Mahindra’s Pik-Up Concept Revealed With Rugged Appeal
The Mahindra Pik-Up continues to be an embodiment of what an old-fashioned bakkie should be, especially in South Africa.
And yet, pitting it against other competitive stalwarts at our annual Bakkie Wars installment, it's how it conducted itself in the realms where bakkies reign that made it stand out, courtesy of decent approach and departure angles as well as excellent levels of wheel articulation. Despite the Pik-Up's outstanding value-for-money claim, we concluded that it could benefit from some refinement.
Now, the brand has overhauled its stalwart
The Mumbai-based automaker has revealed its new Pik-Up Concept, which seeks to cater to the international market, and as far as initial impressions go, it’s stunning.
The new Pik-Up is based on the same ladder frame that underpins the capable Scorpio-N SUV and Mitsubishi Triton. Speaking of the platform, it promises to hone the new Pik-Up with optimum durability, increased crash performance, and enhanced ride and handling prowess.
In terms of design, the Mahindra Pik-Up has been designed as a versatile, robust, and stylish bakkie that will appeal to a wider range of customers. It comes with a modern and futuristic aesthetic that resembles the look of the new Scorpio-N, with LED headlights and Mahindra’s new Twin Peaks logo.
Besides the rugged design, buyers can look forward to features such as a winch, a substantial cargo area, a snorkel, two spare tyres, and a roof rack.
Mahindra hasn’t shared many details regarding the interior, but it mentions that buyers can expect a convenient interior with luxurious touches, a spacious layout with low NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) levels, a touchscreen infotainment system, semi-automatic parking, and a sunroof.
There’s no official word on powertrain figures. However, as it has always been the case with the Pik-Up and Scoprio models, we expect the Pik-Up to share its engine with the Scorpio-N, which uses a mHawk 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel with 128kW and 400Nm paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Further details should emerge in the coming months.
The setup works pretty well in the Scorpio-N with adequate power delivery. As for off-roading, we also expect the Pik-Up to share the robust 4Xplor system with the SUV which has a low-range gearbox, mechanical-locking differentials, and pre-set terrain modes.
Even in its concept form, the Pik-Up presents itself as a worthy contender in the respective body-on-frame bakkie segment that is dominated by the likes of the Ford Ranger, VW Amarok, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max, to name a few.
With this new model, Mahindra positions the Pik-Up as a lifestyle-oriented vehicle rather than a workhorse, and it will do so without compromising on quality or appearance.
Mahindra says that the new Pik-Up will arrive locally sometime in 2025.
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