Mahindra PikUp 2018 Review
Content
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 6/10
- How practical is the interior space? 6/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 6/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
- What is it like to drive? 6/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 5/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
- Verdict
- Will the low cost of entry allow you to get past the Mahindra PikUp queue? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
For years, our major car companies (Japanese, Korean, German, for example) have kept a close eye on the Chinese manufacturers, convinced, like the rest of us, that the time will come when they will blend it with the best in the world. business in terms of build quality, features and price.
But you haven't heard much about India, have you? However, all the while, Mahindra has been quietly running her trade in Australia, hiding from the radar for the past decade with her PikUp ute.
It has yet to set the sales world on fire, of course, but Mahindra believes this 2018 trick will give his rugged bike its best shot at competing with the big boys in the Australian market.
So, are they right?
| Mahindra Pik-Ap 2018: (base) | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 2.2 L turbo |
| fuel type | Diesel |
| Fuel efficiency | 8.4l / 100km |
| Landing | 5 Places |
| Price from | $17,300 |
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
Mahindra's PikUp comes in two trims - the cheaper S6, available in two- or four-wheel drive, with a cab or "bedside bath" (or pickup) chassis - and the more equipped S10, which is all-wheel drive with a flatbed body.
Pricing is at the forefront here, and Mahindra is well aware that it is trying to poach customers away from much more established brands, so as expected, the range starts at a sharp $21,990 for a single cab chassis with a manual transmission.
The cheaper S6 is available with two- or four-wheel drive, as well as a cab or "bedside bath" (or pickup) chassis.
You can get the same all wheel drive car for $26,990 or upgrade to the double cab version for $29,490. Finally, the S6 with double cab and all-wheel drive is $29,990XNUMX.
The better-equipped S10 can only come in one variant; double cab with all wheel drive and walk in shower for $31,990. These are all take-out prices too, which makes PikUp really cheap.
The S6 offers steel wheels, air conditioning, an old-fashioned letterbox stereo, cloth seats and projector headlights. The S10 model then builds on that base spec with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, navigation, central locking, climate control, and rain-sensing wipers.
Is there anything interesting about its design? 6/10
It couldn't be more blocky if it was built using Lego. As a result, it doesn't really matter which body style you choose, the PikUp Mahindra looks big, sturdy and ready to get down and dirty.
While many utes are now aiming for a car-like shape, PikUp is definitely aiming for more truck-like in its body style, looking tall and boxy from almost any angle. Think the 70 Series LandCruiser, not the SR5 HiLux.
Mahindra is similar to a truck, such as the 70 series LandCruiser.
Inside, agriculture is the flavor of the day. Front drivers sit on seats riveted to an exposed metal frame and face a sheer wall of rock-hard plastic, interrupted only by gigantic air conditioning controls and - in S10 models - a touchscreen that looks tiny in the background. Sea of plastic bulk.
How practical is the interior space? 6/10
Let's start with the numbers: expect a 2.5-tonne towing capacity with full-range brakes, and a payload capacity of around one tonne, whether you opt for a chassis with a cab or an onboard tub.
Inside, the two front seats sit on an open metal frame and you sit quite high up in the cabin. An armrest on the inside of each seat saves you having to lean on the hard plastic doors, and there's a single square cup holder between the front seats.
Inside, the two front seats sit on an open metal frame and you sit quite high up in the cabin.
There is another phone-sized storage compartment in front of the manual shifter, as well as one 12-volt power supply and a USB connection. There is no space for bottles in the front doors, although there is a narrow glovebox and sunglasses holder attached to the roof, which is covered in what looks like 1970s felt.
Oddly enough, the center column that divides the front seat is massive and leaves driver and passenger feeling cramped in the cabin. And on the rare rear seat (in double cab vehicles) there are two ISOFIX anchorage points, one in each window position.
The rare rear seat (on double cab vehicles) has two ISOFIX attachment points.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 6/10
Only the one offered here; 2.2 liter turbocharged diesel engine with 103 kW/330 Nm. It is paired only with a six-speed manual transmission that drives the rear wheels, or all four if you prefer all-wheel drive. If you do, you'll find a manual 4×4 system with reduced range and a locking rear diff.
How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
Mahindra claims 8.6 l/100 km combined for PikUp single cab and 8.8 l/100 km for double cab vehicles. Each model is equipped with an 80 liter fuel tank.
What is it like to drive? 6/10
Sure, it's just as agricultural as the XUV500 SUV, but somehow it fits the PikUp character more than the seven-seater.
So, after an admittedly short run in the double cab PikUp, we were pleasantly surprised in places. The diesel engine feels smoother and less bumpy than our previous reviewers have noted, while changing the gear ratio for the manual transmission made the shifting process much more intuitive.
Sure, it's as agricultural as the XUV500 SUV, but somehow it fits the PikUp character.
However, the steering remains downright confusing. Fairly light when turning before all the weight is about halfway through the turn. It's also excruciatingly slow, with a turning circle that makes your arms tired and makes even wider roads a three-point job.
Keep it on straight and slow roads and PikUp works just fine, but challenge it into more twisty stuff and you'll soon find some significant dynamic deficiencies (a steering wheel that jerks your hands, tires that squeal with minimal provocation, and fuzzy and convoluted steering that makes it nearly impossible to hold anything that looks like a line).
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 5/10
It's a pretty simple package, I'm afraid. Driver and passenger airbags, ABS brakes and traction control are complemented by hill descent control, and if you opt for the S10 you also get a parking camera.
Therefore, it is not surprising that when testing ANCAP in 2012, it received three below average stars (out of five).
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
PikUp is backed by a five-year/100,000km warranty (although two of the five only cover the powertrain), and service intervals have just been extended to 12 months/15,000km. While XUV500 is covered by the Limited Price Service, PikUp is not.
Verdict
Let's be honest, it's not the best in its segment on the road. For me, the seemingly deliberately confusing steering and lack of any real amenities or advanced safety tech would have ruled it out for daily driving. But the price is very attractive, and if I spent more time off-road than off-road, an all-wheel drive model would make much more sense.
Will the low cost of entry allow you to get past the Mahindra PikUp queue? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
