Mind you it’s still priced at around $76,000 plus the usual costs.

The workmate comes with the vinyl seat trim, which I prefer to the fabric of the GXL.

It also comes with wind up windows, which are ok. What I have difficulty in accepting is no reverse camera, which in a Ute this size is a problem. Also, the ridiculous manual. exterior mirrors. These are always getting knocked in car parks or become loose and are a pain to adjust.

What is good is the new automatic version of the 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. I know there are a lot of diehard V8 supporters out there, as I was. But the modified HiLux engine is better in almost every aspect.

The workmate has a huge tray and about a 1200kg payload along with 3500 kg towing capacity.

Off road its still awesome but does miss out on the front and rear diff locks.

Its surprisingly smooth to drive and seems to soak up a lot 0f road bumps easily.

Im a big fan of the 79 seri3s Utes, always have been, but still question the price.

You can buy a HiLux SR single cab chassis Ute with the same 2.8 litre engine and 6 speed transmission for about $47,000 plus the usual costs.

That’s about $30,000 saving. And there is surprisingly little difference between them

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LC79 Workmate SCC  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LC79 Workmate SCC – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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The post Toyota LC79 Workmate Single Cab Chassis 4WD Ute driven appeared first on Motoring Minute.

This week I would like to chat about a different use. Certainly not conventional but practical.

I am renovating my rear garden. Digging out the old sleepers and replacing them with new garden beds. Also making some raised vege patches.

Now the huge tray on the Isuzu SX came in handy.

Having an old back, I’m not fond of bending. The tray was at waist height and large enough to take the full treated sleepers. This allowed me to construct the borders on the back of the tray.

The sides fold down for easy access.

The sides and the front of the tray form a perfect right angle for setting up the corners of the sleepers.

Not only did this make it so much easier to work, it also made it more accurate. On top of that it was faster, not having to get up and down all the time. My knees and back were extremely thankful.

Using the Isuzu D-Max SX Ute like this shows just how beneficial having a Ute can be.

Isuzu D-Max SX 2 Door 2WD 1.9L Ute is currently priced from $31,990 drive away

This is a Motoring Minute’

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX SX RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

D-Max SX Optional extras:

Tow Bar Kit $1,132.25, 12-Pin Plug $393.25, Electronic Brake Controller $896.05, Economy Alloy Tray $0 (included in driveaway price), Rubber Mats $127.66 and has stamp duty for Accessories which comes to $127.66.

As Tested $34,670.88, as the vehicle has a driveaway special of $31,990.

Also look at:

There are not many Single Cab Cassis work Utes on the market at the moment Dual Cab 4WD Utes are popular. There are a few on the market but everyone is aiming upmarket. Even getting our hands on some to test is difficult.

Buyers could look at Mazda BT-50, Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton.

Isuzu D-Max SX Final thoughts

Single Cab Chassis Work Utes are becoming a rare breed, with the push towards the premium end of dual cab’s.

While I always prefer more power and torque, the 1.9L diesel performed more than adequately.

It was ideal for around town work and cruised easily on the freeway.

You cant beat the price though. Its awesome value for money.

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The post Isuzu D-Max SX SCC alternative use 2023 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Its starts with the reliable and robust 30L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It provides some 140kW of power and a very useful 450Nm of torque.

That headline figure is less than some competitors, but it’s the delivery that makes it useful. Maximum torque comes on around 1600rpm and there is about 350Nm available from around 1200rpm. This is combined with a 6 Sp automatic transmission. Low torque delivery means more control in 4WD situations.

Add to that the Terrain Command 4WD system that allows switching between 2WD and 4WD at speeds up to 100kmh. The standard Ute also has 240mm of ground clearance and impressive approach and departure angles.

Other specific 4WD features are a wading depth of 800mm, standard rear diff lock and heavy-duty steel underbody protection. There is also hill start assist and hill decent function that allows control for the driver without fuss.

When you are deep in 4WD country you want a robust and reliable 4WD that gives you the confidence to explore. The Isuzu D-Max does that.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more Isuzu D-Max articles HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE D-Max 4WD RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Final thoughts on the Isuzu D-Max 4WD Ute

• The D-Max 4WD comes in three variants, single cab, Crew cab and Space Cab
• It also comes in all the model grades. SX, LS-M, LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain
• Depending on the model it will come with a rear tub or trayback.
• All 4WD models come with the full suite of safety features irrespective if the grade or body style
• All 4WD models come with standard rear diff lock and Terrain Command 4WD system obviously.
• The 3.0L 4 Cylinder turbo diesel engine is across all D-Max 4WD models
• Buyers can choose either a 6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic transmission, depending on the model grade.
• Every D-Max 4WD will tow 3500kg with a 350kg tow ball rate
• While the approach, rampover and departure angles will vary depending on the model and body style, all are enough for adventurous 4WD.
• Water fording of 800mm on all models is excellent. Class leading.

What is good?

• 4WD and towing ability
• Ride and handling
• Class leading safety features

What is not so good?

• Central screen can wash out in sunlight
• Inconsistent DTE gauge
• Would love 150kW/500Nm

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

In addition, Motoring Minute segments are also broadcast nationally as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Why choose the Isuzu D-Max as a 4WD Ute appeared first on Motoring Minute.