Fresh Mahindra Pik-Up checks in

MAHINDRA’S all-new Pik-Up ute has arrived in Australia with an enhanced powertrain, an uptick in safety and comfort gear and a price increase of $2000 over equivalent previous-generation variants.

The Indian light-commercial vehicle specialist will initially offer four variants of the Pik-Up, but a new range-opening single-cab S6 4x2 cab chassis will hit showrooms in 2018 from $21,990 driveaway. It will be the sole 4x2 offering in the new range.

In single-cab S6 4x4 cab chassis guise, the Pik-Up is priced at $26,990, while the dual-cab S6 4x4 cab chassis is $29,490 and dual-cab S6 4x4 ute is $29,990.

The S10 4x4 dual-cab ute is the new flagship variant and is offered at $31,990.

All prices are driveaway.

Mahindra’s new workhorse will likely compete with other budget Indian and Chinese-built offerings in the LCV segment, including the Tata Xenon ($19,990-$25,990 d/a), Foton Tunland ($22,490-$30,990 d/a) and the Great Wall Steed ($24,990-$29,990 d/a).

Under the bonnet of all variants is an updated version of the carry over 2.2-litre four-cylinder mHawk Euro 5 turbo-diesel engine, producing 103kW and 330Nm at 1600-2800rpm, which is a big boost over the outgoing model’s 89kW/270Nm output.

It is paired exclusively with a new six-speed manual gearbox that drives the rear wheels, with 4x4 transmission and low range, while all variants are fitted with an Eaton mechanical locking differential as standard.

Fuel economy is rated at 8.6 litres per 100km on the combined cycle for the single-cab 4x4 while the dual-cab is 8.8L/100km.

It has a braked towing capacity of 2500kg, ground clearance of 210mm and has a 6.7-metre turning circle.

The 4x2 has an independent, double wishbone suspension setup with an anti-roll bar, while the 4x4 is independent with a torsion bar and rear leaf springs.

The new Pik-Up ushers in a new exterior design that retains the familiar chunky look of the old model, but includes a new grille design, new headlights, a reshaped lower air intake and mesh inserts.

Standard gear in the S6 variants starts with steel wheels, projector headlights, air-conditioning, an audio head unit with an MP3, radio and CD player, a new integrated rear step on ute variants, side steps, new fabric seats with vinyl inserts.

S10 variants add a new 6.0-inch full colour touchscreen with satellite navigation, a reversing camera and Bluetooth connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels, an alloy sports bar, fabric trim with arm rests on the seats, driver’s side seat height adjustment, daytime running lights and side projector beams, and fully automatic climate control.

Standard safety features across the range include hill descent control, ESC, ABS, EBD, roll-over mitigation, airbags, crash protection crumple zones and a collapsible steering column, as well as two Isofix anchors in the rear seat with three top tether points for all dual-cab variants.

Genuine factory accessories – some of which are made in Australia – include a tow bar, aluminium trays, galvanised steel trays, colour-coded steel trays, winch compatible steel bull bars, fibreglass snorkels, carpet floor mats and canvas seat covers, while a suspension upgrade with lift kit and stainless steel nudge bar with bash plate will become available in 2018.

Four colours are offered from launch including Artic White, De-Sat Silver, Napoli Black and Red Rage.

The Pik-Up is offered with Mahindra’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance.

It has been a busy year for Mahindra’s small local outfit, which launched the upgraded Genio range in October.

2017 Mahindra Pik-Up driveaway pricing

Single Cab 4x2 S6 Cab Chassis	$21,990
Single Cab 4x4 S6 Cab Chassis	$26,990
Dual Cab 4x4 S6 Cab Chassis	$29,490
Dual Cab 4x4 S6 Well-side Tub	$29,990
Dual Cab 4x4 S10 Well-side Tub	$31,990