New-generation Mahindra Pik-Up looming

A new body, new architecture and sharper focus on ute safety promise to make the new Mahindra Pik-Up more convincing than ever – while not diluting its reputation for dealing with punishment.

And while a hybrid version is being readied, it’s traditional diesel that will usher in the crucial new model, likely in 2026.

The Indian car-making giant says the all-new Pik-Up – codenamed Z121 – is edging closer as the brand works to plug a hole in its local model line-up; the Pik-Up quietly disappeared from local dealerships because it did not meet tightening safety standards, leaving Mahindra without the car on which it built much of its reputation.

But Mahindra is in the final stages of development of the new Pik-Up.

“It is the number one dream program for us right now,” said Velusamy R, President of Automotive Technology and Product Development at Mahindra, of the new ute.

“It is into the test drive stage, so it’s in development. It’s crossed the engineering [stage], it’s in the development phase … in fact it’s well into the development.”

Mahindra already has many prototypes of the new Pik-Up running around in its homeland ahead of an anticipated 2026 arrival of the newcomer.

The senior executive said it would ride on the latest fourth-generation version of the ladder-frame architecture of the Thar Roxx five-door SUV that is not sold in Australia.

“It’s the most advanced ladder frame … the Thar Roxx … it’s coming out of that platform, the latest generation, generation four.”

He said the 2026 Pik-Up would initially launch with an upgraded version of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

While he ruled out a battery-electric version of the Pik-Up he strongly hinted that a hybrid is firmly on the horizon.

“During the launch we will announce [plans for electrified models],” said Velusamy R.

“It’s very expensive [hybrid technology], but we think a good diesel engine, automatic gearbox, is the best for Pik-Up.”

Mahindra is working on various hybrid technologies, including regular hybrids, plug-in hybrids and range-extender hybrids.

Not all will be offered in the new Pik-Up, but at least one is expected to expand the reach beyond diesel, something that will also become more important as tighter CO2 emissions regulations kick in from July 1 this year.

While Mahindra is huge in its homeland, it’s increasingly turning to global markets to boost sales – and Australia is one of the key markets.

“It’s made for international markets,” said Sachin Arolkar, Mahindra’s head of international operations. “That vehicle is meant for markets like Australia.”

Mahindra will also address the underdone safety of its commercial vehicles with plans for the new Z121 ute to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

“From day one we develop it,” said Velusamy R.

While the new Pik-Up is still expected to have a focus on durability and off-road ability, the yet-to-be-revealed new ute will also branch out from those workhorse roots to better target recreational ute users who typically gravitate to a Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux.

Arolkar says the company wants to lean on its engineering heritage while offering sharper value than many established utes – and all the while keeping an eye on competition ramping up from China.

“Can you offer the content of a Chinese car – they offer the maximum content – with the engineering, the durability, the reliability that Mahindra has?” he said.

“How do we build up a brand to be ensuring that people who don’t look upon as only for the professional use but also for personal use. That’s the kind of range we are talking about.”

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