Mahindra makes its move

The first week of June 2007 will go down in local automotive history as the time when India's first indigenous vehicle of world standard was launched on the Australian market, the Mahindra Pik-Up.

Supported by the Tynan Motor Group, the big Sydney dealer network which will distribute the new Mahindra range under the TMI Pacific banner, the new Mahindra Pik-Up models in 4X4 and 4X2 variations are set to make an impression on the booming light commercial segment with a long standard equipment list backed by value pricing.

It is not the first time that the Mahindra badge has been seen in Australia. After the company made its first version of the wartime Willys Overland Jeep in 1949, the Mahindra Bushranger and Stockman models were launched in Australia in 1990 still closely based on this original model except for the modern Peugeot diesel engine under the bonnet.

After these antiquated models were withdrawn in 1993 with some quality issues, the Mahindra company moved quickly to bring its product range into the mainstream and the 21st century.

This modernisation delivered the Scorpio in 2002, a modern but rugged 4WD family wagon not dissimilar to an early Mitsubishi Pajero. This vehicle, which is unique to Mahindra and not based on another company's model, was progressively refined to the point in 2005 where it could be considered for mainstream Western export markets.

After Mahindra won exports to South Africa, several Asian markets and the Middle East with the Scorpio, Australian representatives from the Tynan Motor Group worked closely with Mahindra over the last two years developing these export versions further for local conditions and market requirements.

The new Mahindra Pik-Up range launched in Australia is a highly-specified light commercial version of the Scorpio following its major engine upgrade in 2005 and Euro IV upgrade in 2007 with further improvements in suspension, gearing, seating and standard equipment for Australia.

Like the Ssangyong light commercials based on the Musso 4WD Wagon, the new Pik-Up range shares most parts with the Scorpio wagon from the centre-pillar forward. For the dual cab, the rear doors are also shared.

The dual cab version of the Mahindra Pik-Up offers one of the roomiest and most comfortable cabins of its type when it is closely related to the Scorpio family wagon. Unlike the early Ssangyong pick-ups which had short load areas, the Mahindra Pik-Ups also offer two of the longest load beds in their classes in both single and dual cab specification.

Although the 1770mm width of the new range is closer to earlier Japanese models, the extra length and wheelbase of these new Indian models position them head to head with the latest models from Japan.

The overall length of both the single and dual cab models is 5098mm on a wheelbase of 3040mm. For the single cab, this generates a tray length of 2294mm and 1489mm for the dual cab. Wall height of both pick-up beds is also exceptional with minimal intrusion from the wheelarches. A ground clearance of 210mm and relatively short overhangs leave both body styles with serious offroad capabilities in 4X4 specification.

The new Mahindra Pik-Up models feature Mahindra's own new common rail turbo-charged diesel engine developed in collaboration with AVL in Austria and Bosch to Euro IV standards. Of a relatively small 2.5-litre capacity, it delivers 79kW at 3800rpm and 247Nm at 1800 rpm with a combined fuel economy figure of 9.9 litres/100km for all models.

The five-speed manual gearbox, which is also Mahindra's own, can trace its ancestry back to a Peugeot unit. A new six-speed automatic transmission option developed and manufactured in Australia will be introduced early in 2008.

The four-wheel drive version features a part-time system based on a Borg-Warner transfer case with a genuine dual range operated by an electric "shift on the fly" rotary switch in the cabin. Both two and four-wheel drive versions come standard with a limited slip differential.

The new model's rugged separate perimeter chassis construction explains the hefty 1990kg of the base single cab 4X2 model while the 4WD adds 100kg to each version leaving the top dual cab 4X4 model tipping the scales at 2150kg. All models have a payload of at least 1000kg, climbing to 1160kg for the 4X2 single cab model.

Suspension is typical of this type of vehicle with torsion bar double wishbone system at the front and a live rear axle with leaf springs. Steering is by rack and pinion with power assistance and large 16-inch wheels are standard. Brakes are ventilated disc at the front, drums at the rear. There is no ABS although Mahindra says this will be progressively introduced further down the track along with airbags and other safety technology.

Both models have relatively mainstream but conservative styling with extended rear pillars in both single and dual cab models concealing the extra wheelbase over the standard Scorpio wagon while housing the ventilation system's extractor vents. Like several current US Jeep models, the Pik-Up's grille alludes to Mahindra's Jeep heritage.

The standard equipment, high quality and pricing explain why the Tynan Motor Group has invested almost $5 million in bringing the new range to the Australian market.

Standard equipment on all Pik-Up models includes: air-conditioning, rotary switch 4WD engagement and automatic locking front hubs on all 4X4 models, power steering, electric windows, remote central locking, alarm and immobiliser, full CD/MP3 compatible Kenwood sound system with USB and SD card ports, side steps, fog lights and metallic paint. Alloy wheels are optional.

Warranty is three years/100,000km, whichever comes first.

The Single Cab with pick-up bed and rear-drive only starts at $23,990 while the Dual Cab version costs $25,990. The Single Cab costs $26,990 with 4X4 while the Dual Cab 4X4 climbs to $29,990.

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