Okay, the Mahindra Pik-Up isn’t completely new to the local auto scene (having arrived in 2007), but our road testing is, so when TMI offered me a Pik-Up for a week, I was happy to accept the keys. The fact that I was moving house had absolutely nothing to do with it... at all.

I must confess to an unnatural interest in Indian and Chinese auto manufacturers. The coming years will see them become a part of the Australian automotive landscape and a close-up look at their products is a fascinating proposition.

Mahindra is an Indian manufacturer that started out assembling Willys Jeeps in the last year of WW2. From that inauspicious start, the company has grown to the point where it is now one of the world’s largest tractor manufacturers and, at one stage last year, was teaming up with Tata to buy Jaguar and Land Rover. Mahindra’s specialty is rugged and tough working vehicles.

The Pik-Up is the ‘second coming’ for Mahindra, who first tried to break into the Australian market with their Bushranger and Stockman 4x4's back in 1990 – they lasted three years. This time around, according to their Australian importation company, TMI Pacific, they are here to stay.

The Pik-Up on test was the 4x4 double cab, which was driven with some verve out of the dealer’s workshop to screech to a halt in front of me - wearing the plates PIKUP3. The driver handed me the keys and a warning: “She’s a chick magnet mate!” Righteo then.

The pre-flight inspection revealed what looked like a ruggedly built 4x4, with distinctive if somewhat dubious looks. Think Russian utilitarianism, made in India. The design is basic but sturdy; with a double-walled tray and reasonable panel fit and finish, you get the feeling that the Pik-Up will take a bit of punishment.

The 4x4 double-cab on test retails for a rock bottom $29,990 and for that you get a comfortable if patchy interior, air-conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, a Kenwood MP3 stereo with iPod jack, rotary switch selectable 4WD engagement and automatic locking front hubs.

The cabin and tray area are both well-sized and the Pik-Up sports a set of comfy seats for both front and rear occupants. If you are familiar with Japanese manufacturers’ offerings in the dual-cab ute segment (mostly made in Malaysia these days) then the interior quality of the Pik-Up will be a let down. There are plenty of rough edges to the plastic, and some poorly fitting trim pieces - but it all works and nothing fell off or broke in my week behind the wheel.

Motor vehicles in general have improved immensely over the last decade and occupant safety is a particular area that has improved in leaps and bounds. Unfortunately, the Pik-Up appears to be a good 10 years or more behind the eight-ball in this regard and ANCAP crash-testing has seen the Pik-Up score a lowly two stars. There are no airbags and ABS brakes are optional, but TMI Australia has advised that both driver and passenger airbags will become available sometime in 2008.

I’ve somewhat unwittingly covered the Pik-Up’s major downsides early in the piece - safety, quality and looks - but that’s not to say that the Pik-Up doesn’t have its charms. You have to view this vehicle with one eye firmly fixed on the price. Remember, for $29,990 you are getting a rugged, roomy and comfortable 4x4 diesel twin-cab ute.

All Pik-Up variants are fitted with the same modern 2.5-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine producing 79kW and 247Nm between 1800 and 2200 rpm. It might be light on kilowatts but its packing some handy torque low in the rev range and punting the Mahindra around town is a cinch.

The only gearbox available in the Pik-Up range, a five speed manual, is relatively friendly, on occasion needing a little more effort than normal to coax it out of third gear, but on the whole it was an easy drive. Arguably, the Triton is the class leader for ride in this segment, yet the Pik-Up can hold its head high, with an impressive ride quality given its ‘truck-like’ origins. Sure, it will get a little ruffled on mid-corner bumps, and undulating roads will set-up some bounciness in the rear, but on the whole it handled suburban work quite comfortably.

Most road tests of the Pik-Up 4X4 have concentrated on its off-road ability, but where I see the Pik-Up making real sense is with tradies and contractors. Why spend $45,000+ for a Triton, Navara or HiLux just to belt it around on the job, when a rough and tumble Pik-Up will handle it all and leave a sizeable chunk of change?

The Pik-Up will handle a muddy building site with ease and carry just as much as the competition, but when the apprentice runs it into the cement mixer (and you know he will) you can simply shrug it off, after clipping him behind the ear of course. It would be a different story if it was your metallic red $50k+ HiLux.

So with visions of the Pik-Up cutting it as an urban workhorse, I hitched up the trailer, stacked it high (did I mention I was moving?) and hit the road hauling a load.

The Pik-Up handled the trip with relative ease. The 2.5-litre diesel took the load in its stride, the clutch didn’t complain, the brakes were strong under load, in fact the whole experience was fuss free. No, it doesn’t have the power or torque reserves of a Triton, HiLux or Navara diesel but it got the job done. What it lacks in looks, it makes up for with a big heart and a willing attitude.

One aspect of Pik-Up driving that takes a little getting used to, is the attention that you’ll attract. Everyone looks at the Pik-Up. Some point and laugh but most are just curious. One of the Caterpillar drivers at the tip even shut down his rig and spent 15 minutes talking to me about the Pik-Up. He thought it was made in China, an indication that TMI Pacific still has a way to go in getting the Mahindra message out into the heartland.

Driving the Pik-Up around town and on the highway for a week revealed little in the way of faults. It’s as easy to drive in traffic as any of the manual diesel twin-cabs on the market. Highway work revealed an excess of road and engine noise but nothing that would be a deal breaker, given the price. It handled 100km/h plus highway work with plenty in reserve and the front pews proved themselves to be quite comfortable. In this regard they are superior to those found in the Triton.

A couple of hours spent tooling along corrugated dirt roads reassured that the Pik-Up is a solid platform. The lads in the TMR chase car (the SS-V Sportwagon) noticed the side panels of the ute tray getting a wobble up, but the Pik-Up felt solid, with no noticeable rattles or vibrations making themselves evident inside the cabin.

Off the road, and while we didn’t do any serious 4-wheel-driving, the Pik-Up proved that its combination of good ground clearance and low front overhang would see it make a good fist of some tough situations.

It would be easy to jump into a review of the Pik-Up and be overly negative, perhaps a little sensationalist even, but that would be selling this particular truck short. And sure, many will compare it to the Japanese utes (I’m guilty of that in this very review) but the reality is that the Mahindra is re-blazing a trail, a trail that the Japanese manufacturers left some time ago – simple, honest, rugged, cheap and built for work.

Now, I can honestly say that I enjoyed my time with the Pik-Up. But that aside, buyers as they always do, are going to weigh up the pros and the cons before driving the Pik-Up off the dealer’s lot. It has a lot to offer, but to really succeed it will need a reputation for reliability and readily available parts. The reliability will be proven over time; the strength of the dealer network and parts supply is in the hands of TMI Pacific and will no doubt be improving as they expand across Australia.

A 2-star ANCAP crash test score and no airbags is unforgiveable in this day and age but, again, that is a criticism that is in part being rectified with the fitment of airbags later this year.

We all know that Australians like their cars to be lookers – a lesson Ford learnt the hard way with the AU Falcon – and the Pik-Up does challenge the average Aussie’s sense of style. Re-sale values are anyone’s guess and are always a factor for the switched on purchaser.

It feels robust and, with Mahindra’s reputation for building rugged, reliable machinery, there is no reason to question the Pik-Up as a long term proposition. Of course, some buyers will prefer to wait until it's had a chance to bed itself into the market and demonstrate its worth as a willing, reliable, no-nonsense work-horse.

Our week with the Pik-Up satisfied us that it is worth a good hard look.

If you’re in the market for a basic, tough workhorse, to punish at work or on the trails, and at a price that won’t scare the accountant, then the Pik-Up is not a bad drive at all and could well fill the bill.

The Last Word

• Honest ruggedness
• Comfortable interior
• Diesel fuel economy
• The price
• The drive
• The oddball styling

• The oddball styling
• Front airbags should be standard
• Only a 2-star ANCAP rating
• ABS should be standard

Price as tested

Mahindra Pik-Up 2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Double Cab 4x4 - $ 29,990 (RRP Inc GST)

Standard Equipment

• Common rail turbo diesel engine (CRDe)
• Automatic locking hubs on 4x4s
• Limited slip differential
• Electric shift 4WD
• Power steering
• Tilt steering wheel
• Power windows
• Air Conditioning
• Front and rear interior 12v accessory points fitted
• Utility spaces indoor trim (Map pocket, cup & mobile holder)
• Rear demister
• Kenwood stereo + SD/USB/MP3/CD player with remote wireless tuner
• Cab protector
• Steel side step
• Alloy wheels optional
• Metallic paint standard (excluding Diamond White & Arctic White)
• 180 degree tail gate opening
• Large size steel tray
• Remote locking
• Fog lights

Specifications

Pik-Up Dual Cab/Single Cab CRDe Turbo

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• reply ” like !

  

  Marc says,
  4 years ago

  Um...yeah...okay. Glad you enjoyed your week in it.
  
  But how about road testing something we actually want to read about.
  
  Like a BMW, Porsche, or Aston. Hell, even that new Jag, or a Evo X or something.
• reply ” like !

  

  Carl says,
  4 years ago

  I totally agree and would like to see many more reviews of regular cars that might be bought by every day people!
  
  We have enough reviews of super cars on Top Gear other than for entertainment value they are pretty much useless to normal folk.....good on you at The Motor Report and keep it up!!!!
• reply ” like !

  

  PaulB says,
  4 years ago

  I tend to agree with Marc on this one.
  
  Mahindra Pickups aren't exactly an every day car, are they now? I haven't seen one yet on the road. People I talk to aren't even interested in them either.
  
  So if you're going down the "everyday" path, then why not Peugeots, Volkswagens, Hyundais, Kias, etc.
  
  And as for new brands, road test the Skodas. They're supposed to be quite good.
• reply ” like !

  

  Daniel McCoey says,
  4 years ago

  Keep on doing what you are doing TMR!
  
  Driving a car that obviously is a world beater is an easy and enjoyable part of a Motoring Journalists week. But to drive something you may already have an opinion, feeling or bad suspicion about is much harder, especially when by all reports and that 'gut' feeling you have in your stomach says that this car is going to be a dog! You just know you are in for a long week.
  
  TMR has the keys to the press fleet and within that fleet are all sorts of cars, some we all would be happy to call our own, and others still, you wouldn’t wish on an enemy. And it’s for this reason I take my hat off to Steane, as driving a Mahindra for a full week rather than drive something you would aspire too is one full week Steane will never get back! But that’s not where my praise stops for Steane.
  
  To give you some insight, Test Driving a car and then having to give it a fair review all the while keeping your readers entertained is not an easy proposition, but when the subject matter is as basic and un-inspiring as the kiddies slide at a McDonalds like in the case of the Mahindra, it multiplies the difficulty in getting a good result. To use an Olympic term, the Mahindra is the equivalent to the reverse triple summersault with a two and half twist in the pike position in difficulty.
  
  It’s for this reason I can only applaud Steane for taking his time to give the readers his verdict on the little Indian.
• reply ” like !

  

  Andy Wana says,
  4 years ago

  I am with Daniel McCoey on this.
  Beats the usual Ford and Holden coverage any day (i.e. Wheels and Motor anyone?)
  
  TMR, keep up the wonderful road test reviews and articles.
  
  On a different note, I'd like to see how long the Ford/Holden cover page streaks will go on on the Wheel/Motor mags.
• reply ” like !

  

  Patrick Bowtell says,
  4 years ago

  Well done review.All like to read about Lambos,M3s and Astons but feedback on what most of us are likely to purchase makes sense.Plenty of Triton Hiluxs and BT50s in the supermarket carpark but can't recall ever seeing too many DB9s or Scagliettis tucked in amongst the shopping trolleys.
• reply ” like !

  

  david hughes says,
  3 years ago

  so for the people with closed minds to new things
  i own a mahindra pik-up and am very happy with my curry puff express
  it was purchased on the basis that i could not afford a japanese dual cab ute that had what the pik-up had to offer for the price
  10000 km on the clock and nothing has fallen off or given up the ghost
  i just hope that mahindra does make it in the sales competition here in australia as i for one would put my hand up to buy another mahindra vehicle in the future
  fair go give the indian ute a fair go not a closed minded idiot attitude
  • reply ” like !

    

    Alex Grant says,
    3 years ago

    I also have purchased a Mahindra not only on price but it's 4x4 ability.Having test driven all of the so called Jap utes(built in numerious asian countries)I found the Mahindra to be the one with the best view of the road from the driving position.It is one of the few vehicles where I can drive it for hours and not become a cripple from back ache.It is what it was designed as, a no nonsense 4x4 with a good ground clearance and good low gearing unlike the others on the market that have been built for the weekend tourist who wants speed and comfort.Am not interested in looks but the ability to go places where an old landy would go.At nearly 13k per litre I am happy to David.
• reply ” like !

  

  David Whitehead says,
  3 years ago

  Well, I just bought a single cab Mahindra 4 x 4 ute and I'm also the proud owner of a Skoda vRS wagon. Both are sensational vehicles.
  
  The Mahindra has been with me for only a short time, 2 weeks thus far and a lot of the comments in this review and others are true.
  
  Yes it is ugly, yes the interior is crap. But, thus far it has proved very capable. It has 2000km on it in that short time. It has had a tonne in the back for a 130km trip in the Blue Mountains which it handled faultlessly, it gets great fuel economy and nothing has yet broken or fallen off.
  
  The only worry I have is the general perception that it's longevity is not what it might be, and the importer stops importing.
  
  I think that this vehicle has what it takes so far.
• reply ” like !

  

  Vikram Rao says,
  3 years ago

  To David Whitehead, ease up your worries, think of it this way, if it can last on Indian roads, then OZ farmlands should be a breeze. They are relatively easy to fix and pretty much indestructible, not to mention cheap as chips if something were to break down. The Indian versions of the pick up seem to be doing pretty well and are considered pretty reliable.
• reply ” like !

  

  David Whitehead says,
  3 years ago

  Update:
  
  To Vikram Rao
  
  I am not a farmer, but an electrical contractor.
  
  My Mahindra 4 x 4 single cab now has 10,000 km up and is still going well.
  
  Problems so far:
  
  1) CD player will not play or even allow a CD to enter the whole way.
  
  It may have been like this from day 1. I tend to use the USB input. My daughter discovered this fault.
  
  2) Instrument cluster has somehow moved forward approximately 10 mm in the dash toward the front of the vehicle.
  
  3) Stereo unit tends to turn itself off when vehicle interior is hot.
  
  Aside from these rather minor items. All is well!
• reply ” like !

  

  Vikram Rao says,
  3 years ago

  Good Im glad, that the problems are small and insignificant, Im hoping in another 10-15 years Mahindra and the other Indian giant Tata will make giant leaps forward like Hyundai and Kia have made.
• reply ” like !

  

  David Whitehead says,
  3 years ago

  I too hope they become a little more "mainstream". It is currently a 100 km return trip to get oil filters from the closest dealer!
  
  I live in the biggest city in Australia!
• reply ” like !

  

  Vikram Rao says,
  3 years ago

  Oucho McGroucho !! that does suck and yes I do hope they become more mainstream. Mahindra is looking to enter the US market and from what I see here, it is ripe for small frugal pick ups and SUV'S. Mahindra is banking on the Indian community here to be its main buyers, not to mention it is the 4th largest tractor manufacturer here in the States. I wouldnt mind buying a Scorpio, which is the SUV version of the pick up, but I do not want to have to drive down to their base in Georgia from New York City, to get oil filters.
• reply ” like !

  

  Keepleft says,
  3 years ago

  Observation:
  
  Mahindra Pik-Ups et al in AUS market trim have the safety of a rear fog light, AND carry a "hazard-warning triangle" to European/UN specification (for vehicle break-downs and crash scenes). The triangle is located under the rear seat trim area typically.
  
  When adding a 'tradies tray', ensure the coach builder re-installs the factory supplied rear fog lamp; seen a few of these trays around and it seems the constructors keep (steal?) the right side individual rear fog lamp, leaving a fully working rear fog ISO switch and tell-tale, but no lamp!
  
  Not a fault of Mahindra, but 'dumb' aftermarket people with limited brainpower.
  
  12 PIN flat trailer plug recommended for these and Great Wall utes.
• reply ” like !

  

  David says,
  2 years ago

  About resale! I have just ordered a new 4x4 dual cab pickup with a tray from Tynans.
  
  I wanted to trade in a Mazda bravo 05 with 90,000klms, top of the range sdx bling package with the lot! cost $43,000 new in 05 and we have done 90ks and used it lightly. Trade in offered on new Tojo, Mazda or Ranger, Colarado etc was from $8 - 9 grand to 13K on a Nissan. Now thats a loss of 30k over 4 -5 years. I paid $30k for the new Mahindra with 6 years warranty. way I see it is that I can throw the car away or give it to a wrecker after 4 -5 years and will loose less money. One would think that the car would be worth $5k at the end, or I keep it as a junker.
• reply ” like !

  

  Keepleft says,
  2 years ago

  Dave,
  Also have a Bravo 05 base model, 67,800 kays something. Might get $15,000 private - if lucky.
  
  Re your Mahindra Tynans tray, - let us know if they actually re-install the RH rear round fog, they should.
  
  Unit should also have the triangle.
  
  Let us readers know how it all goes, performs etc
• reply ” like !

  

  David says,
  2 years ago

  Ok Ive had the new Pik up for a couple of weeks. Its a great little truck to drive and is excellent on the highway.
  The car is very good on dirt tracks where there are ruts and corrogates. Its nice on the road and there is enough power once you get it going. there is a sluggish spot down low!
  I think its a Hyundai level of trim and finish and thats ok. It has no rattles or clunks and is quiet for a truck.
  I still cant help thinking that it wont last. I am not sure about the metal in the gearbox, diff and engine, Im just not sure. this will all reveal itself, and yes dave they put the round light on the tray.
• reply ” like !

  

  David Whitehead says,
  2 years ago

  I've posted here before.
  
  I've had the following problems with my single cab 4x4 which was purchased new in May 2009:
  
  1) Electrics cut out while moving- particularly off road
  No fan, wipers, A/C Cigarette lighter. Suspect a dodgy crimp or connection. Rights itself by turning engine off then back on.
  
  Driver's window jams halfway. On inspection rubber guide thing was dislodged from runner front edge of window. No hope of further dismantling so I cut it off. Seems ok now.
• reply ” like !

  

  Gavin H says,
  2 years ago

  Have just ordered a 2010 D/Cac C/Chassis 4x4 with custom tray from ELN Wyong.
  Was very happy with the car in a full. For $34k on road (Bull bar, Tow bar and other bits), the others (Japs) were about $45k plus.
  Want to give it a go for the price, should have it in the next week or so.
  I have owned 2 x Triton 4x4 and a Courier 4x4, and the Mahindra by far has more foot room for the driver and the largest D/Cab cabin I would say. I test drove it twice. 1st for about 30mins and the 2nd for abou 2hours. No complaints from me or the Wife on back, leg or neck pain.
  Anyway we'ss see in a couple of weeks after I put some K's on it.
• reply ” like !

  

  John Sainty says,
  2 years ago

  Your attached image is pending approval.

  The first thing I should say is the only negative comments that you will ever see about a Mahindra Pikup is from people who have,1 don't own one. 2 never driven one, 3 probably never seen one, and 4 maybe never heard of one until reading about it on this or a similar post. I own one and love it. From my experience I have never met or spoken to another owner who had anything bad to say about them. I usually change my 4x4 on average every 2 years,some i have owned 3 and a half years while others only 12 months. I have owned Patrols, Navaras, Defenders a Teracan to name a few, and have driven most of the others. The Dualcab Pikup that I own is the first secnd hand vehicle that I have owned in 30 years, and I must admit I was a little hesatant but I did my research and could'nt be more pleased. It had only done 10000 km and I paid just 18000 dollars for 2007 model. I have now added a bullbar, spotties,canopy,aussie supersprings,ridepro shocks to the rear, long range tank plus a few other bits. It is used in the city daily, I go camping a lot, and tow a offroad camper trailer. Of all the 4x4s I have owned and driven in the last 30 years the Mahindra Pikup in my opinion is as good as any, and better than some. At 42000 km it is still as tight as new with no squeeks or rattles anywhere.At this stage I would be more than happy to keep this ute for another 4-5 years and then buy another one. I hope this helps someone who maybe a little afraid to make the change.
• reply ” like !

  

  John Sainty says,
  2 years ago

  Your attached image is pending approval.