Automatic Mahindra Pik Up reaches SA

The Pik Up, the brand’s more feature-laden double can bakkie is now available with an automatic gearbox. South Africa is the first country in the world to receive the auto version of the Pik Up and travelled to Pretoria recently to sample it.

What else is new?

Aside from the new self-shifter, the top-of-the-range Pik Up now also receives a new front bumper and grille design as well as new headlights. There are also chrome-surround fog lamps, colour-coded mirrors with integrated indicators and inside, the touchscreen infotainment system now features a reverse camera.

The powertrain

Previously only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, the addition of a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission comes as a result of both dealer and customer demand. There is also a strong business case for an automatic in the double cab segment as we have seen a massive increase in the sale of automatic versus manual bakkies, particularly when it comes to lifestyle pick-ups.

The gearbox is paired with a 2.2-litre diesel motor which produces 103 kW and 320 N.m of torque which the brand claims will result in a combined fuel consumption figure 7.9L/100km. The towing performance is respectable too, with a braked figure of 2 500kg and a payload of around 1 000kg.

Driving Pik Up

I hopped on board the latest bakkie entrant from the Indian marque at the national media launch. Initially, things appeared strange, especially on our Karoo edition press car, which features aftermarket alloy wheels with off-road-ready tyres along with nudge and styling bars which, despite proving popular with buyers, appears to come down to personal taste. Apart from the rather unorthodox exterior design, the interior is also a mix of odd surfaces and plastics, despite offering an airy feel and acres of headroom.

My driving partner and I set off for a drive to a local off-road trail. I was immediately surprised by how well the Pik Up handled urban and open road cruising, with the new gearbox seemingly well-programmed, matching what I have always considered being a good engine. At the national limit, the Pik Up feels stable and unfussed while at lower speeds it isn’t exactly luxurious, but it is perfectly acceptable for a bakkie. I did note that our Karoo-spec test unit had heavy steering at low speeds, likely a result of the larger wheels and tyres.

Specification and safety

The S11 variant of the Pik Up is better specified than the S10 with a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. There are also niceties such as cruise control, climate control, two 12V power sockets and electric windows all round. On the safety front, the latest Pik Up is yet to go through an official crash test, however, there is ABS, traction control and dual-front airbags

Verdict

At the price point at which Mahindra has introduced the automatic variant of its Pik Up, I feel that the model should succeed. It offers many of the virtues that local bakkie buyers look for when shopping in this segment, including a degree of off-road ability, a respectable level of specification, a spacious cabin and a relatively compliant ride, all or a reasonable price.

Service plan and warranty

The Pik Up range comes with a four-year/ 120 000km warranty as well as a five-year/100 000km service plan.

Pricing

Mahindra Pik Up S6 4×2 R312 499

Mahindra Pik Up S6 4×2 Karoo R322 499

Mahindra Pik Up S6 4×4 R342 499

Mahindra Pik Up S6 4×4 Karoo R352 499

Mahindra Pik Up S10 4×2 R347 499

Mahindra Pik Up S10 4×2 Karoo R352 499

Mahindra Pik Up S10 4×4 R377 499

Mahindra Pik Up S10 4×4 Karoo R382 499

Mahindra Pik Up S11 AT 4×2 R384 999

Mahindra Pik Up S11 4×2 Karoo AT R399 999

Mahindra Pik Up S11 AT 4×4 R414 999

Mahindra Pik Up S11 4×4 Karoo AT R429 999