Mahindra Pik-Up 2008

Last year, the general feeling was that this time the jig was ready for Korea, which would be forced to retreat in order for Mahindra to become the importer of the cheapest XNUMXxXNUMXs and SUVs.

But today, Mahindra is still little known in Australia, and their Scorpion SUV has yet to make it to our shores. However, they can claim to make the cheapest model available here, the Pik-Up.

OPTIONS AND ACTUATORS

The Pik-Up is available in two single cab variants and two double cab variants, one of which was our test vehicle. All models are powered by a four-cylinder 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine that on paper produces a meager 79kW at 3800rpm, but ample torque of 247Nm at 1800-2200rpm, which is sent to the wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Transmission.

For off-road versions, an automatic front hub lock system is provided, a true dual-range transfer car, with partial all-wheel drive and the ability to switch to an increased four on the fly.

PERFORMANCE

With a one ton payload for a 1489 x 1520 x 550 cargo area and 2.5 tons of towing capacity, the Pik-Up competes well with the more expensive vehicles in its class.

EXTERIOR

For a car of this size - more than five meters long and almost two meters high and wide - it clearly lacks shallow corners, which makes it even larger than it is (if that's even possible) and gives it a sharp, boxy look. somewhat awkward look. But the cargo area is big and deep, and promises to handle a lot of weekday tools or weekend toys.

INTERIOR

The style of the interior is simple and mostly dark grey, with the main style featuring two large almond eye shaped vents that may have fallen off the alien costume in the Bollywood wardrobe department. There's no real sense of style here, and it's no wonder they didn't include interior shots in the brochure.

But the front seats are supportive, and there's enough room in the back for two average-sized adults to sit comfortably without the fear of giving driver or passenger an impromptu Swedish massage.

There's also quite a bit of storage space scattered around - cup holders, door baskets and the like - though the central location doesn't allow for a basket with a lid that could double as an armrest.

But the main drawback is that the steering only has tilt change, which made it difficult to find the right driving position without the ability to adjust the reach on the column.

EQUIPMENT

The standard list includes all the usual power windows, plus an alarm, immobilizer, fog lights, headlights with a delay off and footboards.

The audio system is CD/MP3 compatible, has USB and SD card ports, and an iPod connector. It also comes with a remote control that may initially satisfy the desire for novelty in a conventional vehicle, but will likely soon get lost and/or become the catalyst for endless arguments between kids.

live with him

Pincott says

In urban areas, the Mahindra's size makes you a much more careful driver. You are very aware of how close you are to walls, bollards and other vehicles when parking or driving in multiple lanes.

But that size also allows for plenty of usable interior space, and a startlingly high roof that agents pointed out would easily fit a head in an Akubra hat. And such a feature is likely to be one of the main keys to Mahindra's sales here. Of course, you can use it in the city for leisure or household chores. But its natural habitat is jobs and farms.

The luggage compartment is huge, which will appeal to anyone who has to haul a large amount of tools or cargo, and at the same time, you can easily imagine a jet ski, motocross or a family of bikes there.

The finishes are utilitarian and there is no point in pretending that the surfaces are made of prestigious materials. But it's well-equipped, and touches like the USB interface and remote control are not only new, but can add to the safety factor by keeping the driver's hands on the wheel when the family is on board.

The diesel engine sounds very agricultural, especially at idle, but there was no shortage of effort to rock the car - though we didn't get a chance to load it up. The shift action on the long-travel shifter is also simple. But in the end, it's more of a light commercial vehicle than a passenger car. And one that is priced and equipped to attract the market.

BOTTOM LINE: 7.4/10

Wigli says

The Pik-Up has good visibility for its size and looks like a solid car for the money. There are no noticeable knocks, but road noise is a bit louder, penetrating through the cabin floor from the tires. The side mirrors also catch the wind, and on the track it becomes difficult to carry on a conversation without repeating yourself.

The engine won't get you going at speed, but it will do its job enough and you won't have to want more.

While shifting was light and smooth overall, we did have a few crunches as we shifted into third. The long shift lever gave the car a rustic feel—like driving a tractor on grandpa's farm—but in a good way.

The steering was responsive and precise, but on rare occasions the front wheels squealed when taking off from an incline and tended to bleat when cornering too fast.

But in general, the ride was pleasantly surprised - smooth, responsive and comfortable.

Pik-Up does not pin its hopes on style. But the positive you get out of it is the calm reassurance that the important things — engine, ride and handling, cargo capacity and towing ability — that should really matter in a car like this, are a bargain.

For a basic utilitarian workhorse, it competes well with other cars in its class and is cheap. It doesn't have to be attractive, but it definitely can't hurt.

BOTTOM LINE: 6.9/10

halligan says

It was hard not to notice the bulky Mahindra in the parking lot. My initial impression is utilitarian and spacious. It reminded me of Benz's G-Class years ago, before they became fashionable and entered the upscale market. Getting out of the car park, which is admittedly more like a rabbit hole than most, I thought I was going to pull out some fire sprinklers. This thing is tall.

I had to take two bites in the convention, proving the steering lock isn't too generous, but again, I suspect no worse than any of its competitors.

I've often wondered why the hell anyone would want to drive a four-wheel drive car around the city - or, for that matter, the suburbs. Running up the tall, wide Mahindra has shown that one of the attractions is that you can look down on others, which gives you a wonderful – but false – sense of security.

The diesel accelerates well, torque feels good, and it rides well. It's a 4-door XNUMXxXNUMX and I drive it like I do everything else, like it's a sports car. Handles fine.

Acceleration has shown what can be squeezed out of 79 kW is simply amazing. Ute is doing well, and if my mind begins to wander, I must make a concerted effort to slow down.

Even with the window down, not much wind, but quite a lot from the heating system. But then again, this thing is basically a truck.

It's comfortable enough that the seats haven't given me any trouble, although - again, like in a truck - I sit much more upright than I'd like.

My wife likes XNUMXxXNUMXs because she feels safe in them. I feel the opposite. More room for headbutts, more time for your head to accelerate before it hits anything, and less engineering effort.

Overall, the Pik-Up is competent, nothing to complain about except for a little understeer in fast corners, and the tail is a bit prone to drift when cornering too fast in a tight corner. But it had more to do with the fact that I was driving outside of the car's normal range.

It serves its purpose well, but that purpose is specific. This is a traditional work vehicle that can sometimes be used to transport the family around the area.

However, I wouldn't buy it for the same reason I wouldn't buy a Hi-Lux, Navarra, Patrol, Landcruiser, I don't feel safe in them and worry about the damage they might cause to others.

But if you are looking for a workhorse, I would definitely include it in your research list.

BOTTOM LINE: 7.1/10