Facelifted Mahindra Genio now on sale

Mahindra has launched the 2016 model year update of Genio light commercial vehicle range into the Australian market.

Specifications and equipment are largely unchanged, as is the drive-away pricing. The Genio, powered by a 2.2-litre diesel developing 88kW and 280Nm and driving through a five-speed manual transmission, will tow 1800kg and haul a payload of at least 1000kg.

The four-variant model range in Australia comprises rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive single- and dual-cab offerings, with the single-cab 4x2 at entry level, priced from $19,990 inclusive of on-road costs. Buyers in need of four doors can get into the dual-cab Genio from $24,990. Mahindra charges $3500 more for the 4x4 variants, taking the single-cab model to $23,490 and the dual-cab model – complete with tray – to $28,490.

In its home market of India, Mahindra has withdrawn the Genio from sale and has replaced it with a new model, the Imperio. But according to the manufacturer's local spokesman, James Halliwell, the Genio remains in production for export markets such as Australia.

"The Genio that we have in Australia is an export version of the domestic Genio," Halliwell exclusively told motoring.com.au at the Delhi motor show last week. "And the domestic Genio didn’t do the numbers that they expected in the domestic market."

Halliwell anticipates the Imperio will replace the Genio in Mahindra's Australian line-up, probably within "two to three years". Before then the Imperio will have to be upgraded for currently optional safety equipment like airbags and traction control to be fitted as standard.

But even earlier than that – from November 1 this year – the Genio will also be upgraded for improved active safety.

"Our Genio today has that traction control feature available as an option," Halliwell says. "And then from 1st November it will be standard."

Drive-away prices for Genio:
4x2 single cab $19,990
4x4 single cab $23,490
4x2 dual cab $24,990
4x4 dual cab $28,490