The Mahindra Pik Up has arrived in Australia
June 7, 2007 by Paul Maric
If you thought it was only the Koreans that were attempting to invade the Australian car market, you would be wrong. An Indian company called Mahindra has just released its line of ‘Pik-Up’ vehicles in line with an attempt to out-price the current flock of Aussie based and overseas sourced commercial utilities.
TMI Pacific is supporting Mahindra’s local front, providing sound support and foundation for success in the tough Australian commercial vehicle industry.
Four models headline Mahindra’s entry into the market, these include:
- Mahindra Pik-Up 2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Single Cab 4 x 2 $ 23,990 (RRP Inc GST)
- Mahindra Pik-Up 2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Double Cab 4 x 2 $ 25,990 (RRP Inc GST)
- Mahindra Pik-Up 2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Single Cab 4 x 4 $ 26,990 (RRP Inc GST)
- Mahindra Pik-Up 2.5 CRDe Turbo Diesel Double Cab 4 x 4 $ 29,990 (RRP Inc GST)
Mahindra has a long and successfull history in India. Rated as one of the top 10 most reputable companies in India, Mahindra group is worth over US$4.5-billion.
Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the entire Mahindra Pik-Up range is powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder common rail turbo-Diesel engine which produces 79kW and 247Nm of torque. Weighing in at just under 2-tonnes for the 2WD Single Cab, we suspect the Pik-Up won’t have the get-up-and-go that conventional commercial vehicles have – such as the turbo-Diesel Rodeo, Triton and Ranger.
Payload is rated at just over 1-tonne, meaning that the Pik-Up will be able to haul the equivalent amount of load in comparison to other commercial vehicles currently available on the Australian market.
Braking is handled by ventilated discs up front and drum brakes at the rear. The Pik-Up has been praised for the amount of standard features offered, these include: Air-conditioning; automatic locking front hubs; limited slip differential; power steering; electric windows; remote central locking; alarm and immobiliser; CD/MP3 compatible Kenwood sound system with USB and SD card ports; side steps; fog lights and metallic paint. Alloy wheels are available as an option across the range.
After investing over $5-million dollars to bring Mahindra to Australia, TMI pacific is highly ambitious for the Pik-Up’s success. With a starting price of $23,990 for the RWD, Single-Cab model, it undercuts its nearest competitors by a substantial margin. With a three-year/100,000km warranty, we think the Mahindra Pik-Up will sell in droves.
Initially only available in New South Wales from June 6th (10 dealers and 15 outlets), once the operation has been initialised and is operating smoothly, dealership networks in Victoria and Queensland will follow within the next 6-months. Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory will be the next states to follow, expected to be online by mid next-year.
Current dealers on the NSW dealer list include:
- Heyer Motors – Dubbo
- Bill Lilley Mitsubishi – Queanbeyan and ACT
- Clinton Motor Group – Campbelltown
- Pembers – Woonona
- Tynan Motors – Sylvania
- Robert Handsaker Motors – Narromine
- Cross-Country Motors – Merriwa / Musswellbrook
- Keith Gill Motors – Griffith
- Nowra Truck and Tractor – Nowra / Bega / Mittagong
- ELN Motors – Wyong
Print it: 
Even if I were the last in the queue to get one of these, I’d still be the first buyer…..
Hahah Gerhard, its not THAT bad,
I just don’t think its all that pretty.. and it does weigh a fair bit.
this is the first car from the Indians, lets not judge all future models by this.
It will be very interesting when they bring out small and medium cars to compete with the korean made holdens
Been on the Oz market before and was a total FAILURE
They spnet more time in court action than selling them!
*NEW* [N.O.S] units of 4 years old where still a struggle to sell, even selling them at a lost, i believe they shipped them back to Calcutta, most likey using them in the phone call centers?:-)
KEEP WELL AWAY!!
Buy a 2nd hand HiLux
OttoAu, do you remember what car they attempted this with before?
Indeed i do -
Bushrange and Stockman, a worse vehicle you could not find.I believe they scraped and took them down Sims metal [as you would].
Further -
He is a photo of one, in good condition and in its rightful home!
http://www.tribuneindia.com/20...../chd10.jpg
The SsangYong SUV is a little ugly, but a quality product not like this CurryCrap
O/A
lol how do you people know what its like when youve never driven it or read a review about it.
remember india is an industrial powerhouse now and like china will be the next superpower (unfortunately)
but i do have to agree, looks….well ahhh, weird
It seems very underpowered… even just for the cars weight let alone the 1 tonne its rated for… I think you would get done easily at the lights by Dahaitsu Sirions.
Yeah it is very unpowered, even the amount of torque from the diesel engine is low. Plus no ABS or airbag options. This thing shouldn’t be allowed to be sold in Australia.
HAHAHAHA…A dodgy vehical for convicts what more can you ask….get stuffed with spring rolls and then bitch about them to someone else… That’s the Aussie attitude I guess…
Hi Guys,
My name is Tony & i am responsable for selling the PIKUP
for the tynan group.
I found the above comments interesting and thought i should shed some facts.
The pikup is designed as a RELIABLE WORK HORSE, & i find it to be very pleasant to drive both off and on road.
It has taken 2 yrs in R&D for the Aust Market, and those who drive them have been quite pleasantly suprised on the VALUE FOR MONEY, COMFORT, FEATURES when comparing to some big names that manufacture in THAILAND,BANGLADESH ETC.
The PIKUP does comprise of a safety cell.
The airbags were delibratly left out due to the nature of the vehicle & the response from our RURAL SECTOR.
We do have a prototype that has, FRONT,PASSENGER,SIDEBAGS. Lingo control(voice activation) ABS,SRS.
Thats not the market the PIKUP is built for.
If you do your research im sure you will agree that the Indian knowhow and technology is extremely superior to most ASIAN counterparts. India is one of the few counrtys in the world that Design,Build and manufacture from the ground up. Low end and high end products.
Rednecks exist in all walks of life so lets be to judgemental based on colour.
Furthermore you will be suprised on the shift in market place from the badge brands because of quality and reliabilty. Marketing can convert even the non believers if enough money is thrown at it.
My suggestion would be to drive the PIKUP, and then let me know what you think.
Thanks for your time, if anyone has further questions please feel free to contact myself.
Cheers,
Tony D
^
Well Ive read a number of detailed reviews on this vehicle, and none portray it in a particularly positive light. It has some alrite features, but they are outweighed by: its truck like handling, lack of safety features, its unknown reliability etc. Not to mention it is the least powerful vehicle of its class, described as having a low tech engine that other manufacterers here in Aus had 5 years ago… which are producing respectable figures 100kw and 300Nm of torque produced across a broad range. In fact if I read correctly, this vehicle only has peak torque between 1800 – 2200RPM!!!! In this case… it looks like a workhorse, it smells like a workhorse… but it ISNT a workhorse.
Hi Paul,
I wouldnt go as far as saying Truck like handling, yes it does not drive like a hi end competitor that are built more so on confort but lack the ability of performance under dures. the 94×94 bore/stroke crd produces 28.6 KG@1800-2200 RPM. This level of torque is matched by higher spec engines at higher rev ranges.
The semi float hypoid ratiod at 4:3:1 is an LSD DIFF and full float in 4WD which assist in maintaining the torque power.
The crash protection crumble with side intrusion bars is of significance in an accident. Yes airbags are an added safety feature but if your vehicle rolls its the crumble zone and the wearing of seatbelts that will most probably save your life if its intergrity is solid.
I must add that i am not a techo but i will have my tech debt drill into the engine comparison further for you.
I can provide you with reference sites that will testify to the WORK HORSE nature of the PIKUP.
Paul we need to put this into perspective, the PIKUP is not competing against the SR5 or the likes.
The PIKUP vehicle provides the following key features
and delivers based on a value proposition.
LARGER PARCEL TRAY
MASCULINE LOOKS
LARGER CABIN AREA
STYLISH INTERIOR
CRUMPLE ZONE
POWERFUL LOW REV HIGH TORQUE ENGINE
COMMON RAIL DIESEL TURBO TECHNOLOGY
EFFICIENT & LOW COST OF OWNERSHIP
PRICE COMPETITIVE
LARGE SINGLE TRAY
LARGE FUEL TANK
USB,SD CARD SOUND SYSTEM 4 SPKR SYSTEM
Cheers,
Tony D
Fair enough… I can see a market for this type of vehicle, rural areas. It certainly wouldnt be the most desirable car to have driving around the city though given its lack of safety features and limited useable torque, something the competition has an advantage in, being able to cater better for both environments.
I have not driven the Mahindra pikup but I am glad to see a company that has decided to provide a basic little pick up truck that is fuel efficient and is void of all this high tech stuff that is expensive but not really needed in a basic everyday vehicle. Let the consumers decide. Let us give it a chance to prove itself.
Hi Fran
CarAdvice are picking up the Mahindra in the next few weeks and giving it to an outback farmer for a real world test.
We will post the results.
Guys,
Get your facts first and then you can twist them as much as you like. Mahindra is one of the largest sellers of tactors in the USA. They also make Toyota cars in India.
Although they had a very poor performance earlier with the Bushranger model, a part of the problem was the dealer as it appears from the grapewine.
Nevertheless, it comes from a country that makes:
- Nuclear power plants;
- Launches satellites;
- builds its own ships and aircrafts;
- has sold more than 12 Indian built super computers
in the US;
-ships a large proportions of raw material for medicines made in Australia; (next time you take a pill chances are that its content came from India. Sorry but that’s true ; ))
-an economy growing at 8% and more;
- is adding 10million mobile subscribers every month!! yes you read it correct….
- has 10 domestic airlines;
- builds Merc and BMW locally in India;
- has sold this machine in South Africa;
So all you need to change is your attitude and your knowledge of things changing around you. A few years ago people were very skepticle about Indian call centres, but now be it GE, Westpack, 3, Telstra all are queing up for India.
But if you are used to buying 2nd hand Hilux then perhaps you are not the one to try a new machine.
^
Yes but what your forgetting is they are not queing up in India because of its great workforce… its called CHEAP LABOR.
Guy’s
Might I suggest that if you are bagging this product without seeing, touching or driving it you are being very unfair. Bums on seats, that is what gives you the right to be critical. So, go drive one, you’ll be surprised, as one of the other comments in this site mentions, India is one of the largest manufactuers of all sorts of goods in the world. Believe me, they will progess much quicker that the asians did, they are more committed and remember that the second language in India is English. By the way, did you know that second largest population of english speaking people in the world is India, yep second to the USA.
Do some home work.
Errol
Hi Guys,
The PIKUP website is up and running. Please feel free to review.
http://www.mahindrapikup.com.au
There are several units that have been sold out there.
The feedback has been extremly positive.
Why not judge for yourselfs????
Cheers,
TD
Hi Tony,
just tryied to get on to the links on your websit , is there a problem , couldnt get past the home page?
Give me a Mahrinda Pikup anyday!!! Bought the “Australian Dream Car” (Holden) and it’s nothing but a piece of **** and it’s a HSV. It has been in the workshop every month religiously since purchased in 2004. That’s Australian workmanship for you!
Mate!
All this stupid discussion above shows how skeptical we are. But my brother has worked with Mahindra India and he tells me how great the facilities at Mahindra are; truly world class. Any day better than Chinese or Korean manufacturer whose safety records and product quality records are pathetic.
Funny how presumptions can fool people.
Cheers,
79kW and 247Nm sounds quite underpowered for a work ute? I don’t care where it’s made or who builds it, a crap vehicle is a crap vehicle, and the Pik Up looks very much like a crap vehicle!
I’m guessing that this thing would scrape in for a 3 star safety rating at the absolute best.
Checking the site, it’s safety features are listed as:
Remote locking Fog lights
Follow-me-home headlights Child locks
Crash protection crumple zone & side intrusion beams
Rectangular strong chassis
Is that it for the standard safety features?
Trying to use the “crumple zone” as a special safety feature just doesn’t cut it for me in this day and age. Suggesting that you don’t need airbags because you have a “crumple zone” is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve read!
Hey Guys,
Proud of Aussie Rules and Cricket?? Next time when you go to a Sport store take time to see “Made in India” stamp on Sherrin footballs and kookaburra bats.
Btw, Mahindra also produces Logan (Renault) cars in India!
That gives Mahindra enough credibility to venture into captive and competitive Aussie market.
Hi all, I just spent this weekend just gone clocking up about 300km in a pik-up. The dealer told me to take it for a good drive – and test it out. So, that’s exactly what i did. It was the 4×4 single cab. I live in a rural area, so with mates in tow, we went down to our local produce shop and started checking out the size and weight. We had a 2001 Nissan Navara single cab and a 1999 Toyota Landcruiser ute to do comparisons with. First test was how many bales of hay can you fit in the back. The Nissan could stack 40 at a squeeze, we were left pondering whether it was a legal load… The Toyota stacked forty with out too much effort. The Pikup stacked a whopping 50, and breezed it in. However to keep the test even we all set out with 40. Next stop was a 2.5 km steep hill affectionateley known as “the gap”. I have had the displeasure of tailing heavy loaded trucks up this hill as they struggle in 2nd gear and going at 10km per hour. The loaded hill climb results were as follows; Nissan took the longest to get up the gap and had to drop to FIRST gear… Second was the Toyota Matt struggled to get his truck up the top just about blew his box but had to drop to second gear about 400 meters from the top. The Pikup as II said before we loaded 50 bales onto it, so it already won points with me for that, anyhow we had a good run up to the gap and got to the 3/4 mark was still in fourth gear and doing 60 km phr. Just were the Toyota had to drop to second gear, I dropped to third and crested the summit at 55km per hr. After returning the borrowed hay I loaded a 1 tonne bag of horse feed on the back, everyone couldn’t get over how much extra room there was in the tray. And back to “the gap”. Got same results as the first time. Next test was the off-road capability; We went to a mates farm and set out the course. A really rough 5km bush fire access track, a rock climb, and and an empty dam with a steep wall climb out. Again, and we were starting to wonder whether it was the machine or the operater, but the Pik up kept on blitzing all the test we put it through. Anyhow, its Monday morning and I dropped the Pikup back to the dealer, put down a deposit for my dual cab 4×4. And can’t wait till it gets here. I have a sneaky feeling that a lot of the guys and girls in my area will be trading in their trucks and following the new generation, that is we love our trucks but when it comes down to the price vs performance the Pikup is a winner for me and my friends.
Knowing how Mahindra work, they wrote the above review.
Oh Yuk, looks just like a Ssangyong.
I have drove it once. Two words would suffice to explain this machine.
“Pure Gold”
:)
Don’t take my words for it; try it once, at least.
Cheers,
Claire must work for the dealer
g’day, i have just wread what has been written about the Mahindra Pik Up, most of what i wread was utter dribble from people who are vigorously touching themselves, what is wrong with the Indian Made Mahindra Pik Up?? where is the Australian spirit of “giving it a go” before knocking it? i can see no reason at all why the Mahindra Pik Up will not be a “good beast of burden” except for the electric windows and the USB ports etc which in my humble option are like “tits on a bull”, bloody useless and bound to fail when needed, the pik up is ideal for the outdoors man/woman great for the farmers etc, just look at the price of a Tojo or any other single / duel cab 4×4 ute then start raving n ranting about the Mahindra Pik up, as for all you milk bar cowboys driving your Torack Tractor up and down the hiway too dam frightend to take you “Show Pony” off road should stick to driving what your best suited for and that is a Volvo car, as far as the Mahindra Stockman & Bushranger goes, i owned several of these great little 4×4’s and found that if you knew how to drive, then they were not a problem at all especially off road, they were as honest as the day is long and very economical, i just pray that the Mahindra Pik Up is half as good as the Stockman & Bushranger, maybe the Mahindra knockers should get there facts correct in the first place regarding when the Mahindra Stockman & Bushrangers were first brought into Australia, and just for there informasion Mahrinda & Mahrinda Co of India did not import the Stockman & Bushranger into Australia it was a yank bloke who was a business man living in Perth Western Australia who died in in 1989 just after his first big shipment of Stockman arrived in Perth for sale in Australia.regarding the statement made above by some tosser stating that Mahindra were in court case’s etc etc, bloody rubbish the only court case’s that involved the Mahindra Vehicles were the old yank from Perth WA trying to fight the big named 4×4 makers who were trying to stop him bringing into Australia the Mahindra 4×4’s, he first started his fight to import the Mahindra jeep into Australia in or around 1980-81 so there ya go,
Hi Interesting reading however as a rural person and 4wd ute prospective buyer the main thing that comes to my own mind prior to all the negative comments by most of the people above is to compare ” apples against apples ” in the $$$ range any of us wish to spend, and for the price these utes are advertised ( which caused me to look @ websites about them in the first instance ) is the same prices that any of us out here can buy a 5-6yo ute of ” main name brands ” and all the secondhand man name brands have over 100000km at least on the clock.
This alone makes me consider them in my secondhand mid $20000,s buying equation as they are new and with warranty with no kms and nothing like being new owner of anything compared to 5yo comparison with over 100000km on it.
Regards no airbags neither has most in similar pricerange and secondhand and 5years older in diesel turbo 4wd with over 100000km on it.
Unlike city income people with the rural lands income stream @ present none of us out here would even consider a $50000 plus SR5 ute that takes 6 months to get here after we desire it, let alone figure out how to pay for it, this is my only chance of a new 4wd diesel turbo ute @ present & I will genuinely consider it before just reading negative vibes about it, as a common saying is when the $$$ drops the B—–T stops
good morning, i have read some of the above and i disagree with most of the nurds that have written utter rubbish with out even knowing what they are talking about, i agree with Mick, Dustin, Claire etc with positive feedback, the only thing i can find fault with the Pik up is it is not supplied with a Bullbar, Tow Bar, and flat deck, manualy wind up windows etc, i’m a professional roo shooter in western queensland and the above mentioned items are most important to people that work of the land, at presant i drive a Tata as it is getting weary with 600,000 k’s on the clock i’m looking seriously at a Mahindra Pik Up to replace the Tata Telcoline
With it not having manual wind-up windows is a big draw-back for me living on a farm with irrigation channels. If a vehicle goes in the water the electrics won’t work and the only option is to break a window which takes time (to clear away the shards) and causes injury. Whilst this is also happening with other 4WD’s it is a major part of what vehicle I’ll buy as I want to know that no matter what the accident I want to be safe. On another note, a bloke that lives nearby where I live when I’m in Sydney reckons its an awesome vehicle that performs well for what he needs it for.
Hi all,
I already bought 2 Mahindra’s, the Scorpio 4×4 Pick-up and the Scorpio 2.5D SUV, and I am MOST satisfied and very impressed with both. And concerning the toughness of this vehicle, I can agree with Claire’s experience…
This vehicle compete very well with the other popular pick-ups and SUV’s and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg for what it offers…
I’m HAPPY WITH MINE..!!
Cheers,
Daphne
Hi there all, your comments are very interestingm however, no one has memtioned towing capacity. I know it states it it rated to tow at 2.5t, but has anybody actually towed with it. The low KW and Torque factors worry me. Can anybody shed some light on the query for me. Maybe even Tony from Mahindra. I live in Portland Victoria, and towing 2 to 3 tonne of wood on a regular basis will what i will be using it for. My question is, “Can it handle it?”
I think they look good , if you look at the company they are actually European
A lot cheaper than a land cruiser
and the same size
i don’t find a problem with them.
land cruiser don’t make the utility body version any more only tray back
WHY NOT BUY AMERICAN KEEP AMERICAN CAR COMPANY’S GOING THERE’S AN IDEA, SO THEY CAN AFFORD TO PAY TO SEE MORE CROCIDILE DUNDEE MOVIES
I recently spent a month riding around the mountains in Sikkim and around Darjeeling, in these SUV’s made in India by Mahindra and Tata. These are known locally as ‘jeeps’, and thousands of them serve the roll as taxiis and small buses. The roads were often VERY rough and potholed, and very steep….. I was really impressed by their tractability – they pulled up those slopes with 9 passengers crammed inside and big loads on the roof. Pulling really well at low revs with no fuss. I was impressed. The strength of chassis and running gear of a small truck. The owners reckon they are very trouble-free and easy to repair. They aren’t fast and smooth-riding like the modern SUV’s, but are great workhorses. Horses for courses, eh…
Hi Guys,
Im a logistics professional and my bread and butter is to ensure that my company gets all the required materials on time.I need to travel extensively through desert roads to coordinate with the remote dealers(I live and work in the middle east). I have been using pick-ups regularly as these type of vehicles suit my requirements. My company owns variety of trucks and I have used all the models for my trips.From Toyota Hilux (4×4) to Tata Telcoline (4×4)I have driven all. My first drive in the Mahindra double cab 4×4 was a memorable one. We were travelling form Dubai to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and the route was around 2500 Km.We were a group of 9 people and three double cab 4×4 among us. I requested our transport incharge to lend us the Mahindra “For a 2k km testdrive”! The team comprised of the Mahindra,one Toyota Hilux (2008) and my trusted Mitsubishi L200 (2007).On the highway, the toyota and the mitsubishi pulled fast doing 160+ while the mahindra was trailing at 150kmph and occasional 160kmph. The first stop we made was for the L200. The cooling pump malfunctioned and the engine was heating up. We towed the full ladened truck behind the Mahindra for 250Kms. We all were suprised with the truck completing the towing journey at 100Km+ without the slightest frown. The A/C was working great, engine was running smooth and at times we felt may be the L200 has dislodged from the towchain. But, the rear veiw mirror assured us that it was trailing.We got the L200 done and moved on.The delay made us stay overnite at awayside motel.Late into the night, we all had a mad adrelin rush and we moved on. the headlights of the Mahindra were the best among the three. Desert nights are scary.there is not much reflection and all you see is the yellow and white marking on the road to keep you on track. Just before dawn, the Hilux lost track and landed on the sand.The driver had misjudged and it went off the road. The Hilux was stuck in the sand and with all efforts it did not budge. We tried towing but, the chain gave way.It was a mad option but we did it. I placed the Mahindra bumper to bumper with the Hilux, engaded the 4×4 and pushed. Guess what, the Hilux was back on the road without even using its own power !!! Luckily the remaining distance was smooth apart form a puncture repair for the L200.We completed our work and was back on the road after 2 days.But, boys must have fun after work ! what we have in mind? Dune Blasting ! Man, we were left without words for the Mahindra’s performance.It didn’t stop even once ! The Mahindra was stopped only to pull out the other two pick ups. Man we are impressed ! Arabs are very hard to please. Mind It. They are carzy about 4×4s. But,our Mahindra pleased them all. Yes, creature comfort etc are lacking. The vehicle will not win any desert rallies in stock trim. Nor will it win the best looking pick-up award but, It does the job it is ment to do without any grunts. Hey, guys that too by buring DIESEL and not Petrol! So, guys before forming an opinion about the Mahindra take a test drive !!! Or, be happy in your frog well.
hello guys ? i just wanna tell u something about this engine is fitted with turbo so its acceleration in first gear cant imagine like sports car ? u just feel like a smart ride with diesel engine and one more thing i wanna share that its not bad looking the front headlights called wolf eyes its so aggressive in front if it fitted with bullbar ………i love this car and want to buy asap?
Greetings,
A mate who lives in Lithgow NSW has the 4 door pick-up and loves it. Took it for a drive on the 4 wheel drive roads around the back of the Zig Zag Railway at Clarence. Some of these tracks are low range 1st gear stuff, and the Mahindra handled it with ease. Did about 120Kms on dirt, blue metal stone, water crossings etc. Excellent ground clearance, lots of torque and very solid in the body. Only faults are the quality of the plastic in the dashboard, rough. Gearbox action is excellent! Reminds me of a much better and bigger Lada Niva.
Hi Guys,
I’ve had my single cab 4×4 for a month and am totally delighted with it.
It now has 4500km up and not a worry.
I regularly run up the Bells Line of Road from Epping to Clarence, near Lithgow, sometimes with a 1 tonne pallet in the back.
I get 850km on 71 litres of fuel and it cost me $19000.00 on the road.
Yes, it is as ugly as a hatful of a***holes, but it is a work truck.
I too, had a Commondore ute that spent a lot of time in their workshop.
Most of you previous “commentators”, most of whom have probably never even sat in one, need to get over your petty racist attitudes.
On the question of safety, this vehicle replaced a 1990 model Nissan. The Nissan had about the same level of safety features as the Mahindra. None.
But the Mahindra is much safer than the car it replaced.
Every day I see idiots on the Bells road, mostly octogenarians in Mazdas and Toyotas who think they can out-drive professional truck drivers. These are the bigger dangers on the roads, not a lack of ABS and airbags!