NOTHING TO SCOFF AT
MAHINDRA S11 PIK UP
Two years ago, I experienced the model in double cab S10 (manual) guise and I was left mightily impressed by its gutsy engine and solid build quality, not to mention the sticker price.
Thankfully, all those virtues remain, but now the model is finally available in S11 (automatic) guise, which has added a level of sophistication and convenience to what was an impressive package to begin with. South Africa is the first market in the world to receive the self-shifting model, which is indicative of the market’s importance and therefore Mahindra’s commitment to it.
“South Africa is the first country in the world to officially launch the all-new Pik Up Automatic, which is only fitting since it was the testbed for this model. There has been an overwhelming demand for an automatic transmission in our bakkie range, and we believe we have the perfect answer with the S11 and S11 Karoo AT,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
MODELS
The S11 will be offered in standard guise, or the customised Karoo variant, the latter decked out in Karoo stickers, blacked-out wheels with chrome embellishments, while a load box roller door is also specified. Much like all Pik Up models, the S11 variants are powered by the familiar 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that puts out 103 kW and 320 Nm and allied to a six-speed automatic transmission. You can either opt for the 4X2 or the more capable 4X4, but all S11 models come with a diff-lock as standard.
CAPABILITY
All Pik Up Double Cab models feature a standard ground clearance of 210 mm, an approach angle of 34 degrees and a departure angle of 15 degrees. The high standard ground clearance and narrowfitting side rails mean that the Pik Up has a very impressive breakover angle of 18 degrees. We managed to subject the model to some thorough off-road conditions that included wading through muddy water troughs and slippery side slopes.
These were no match for the Pik Up, which simply scoffed at the obstacles and emerged on the other
Ignore Mahindra at your own peril. This is the automotive company to watch. I have, over the past decade and a half, seen their products move from crude and rudimentary to being on a par with some more established marques. Take the XUV 300 for instance – it is an honest, sturdy and well-priced crossover proposition that makes a strong case for itself. Then there is the Pik Up, the company’s advocate in the mainstream bakkie segment, which needs to be driven to have an insight on what I am waxing lyrical about.
side without flinching, much to the driver’s delight. Meanwhile, off the beaten track, strewn with jutting rocks, the Pik Up managed to crawl over these with relative ease all the while remaining comfortable and without jarring the occupants.
On the open road, the Pik Up remained fairly composed with the typical ladder frame shimmy coming to the fore over road undulations, but the overall impression was of a solid and sturdy chassis.
LAST WORD
Playing in this rather competitive segment is an arduous task for any manufacturer, but the Mahindra looks poised to hold its own. It has one of the smoothest diesel engines in the business, is capable on and off-road and now with the convenience of an automatic transmission and that keen pricing proposition, you would be hard-pressed to find better value in the leisure double cab bakkie segment.