) and have not been tested or rated by ANCAP. Their airbag count remains at two. All models gained stability and traction control, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, electronic brake force distribution and cruise control.• The 4.5-litre, 32-valve 1VD-FTE V8 turbodiesel produces 151kW of power at 3400rpm and 430Nm of torque from 1200–3200rpm.• Efficient piezoelectric fuel injectors, a diesel particulate filter (with a manual regeneration function) and taller second and fifth gears on the 2016 update made the V8 compliant with Euro 5 emissions regulations.• The drivetrain comprises a five-speed manual gearbox, two-speed transfer case and part-time 4WD system with rear limited-slip differential and the 200 Series’ active traction control system. Front and rear diff locks are standard on GXL grade.• Suspension is rigid live axle with front coils and rear leaf-springs.• Steering is recirculating ball and nut.• Disc brakes are fitted all round.• Weight is 2010–2335kg.• Fuel tank capacity is 180 litres (90 main/90 sub), or 130 litres only on wagon.• The 70 will tow up to 3500kg.• Toyota fixed-price servicing costs $2160 over three years, for the first six services up to 60,000 kilometres.
