Mahindra South Africa recently launched its Next Generation Mahindra Pik Up range, virtually an upgraded version of its tough and rugged Pik-Up range. The Scorpio name has been dropped so now it’s just referred to as the Pik Up. The range comprises; the S4 Single Cab 4x2, the S6 Single Cab 4x2, the Single cab S6 4x4, the Double Cab S10 4x2 and the top-of-the range S10 4x4 which is the model featured in these road impressions.

The new Mahindra Pik-Up can be distinguished by the changes at the front of the vehicle where the grille, headlights, bonnet and fog lamps have all undergone a substantial redesign. The Mahindra’s next Generation Pik-Up impresses with its imposing new styling, the signature front grille which is now smarter, is finished in glossy black with subtle chrome accents, the sporty Bonnet Scoop, a more prominent Mahindra badge, “Powered by mHawk” badges on either side of the fenders, and side steps to assist in getting in and out of the Pik Up.

The lower air intake has also been reshaped to provide a stronger visual integration with the grille. Black mesh inserts are consistently applied to both the main grille and the lower air intake, creating a more consistent appearance. The headlights on either side of the grille are also completely new, with a cleaner, more resolute appearance and new curved LED daytime running lights, and cornering lights for the S10 Double Cab. Bolder fog lamps are mounted in restyled apertures that are linked to the lower edge of the headlights. The redesigned front-end styling includes macho 5-arm 16-inch alloy wheels, which on the press vehicle were shod with P245/75R16 all terrain tyres, and mud flaps behind the front wheels, giving the new Pik-Up a positively indestructible appearance.

On the inside, the Next Generation Double cab Pik- Up has full fabric seats, with fold down armrests for the front seats, styled seat foams, a center armrest on 2nd row seats, power steering, electric windows, air-conditioner with rear vents, central locking, pockets on all four doors, decent sized cup-holders, roof-liner with sunglass holder, map pockets, USB and SD Card, remote central locking, cruise control, navigation,a multifunction steering wheel, auto wipers, intelligent headlamps plus a large six-inch full colour touch screen display located in the center dash and a 2-DIN stereo system with CD/MP3 player and audio controls on the steering wheel. It also comes with the dreaded stop/start function, but fortunately, you can switch it off.

The quality of the interior is much improved and even the few bits of shiny plastic don’t look out of place. The steering wheel is adjustable for tilt only, making it a little difficult for shorter folk to find a comfortable driving position, as you have to sit a bit close to the dash in order to reach the pedals. However, in fairness, one does adjust to this fairly quickly. Also there are four grab handles to assist. Interior space is generous, and particularly so for the rear seat passengers. There is excellent head-room, good knee space and a good seating position – no ‘knees-up’ sitting as in most other double cabs in its category. The Pik-Up has one of the more generous trays of the dual-cab’s opposition, with the cargo box measuring 1 530 millimeters wide, 1 520mm long and 550mm deep. The Pik-Up’s payload at 1030 kilograms is very good for a dual-cab.

The comprehensive list of safety features include; disc brakes up front and drums at the rear with ABS and EBD, Dual airbags, Crash protection crumple zones and Collapsible steering column, while at the rear there is now three head rests and three point seat belts for all seats along with 2 ISOFIX anchors in the rear seat, and static bending headlamp technology which improves the comfort of driving during the night.

The Next Generation Pik Up double cab S10 is powered by an updated version of the 2.2- litre four-cylinder mHawk turbo-diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger to produce 103 kW at 3 750 RPM and an impressive torque peak of 320 Nm at just 1 500 RPM, and sustained to 2 800 RPM, for excellent in-gear acceleration and superior pulling power. With no load aboard, the average fuel consumption worked out at 8.2 litres per 100 kms which is excellent, and the tank holds 80 litres. Drive from the turbo-diesel engine is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox with a 4x4 transmission, which drives the rear wheels in 2-wheel high range and all four wheels in 4 High and in 4 low range, operated by a rotary knob on the floor console.

To test the all-round capability of the Pik-Up, I took it to an off-road facility where I was able to put the Pik-Up double cab through its paces, and that’s where it really impressed with a brilliant performance. I was also keen to re-acquaint myself with the excellent performance of the Mechanical Locking Differential, which is standard on all models in the range. The differential isn’t like other locking diffs, in that it only locks down to feed power to a planted wheel when it is needed. It’s always on, meaning that unlike many other off-road capable vehicles with a locking diff activated by pressing a button. A normal locking diff will keep both wheels spinning at the same speed to ensure planted traction, but the Mahindra’s system allows some wheel spin on one wheel before it starts to send power to the other. It does this in a relatively balanced manner, though it can allow more slip than you might expect at first, particularly if you’ve experienced a more traditional locking differential, but it works very well.

The Mahindra Pik-Up4x4 with its short front overhang, is able to negotiate extremely steep terrain without hassle, and while it doesn’t have huge ground clearance – only 210mm – it proved to itself on the 4x4 route that it will scramble up and successfully find, traction over some of the worst surfaces imaginable. Orff-road, it’s basically unstoppable. On the road, the performance is quite brisk for a diesel 4x4 double cab, – In the 0 to 100 km/h dash, selecting power mode, I dropped the clutch at 1 500 rpm the Pik Up took off quickly and after two gear-changes, reached the 100 km/h mark in approximately 12.5 seconds, and still accelerating strongly. Travelling with an empty load-box, I fully expected to have a bouncy ride, but it had a surprisingly good road feel. In comparison to the previous Mahindra Pik-Up, the new model has impressed by its very good suspension, and even on poor surfaces, it soaks up the bumps quite efficiently. In fact, after spending a few kilometers behind the wheel, it begins to feel more car-like. The gearbox changes cogs smoothly, and although the power steering is a little on the heavy side, it does give reasonable feedback. The clutch is easy to modulate and the bakkie is quite effortless to drive.

For long distance trips, it cruises quite sedately on the highways and at the 120 km/h limit the rev counter needle sits at a low 2 600rpm in 6th gear. The engine is quite a “gem” and so quiet in the cab that you’d be hard pressed to know there was diesel power under the bonnet unless you were told. Wind noise is well controlled, there’s less vibration, a smoother manual gearshift and a more settled ride. There’s very little body roll when driving through the bends at highway speeds, and no problem with overtaking, but you may have to drop a gear or two, to keep up the momentum up long inclines. The Mahindra goes where it’s directed with minimal fuss, and even on poor “B” road surfaces there weren’t any noticeable shakes or rattles. However, I must mention that the new Mahindra Pik-Up double cab is a large vehicle; in fact it is longer than my garage. It unfortunately has a very poor turning circle, making it difficult to maneuver in tight places and for parallel parking. Master the large turning circle and the Mahindra Pik-Up could function as a daily driver as well as a workhorse.

The Mahindra Pik-Up Double Cab S10 4x4 at R354 995 is exceptionally well priced, offering very good value for money, so if you’re in the market make sure the Mahindra is in on your shopping list. The price includes a 4 Year / 120 000 km Warranty and roadside assistance, and a 5 Year / 90 000 km Service Plan, with services at 20 000 km intervals or every 12 months, whichever comes first.