Three musketeers

The Mahindra Pik Up now comes in three additional flavours to suit different tastes, says Cyril Klopper.

Despite its involvement in the agricultural sector, Mahindra is also aiming to make inroads in the lifestyle market by creating three special versions of its Pik Up Karoo bakkie. “The Karoo nameplate signifies our commitment to South Africa and the way South Africans have adopted the Pik Up lifestyle range as their desire to ‘Unleash the Explorer in You’ and enjoy the adventure and family fun. This is equally true of our new Karoo Dawn, Dusk and Storm models, and we are very excited to showcase our range of authentic bakkies to our fans,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

In its Durban plant, the company recently built its ten thousandth Pik Up, and the brand continues to grow.

Dusk

This special version, which was available in limited quantities last year, is said to have been inspired by the pitch-dark nights of the Great Karoo. The Dusk version of Mahindra’s

Pik Up Karoo is also a tribute to the nocturnal animals of this region. The Pik Up Karoo Dusk has black body paint with black, grey and light blue decals. There’s a sports bar on the load bin; plus a roller shutter over the load bin which is rubberised; and in front there is a bullbar by Bundu Gear.

Dawn

Mahindra Pik Up Karoo Dawn is a new trim level with a familiar colour scheme. Farmers and adventurers favour sand-colored body paint, which Mahindra says is reminiscent of Karoo soil. Taking inspiration from an early morning in the Karoo, Mahindra designed its stickers in black and orange. It is similar to the Dusk version, except the roller shutter is replaced by a tarpaulin and there’s a roof rack on the cab.

Storm

The Karoo’s fierce rain showers are the muse for the third version, Storm. When Mahindra’s designers decided on the body paint colour, they probably thought about whirling windpumps, lightning bolts, and moody skies. The body paint is therefore greyblue with black and grey decals. The Storm gets the same bullbar, a tarpaulin for the rubberised load bin, and leather seats.

All three models get leather upholstery and the touchscreen on the centre console has been enlarged from 7” to 9” with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The special editions also get improved off-road suspension and, as already mentioned, the bullbars (with LED spotlights) are supplied by Bundu Gear. The bullbars are bolted directly to the ladder frame chassis and recovery points are included.

All three models come with diamond pattern tread plate on the rear bumper that prevents your feet from slipping while climbing into the load bin.

All three versions get Mahindra’s 2.2 ℓ mHawk turbo diesel engine that generates 103 kW and 320 Nm. Power is sent to the wheels through a six-speed Aisin automatic gearbox.

MAHINDRA PIK UP

NAILED IT. If you want a mechanically simplified vehicle – a rarity these days – and you don’t have the cash for a Land Cruiser 79, then look no further.

FROM THE COMPETITORS Automatic 4x4 double cabs

R663 900 Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD6 4x4 Raider We already know that most will choose the Hilux over the Mahindra Pik Up.

R740 500 Nissan Navara 2.5 DDTi LE 4x4 The Navara is indeed a lekker bakkie, but you pay too much for what you get.

R629 300 Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD LS 4x4 The new D-Max impresses after its recent makeover – a great choice.