Mahindra Pik-Up Reviews

Mahindra's evergreen Pik-Up dual cab ute is a tough, budget-friendly workhorse, particularly popular in rural areas. And now for the first time since its arrival back in 2007 it's available with an auto transmission. Is it a better bet than a Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux?

The Mahindra Group is a $20 billion Indian conglomerate based in Mumbai. It consists of more than 150 companies and has an expansive global reach across 22 different industries in more than 100 countries. Its diverse operations include aerospace, construction/farm/industrial equipment, defence, energy, IT, logistics, real estate and many more.

The S10 is the best-equipped of the Mahindra PikUp family, sitting above only the S6 in the two-model range.

The S6 is the cheapest way into a Mahindra PikUp, sitting below the better-equipped S10 in the two-tier line-up.

The Mahindra PikUp is a no-frills work truck designed for those who value hard-working function over flashy styling form. It's tough and simple, but the standard spec is close to bare bones.

Indian brand Mahindra started the trend with a modest range of utes a couple of years ago. Now China's Great Wall Motors has set-up shop on our shores.

If looks count for anything when buying a work ute, Mahindra could be on a winner with its Pik-Up

The general feeling last year was that this time the jig was up for Korea, which would be forced to step aside for Mahindra to become importer of the cheapest 4x4s and SUVs.But today Mahindra still remains largely unknown in Australia, and their Scorpion SUV is yet to reach our shores. However they can claim to produce the cheapest ute available here – the Pik-Up.VARIANTS AND DRIVETRAINS The Pik-Up is available in two single cab and two dual cab variants, one of which was our test car. All models are powered by a four cylinder 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine that develops what on paper seems to be a minuscule 79kW at 3800rpm but an adequate 247Nm of torque at 1800-2200rpm, which gets to the wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.For offroad versions, there is an automatic locking system for the front hubs, a genuine dual range transfer car, with part-time four-wheel drive and the ability to switch to high-four `on the fly’.WORK CAPACITY With a one tonne payload for the 1489 x 1520 x 550 cargo box and a 2.5 tonne towing capacity, the Pik-Up competes well with more expensive vehicles in its class.EXTERIOR For a car this size – at over five metres long and nearly two metres high and wide – it has a distinct lack of gentle angles, making look even bigger than it is (if that’s at all possible) and giving it a harsh, boxy, somewhat ungainly appearance. But the cargo tray is large and deep, and promises to cope with large amounts of either weekday tools or weekend toys.INTERIOR The interior styling is basic and mostly dark greys, with the main styling feature two large almond-eye shaped vents that might have fallen off an alien costume in the Bollywood wardrobe department. There’s no real sense of style, and it’s no surprise they left interior shots out of the brochure.But the front seats are supportive and there’s sufficient room in the back for two medium-sized adults to sit comfortably without fear of giving the driver or passenger an impromptu Swedish massage.There’s also quite a bit of storage space scattered around – cupholders, door bins and the like – although the centre arrangement doesn’t allow for a lidded bin that can become an armrest.But the main lack is that the steering is tilt-change only, which made finding the right driving position difficult without the benefit of reach adjustment on the column.EQUIPMENTThe standard list includes all the usual powered bits, plus alarm, immobiliser, foglights, delayed shut-off headlights and side steps.The audio system is CD/MP3 compatible with USB and SD card ports and an ipod jack. It also comes with a remote control which may initially satisfy a desire for novelty in an otherwise plain vehicle, but will probably soon get lost and/or become the catalyst of endless bickering among the kids.LIVING WITH IT Pincott says In urban areas, the Mahindra’s size turns you into a far more careful driver. You become very aware of how close you are to walls, bollards and other cars when parking or in multiple lanes.But this size also makes for a lot of usable interior room, and a startlingly high roof that the agents pointed out would easily accommodate an Akubra-hatted head. And that kind of feature will probably be one of the main keys to Mahindra sales here. Sure, you can use it around town for leisure or household chores. But it’s natural habitat is the worksite and the farm.The load area is massive, which will be attractive to anybody who has to lug a large amount of tools or cargo – and at the same time you could easily picture a jetski, motocrosser or family of bicycles in there.The fit-out is utilitarian, and there’s no point in pretending that the surfaces are prestige materials. But it’s well equipped, and touches like the USB interface and remote control are not only novel 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 lack of effort to push the ute around – albeit we didn’t get the chance to load it up. The shift action on the long throw gear lever is likewise unsophisticated. But at the end of the day, this is a light commercial vehicle rather than a passenger car. And one that is priced and equipped to attract the market.VERDICT: 7.4/10Wigley says The Pik-Up has good visibility for its size and feels like a substantial car for the money. There are no noticeable rattles but road noise is a little loud coming in through the cabin floor from the tyres. The side mirrors also catch the wind and on the freeway, it becomes difficult to hold a conversation without repeating yourself.The engine won’t get you around at speed but it will do the job sufficiently without you having to want for too much more.Although the gear changes were generally easy and smooth, we did have a few crunches dropping down to third. The long gear stick gave the car a rural quality – like driving the tractor at grandads farm – but in a good way.Steering was responsive and true but on the odd occasion, the front wheels yelped on take off from an incline, and tended to bleat if cornering too fast.Generally though, the drive was a pleasant surprise – smooth, responsive and comfortable.The Pik-Up doesn’t pin its hopes of success on styling. But the positive you take from that is a quiet confidence that the important stuff — the engine, the ride and handling, the payload and towing capability — that really should matter in a car like this, is a bargain for the outlay.For a basic workhorse utility, it competes respectably with other vehicles in its class and it’s cheap. It doesn’t need to be attractive but it certainly wouldn’t hurt.VERDICT: 6.9/10Halligan says It was hard to miss the Mahindra’s bulk in the car park. My initial impression — utilitarian and spacious. It reminded me of a G-Class Benz from many years ago, before they became trendy and moved upmarket. Navigating my way out of the car park, which admittedly is more of a rabbit warren than most, I thought I was going to take out a few fire sprinklers. This thing is tall.I had to take two bites at the exit ramp, proving that the steering lock is not overly generous but then again I suspect no worse than any of its competitors.I’ve often wondered why the hell anyone would want to drive a 4wd in the city — or the burbs for that matter. A run in the high and wide Mahindra revealed one of the attractions is that you can look down at others, giving you a wonderful — but false — sense of security.The diesel accelerates well, torque seems good and it tracks well. It a 4 door, 4WD tradies’ ute and I’m driving it the same way I drive everything else, as if it’s a sportscar. It’s coping OK.Accelerating showed it’s amazing what you can get out of 79kw. The ute feels fine and if my mind starts to wander I have to make a concerted effort to keep my speed down.There’s not a great deal of wind rush even with the window down, but quite a bit coming from the heating system. But then again, this thing is basically a truck.It’s comfortable enough, and the seats didn’t give me a hard time although — again trucklike — it has me sitting much more upright than I like to be.My wife likes 4WDs because she feels safe in them. I feel the opposite. More room to hit your head with more time for your head to accelerate before it touches anything — and less effort in design from the engineers.Overall, the Pik-Up is competent, nothing bad to report except a little understeer on fast curves and the tail is a little prone to move out when taking a tight intersection turn too quickly. But this was more to do with my driving outside of the normal envelope of the vehicle.It fits its purpose well, but that purpose is specific. It’s a tradies’ work vehicle that can be used on occasions to transport the family around locally.I wouldn’t buy one however for the same reason I wouldn’t buy a Hi-Lux, Navarra, Patrol, Landcruiser, I don’t feel safe in them and I worry about how much damage they can inflict on others.But if you are in the market for a workhorse I would definitely put it on your research list.VERDICT: 7.1/10 

The Pik-Up ute is the Indian company's first crack at the Aussie market; it may be flawed but between you and me, it's not that bad.Our test vehicle was the top of the range 4x4 dual cab ute priced from $29,990. That's $3000 less than its nearest competitor, SsangYong's Actyon Sports and $8000 clear of its cheapest Japanese rival, that is if you don't count Musso which is in the final stages of run-out.But, for a clearer picture, you really need to study the specification and equipment lists for both vehicles.The Pik-Up comes with a three-year, 100,000km warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance for the first 12 months. Like all of Mahindra's utes (4x2 and single cab versions are also available) the Pik-Up is powered by a four-cylinder 2.5-litre common rail, intercooled turbo diesel.It's an in-house design developed in conjunction with Austrian powertrain engineers AVL. The diesel delivers 79kW of power and 247Nm of torque from a low 1800rpm and meets Euro IV emission standards.Fuel economy from the 80-litre tank is rated at 9.9 litres/100km. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, however auto is not available.The Pik-Up is targeted at the lower end of the market: farmers, tradies and the like who want a low-cost vehicle they can run into the ground.The all-important tub on the back is a good-sized one, measuring 1489mm long, 1520mm wide and 550mm deep (measured inside). With independent front suspension and leaf springs under the back, it's capable of carrying a one-tonne payload and has a braked trailer rating of 2500kg.The Pik-Up features a part-time four-wheel drive system and cannot be driven on dry bitumen with four-wheel drive engaged.A limited-slip rear diff is standard. For slippery surfaces four-wheel drive can be engaged on the fly via a rotary knob located between the front seats, with auto-locking front front hubs. Although we found the transmission in our test vehicle notchy at times, the Pik-Up is reasonably easy to drive, provided you don't try to hurry things along.Keeping up with the traffic is no problem and it cruises easily on the motorway at 110km/h. Having said that, the ute's turning circle is terrible and we note it is fitted with rear drums, as well as missing out on anti-lock brakes. It also misses out on airbags and the centre rear passenger is relegated to lap-style seatbelt.Although the vehicle is fitted with power windows, the exterior mirrors must be adjusted manually (we'd gladly swap one for the other).Off-road, the Pik-Up is blessed with 210mm of ground clearance and a very low, 'crawler' first gear.Suffice to say it navigated our favourite fire trail without too much trouble, limited mainly by a lack of traction from the tyres.We'd rate it as a medium-duty four-wheel drive. As for reliability, only time will tell.Standard gear includes air, keyless entry and a Kenwood sound system with USB and SD card ports. Side steps, front and rear 12-volt power outlets and an alarm are also fitted, but alloys are extra. A full-size spare is under the rear.

It's the sort of gamble a pure numbers man would dismiss out of hand, but Michael Tynan is made of more adventurous stuff. "I am glad our financial controller is not here to hear this, but I reckon we have put in about $5 million" Tynan, head of the family-run Tynan Motors and TMI Pacific, said this week at the launch of the Indian-manufactured Mahindra Pik-Up.The bet is that TMI can convince enough buyers that the one-tonner from the Sub-Continent is a good fit in the Aussie landscape. The pay-off is a footprint in the highly-competitive Australian new car market and a place in industry folklore.There may even be a dollar or two in it."It's not a spur-of-the-moment thing," Tynan says. "It has been talked about, tested, prodded and poked for a couple of years now."Rob (Lowe, a Tynan Group executive) was on a private trip heading for Kenya and I asked him to drop in to Mahindra and take a look at the cars."He called and told me I had better get over there as these things were pretty good and there could be an opportunity for us ... and it went from there."The culmination of the program - and the first test of whether the gamble is likely to pay off — was the launch this week of four Pik-Up derivatives, a single and dual cab in both 2x4 and 4x4. Cab-chassis models with the option of any rear configuration are expected to be available within months.With a three-year, 100,000km warranty and 12 months' roadside assist - and starting at $23,990 for the single cab 4x2 through to $29,990 for the dual-cab 4x4 - the Pik-Up is certainly priced to grab attention.But don't call it cheap."We knew what we were getting ... we did not want a pretty vehicle, and we wanted it not to be the cheapest," Tynan says."That's somewhere you don't want to go" but we wanted it to be the best value and the most reliable.""We have had Pik-Ups in Australia for some time with farmers and other rural people."Essentially we just told them to take the cars away and do with them whatever they would do normally - basically, go away and break them - 12,000km later they came back with a few dog and kangaroo marks but nothing else. Not a hint of a problem and nothing fell off."It is that ruggedness, the apparent acceptance of the utes by those who use them hardest, and the competitive price, that TMI hopes can overcome a disastrous previous visit by Mahindra to the Australian market. Of that foray, Mahindra automotive sector president Dr Pawan Goenka concedes: “That was a mistake."The timing was wrong and we were not well informed about the market."This time is very different. We have done our homework and, with our partners TMI, considered carefully the market we are going into. We are well aware that in selling our products outside India the perceptions people may have is about the quality."With that in mind we — and most other Indian companies — have concentrated on the quality of our product, both in the engineering and production."Dr Goenka says although the Pik-Up is rated a one-tonner for Australia the car is actually engineered for an Indian tonne. "They are loaded until the suspension almost touches the ground, at least two tonnes," he says. The Pik-Up shares many of its components with India's most popular SUV, the Scorpio. The commonality ends only at the B-pillar, with some changes to the floor pan to accommodate the load tray and the use of a leaf-spring rear suspension.The power plant is a 2.5-litre commonrail turbo diesel with a modest 79kW@3800rpm and a narrow peak torque band of 247Nm between 1800-2200rpm.In the domestic market, the engine is a 2.6-litre unit but the stroke has been shortened to keep it under 2.5-litres for export markets, particularly Europe.Drive is through a clunky five-speed manual — a six-speed DSI-developed automatic will be available early next year.Standard across the range is power steering, limited-slip differentials, steel side steps, foglights and, on the 4x4 variants, automatic locking hubs and electric-shift 4x4 activation for the two-speed Borg-Warner transfer case.It features a 1:1 high-range ratio and a 1:2.48 low-range with sufficient ground clearance to make it a useful off-roader.The electric shift function is on-the-fly from 2WD to 4WD high, but requires stopping to go to low range and back and then back to 2WD - including the need to reverse a metre or two to disengage the hubs. The Mahindra Pik-Up is not going to win any beauty contests. Its look could best be described as functional industrial - if a little dated.The high, square-cab design means plenty of headroom front and rear but the cabin is narrow with minimal shoulder room. Interior trim is from the school of inoffensive cloth, mid-range plastics and a carbon-fibre print for the centre console.Standard features include air-conditioning, power windows, remote central locking, a Kenwood AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system that has USB and SD card ports, an alarm, immobiliser, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, driver's footrest, front/rear window demisters and front/rear 12-volt outlets.What is missing, at least until September, are airbags and an ABS system for the disc/drum brakes. However, the seats are firm and a little too flat but not uncomfortable.Noise, vibration and harshness levels are surprisingly good and the build quality, at least from the two cars we drove, worthy of comment. Broken fire trails, steep inclines and rutted rocky sections produced not a single rattle or squeak in an unladen truck.The engine drives better than raw figures suggest. The narrow torque spread calls for some concentration if you don't want to slam up and down the gears, but it managed difficult sections without undue fuss.Throttle actuation isn't precise but that's an advantage in low-range on broken ground. TMI hopes to sell 600 Pik-Ups this year from 15 NSW outlets before going nationwide.