Mahindra lands new PikUp

Mahindra Automotive Australia has released a ‘new-generation’ PikUp, priced from $26,990 drive-away in 4×4 single-cab/chassis form.

The new PikUp 4×4 dual-cab/chassis starts at $29,490 drive-away, while a rear tub costs just $500 extra and a higher-spec S10 version is priced $2000 higher.

From early 2018, an entry-level 4×2 single-cab/chassis will arrive priced from just $21,990 drive-away.

The new PikUp brings new exterior styling, a new six-speed manual transmission, a more powerful 103kW/330Nm 2.2-litre mHawk four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and a rugged new “no-nonsense” interior.

Four colours will be available (Artic White, De-Sat Silver, Napoli Black and Red Rage) and all prices include a five-year/100,000km limited warranty and five-year roadside assist plan.

Mahindra says the new PikUp was extensively tested in Australia, where the original model was launched a decade ago in 2007. More than 500,000 PikUps and Scorpio SUVs have been sold globally since the launch of the latter in 2002.

“We have been here in business for over a decade with a local Mahindra subsidiary and on-ground team to focus on needs and aspirations of the consumers and to build our offerings,” said Mahindra’s Head of International Operations, Joydeep Moitra.

“For the new Mahindra PikUp, a six-month test schedule was carried out in Australia and concluded in August 2017, clocking up over 80,000 local kilometres.

“This input has helped create a Mahindra PikUp perfect for local conditions. This is a testimony of our commitment to developing products for the Australian market.”

In detail, the 2018 PikUp comes with a redesigned bonnet, front bumper, headlights, fog lights and grille – the latter with more prominent Mahindra badge, black mesh inserts and, for top-sec S10 variants, a gloss black finish with subtle chrome accents. S10 models also come with LED daytime running lights.

Safety features including electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), Hill Descent Control and rollover mitigation, plus head restraints and three-point seatbelts for all occupants, are standard across the range.

ISOFIX child restraints with top-tether points and a rear step are standard on all twin-cab variants and all models score an Eaton mechanical locking differential as standard, air-conditioning, radio/CD player, side steps and new seat upholstery.

The flagship S10 4×4 Double Cab is fitted as standard with a new 6.0-inch colour touch-screen, reversing camera, Bluetooth, satellite-navigation, 16-inch alloy wheels, alloy sports bar, remote central locking, cruise control, auto headlights/wipers, automatic climate-control and multifunction steering wheel.

Genuine Mahindra options include a 2500kg-rated tow kit, aluminium trays, galvanised and colour-coded steel trays, steel bull bars, fiberglass snorkels, carpet floor mats, canvas seat covers and, from next year, a steel nudge bar and suspension lift kit.

Mahindra Australia also recently released an upgraded MY2018 version of its Genio ute, powered by a Euro 5 emissions-compliant turbo-diesel with five-speed manual.

Mahindra says the 88kW/280Nm 2.2-litre now consumes 7.5L/100km in single-cab 4×2 form (8.1L/100k as a dual-cab), which combined with a 74-litre fuel tank equates to a driving range of more than 900km.

Genio pricing starts at $21,990 drive-away (4×2 single-cab with tray) and extends to $25,490 drive-away for the 4×2 dual-cab/chassis.