MAHINDRA PIK UP
2,2 CRDE 4x4 S11 Karoo AT
Aseasoned campaigner that’s been in production for close to 20 years, the Pik Up, with its boxy frame and rugged mechanicals has carved out a neat little niche for itself in SA’S double-cab ecosystem. thanks to very palatable sticker prices across a range that encompasses bare-bones workhorses and more generously appointed lifestyle spinoffs such as the Karoo model we have here.
The rm’s 2,2-litre mhawk turbodiesel is a steady rather than stellar performer in most applications, so its coupling with a six-speed auto ‘box means it’s de nitely not the eetest of foot here. Although that’s unlikely to trouble an audience that will appreciate its practicality and, in the S11’s case, speci cations that include a touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, reversing camera, air-con and electrical adjustment for windows and mirrors, to name a few. Some may scoff at the concept of this model’s “Karoo” label. It has to be said Mahindra has been quite clever; you’d never tack anything performance-related to a truck this slab-sided and rugged, so embracing the Pik Up’s agrarian appeal and adding a local angle is to be applauded.
Derived from its range-topping Pik Up, the Karoo package adds a mixture of cosmetic and utility-aiding extras that include a rubberised load bin with roller shutter, model-speci c roll- and nudge-bars and some updated Karoo decals. Some of these additions are more effective than others, though.the Karoo’s two-tone rims look neat but full-lock manoeuvring sometimes has the tyres scuf ng the wheelarches.
At R451 999, the Pik Up is the most affordable double cab, even undercutting the JAC T8. Its combination of proven mechanicals and local avouring ensures neither its owners nor the CAR test team will be treating it with kid gloves in this challenging comparison.
“IMPROVES WITH EVERY MODEL. FEELS A BIT LIKE A CRUISER BAKKIE BUT IS UNDERPOWERED IN THIS COMPANY AND FEELS LIKE IT’S FROM ANOTHER ERA.”