MAHINDRA PIK-UP

Indian brand undercuts Chinese imports with updated 4x2 and 4x4 utes from under $19k

Two years after launching in Australia, Mahindra has updated its 'Pik-Up' ute models, adding ABS and dual air-bags, plus refreshed interior and exterior designs.

The Indian company is offering its cleverly named Pik-Up utes from $18,990 for the 2.5-litre CRDe single cab 4x2 (cab-chassis), which undercuts the first Chinese utes offered in Australia. Great Wall Motor's utes start at $19,990 and only offer petrol engines.

Sitting on the same platform as its predecessor, all Mahindra Pik-Up utes are powered a 2.5-litre common rail turbo diesel engine producing 79kW/247Nm and are packaged with five-speed manual transmissions.

Mahindra's Pik-Up will be on sale from August in Australia, available in 4x2 and 4x4 variants in single, dual cab, or cab chassis configurations. Mahindra will market the new utes with the tag line: 'Made for the hardest places on Earth'.

"We're very proud to be introducing the next generation [Pik-Up] model which now further addresses the needs of Australian workhorse buyers," says Michael Tynan, the Director of Mahindra Automotive Australia (MAA).

"We're dedicated to listening to their requirements and thus, elevated safety, driver convenience and visual appeal were areas addressed to satisfy our customers.  We believe that drivers will be extremely pleased with the results and the Pik-Up will deliver even better value for money in the workhorse utility market segment," stated Tynan.

The safety improvements include an anti-lock braking system and front dual SRS airbags for the driver and co-driver. New seats with pretensioning seat belts now make the grade, as do audio controls on the steering wheel hooked up to new CD/MP3 compatible stereos complete with USB and SD card ports.

Mahindra has also increased the Roadside Assist period from one year to three years.

The exterior features a "muscular appearance" according to Mahindra, with a new bonnet scoop, fog lamps and tweaks to the front apron.

Mahindra Pik-Up range
2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Single Cab 4 x 2 Cab/Chassis $18,999
2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Single Cab 4 x 2 $20,499
2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Double Cab 4 x 2 Cab/Chassis $23,299
2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Double Cab 4 x 2 $24,199
2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Single Cab 4 x 4 Cab/Chassis $24,199
2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Single Cab 4 x 4 $25,599
2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Double Cab 4 x 4 Cab/Chassis $25,999
2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Double Cab 4 x 4 $26,999

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Powered By Motoring.com.au Published : Thursday, 23 July 2009
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