There’s a new Mahindra PikUp ute coming to Australia in the second half of 2017, which will be based on the new Mahindra Scorpio wagon. The Scorpio is a mid-sized five-door wagon, which Mahindra have been making since 2002.
Mahindra’s current PikUp ute offers good off-road capability at a strong price point of $24,950. There’s an Eaton self-engaging mechanically locking rear differential, and a fairly modest 88kW/280Nm 2.2 litre diesel engine under the bonnet.
Exterior and Interior of the 2017 Mahindra Pik-Up will be same as the new Scorpio wagon, showing a sharper development over the older models. The interior, in particular, does look like a big step up over the outgoing model, with an integrated centre display and many more features.
The PikUp’s fairly modest engine output is due for an overhaul, especially for it to keep up with the competition. Mahindra’s XUV500 SUV has an updated version of the 2.2 litre ‘Mhawk’ diesel engine, with outputs bumped up to 103kW @ 3,750rpm and 330Nm available from 1,600-2,800rpm. It would make sense to see this engine configuration land under the bonnet of the new Mahindra PikUp, but we can’t confirm it yet. The 2017 PikUp would also benefit from the six-speed transmission found in the XUV500, giving some extra flexibility for the engine.
The current PikUp is one of the cheapest ways to get into a turbodiesel-powered ute, but that end of the spectrum does come with quite a bit of competition these days. The Great Wall Steed and LDV T60 utes are two examples, and Mitsubishi’s Triton ute is also quite keenly priced at GLX spec.
