Mahindra & Mahindra, or simply Mahindra as their gritty Jeep-like grille familiarises, has several claims to international fame – the recent and most impressive is perhaps the ownership of Automobili Pininfarina. The manufacturer of wheeled products from motorcycles to tractors had an output of over 14 million vehicles in 2022 and revenue of 15 billion US dollars in FY 2023. Today, we test drive their pickup truck, branded to sound the same way albeit with a namesake change in spelling, pun intended. By the way, just to put the legacy in perspective, Mahindra was once the licensed manufacturer of Jeeps in India and was established more than a decade before Jeep.
The all-new next generation Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up or simply Mahindra Pik Up is a rugged and powerful light commercial vehicle that packs several reasons to be picked up by a business (and that’s the end of the pun ride!) Reliable cargo carrying capability, an environmentally-conscious engine and comfort that is usually found in passenger vehicles are three good ones.
Engine: 2.2L mHAWK D140
Transmission: 6-speed auto or manual
Dimensions: LXWXH: 5175 x 1820 x 1915 mm
Wheelbase: 3040 mm
Cargo box: LXWXH: 1489 x 1520 x 550
Suspensions:
FRONT: Double wishbone type, independent front coil spring
REAR: Multi link Coil Spring suspension with anti-roll bar
Wheels: 16 and 17 inches
Price: AED 54,000 onwards
Designed like an adventurer
Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up looks tough with a purposeful stance. The chrome grill along with the LED Daytime Running Lights and front fog lamps add some style. The 17” steel wheels tell us that Mahindra Pik Up means business rather than gloss and shine.
Resourceful cargo carrier
Mahindra Pik Up has a payload capacity of 1095 kilograms as per the brochure but an insider said often customers tend to top that, probably encouraged by the sturdy look of the cargo bed and the vehicle itself – there is very little plastic found on the body work, other than the mandated lower grille area. The towing capacity too is an impressive 2500 kg.
My test vehicle seemed to be in use for over two years and came with a rugged and soiled yet sturdy and stylish bedliner. The doors closed with a strong-sounding thud while the cargo door felt solid and heavy. The protective black bedliner still had sand sticking to it and gave a hint of how efficient the carrier was. However, the bedliner comes with the double cabin version only.
Gross vehicle weight: 3150 kgs / Kerb weight: 2155 kg / Payload 995 kgs (variant-based)
Good safety standards
For a commercial truck, Mahindra has equipped its Pik Up with many safety features as standard – ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), ESC, ABS and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Montoring System) as well as Dual airbags (driver + front passenger). The double cabin automatic versions (both 2 wheel drive and wheel drive) come equipped with a reversing camera. While that is great, I think it is high time parking sensors and camera came as standard across trims. My test car came with a convenient foot bar to make it easier to climb up and down.
A turbo engine with a modern outlook
Mahindra Pik Up is driven by a 2.2 L turbo diesel engine which has an output of 140 hp @ 3750 rpm and a torque of 320 Nm available between 1500 and 2800 rpm. The transmission choices are an AISIN 6-speed manual or automatic. Mahindra calls the engine M-Hawk which is their contemporary series that keeps the earth in the larger scheme of things. The Pik Up claims an impressive fuel economy of 12.1 km per litre and almost lives up to it. Anyway, with an 80 L tank, a round trip across UAE might still leave some fuel behind!
The Mahindra Pik Up behaves as expected in terms of noise levels and firmness. It drives rather comfortably and maneuvering doesn’t leave you weary but turning radius at some U-turns could ask for a course correction (especially as my test car was a 4 x 4).
Off-road capability for remote industries
Mahindra Pik Up has a client-list that includes Oil and Gas companies, Construction companies in the outskirts and other remote projects. This doesn’t come as a surprise considering the 210 mm ground clearance and favourable approach (34º) and departure (15º) and breakover (18º) angles.
SUV-style comforts in a pick up
Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up has a thoughtful list of cabin comforts. Besides power windows, electric side mirrors and cruise control, front armrest for both the driver and passenger and seat height adjustment for driver are standard. My top-of-the-line test car came with one-touch anti-pinch power windows, automatic climate control and a 7-inch touch screen with (wait for it) satellite navigation!
The 5-seater version is capable of doubling up as a family truck on a weekend. Comfortable fabric seats, convenient legroom and a thoughtful rear AC vent justify the claim.
7 trim levels starting from AED 54,000
Mahindra Pik Up is a pure commercial vehicle and is not available for private individual ownership (only companies and UAE citizens can). Among double and single cabins, 2-wheel drive and 4 as well as manual and automatic, Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up offers 7 trim levels. While my test car, codenamed S11 is the feature packed full option, even the S6 is rather well-equipped because, as I mentioned earlier, power windows, cruise control, armrest etc. are standard.
Mahindra Pik Up is one of the most cost-effective commercial carriers available in the UAE market. Especially for cost-conscious businesses and startups, Mahindra Pik Up comes across as an ideal option without compromising on capabilities. The price ranges from just AED 54,000 + VAT for a single cabin, 4 X 2 manual to AED 78,000 + VAT for a double cabin 4 X 4 automatic. Along with a regular 3 year / 100,000 km warranty, Mahindra Pik Up is built and priced to offer value.
