While the Haval P Series and Mahindra Pik Up S11 have served as a semi-comforting alternative to those who couldn't make those hefty payments on glamorous lifestyle bakkies such as the Ranger, Hilux, D-Max, Amarok, Triton and Navara, Mahindra has been very busy developing a new double-cab, codenamed Z121, that is sure to ruffle some feathers in the segment: Meet the brand's new Global Pik Up double-cab bakkie, which was unveiled at the brand's signature Futurescape event in Cape Town, which also coincided with India's 77th independence day.
Mahindra also said that it will expand its global footprint by launching its Born EV range in the UK and Europe in the not-too-distant future as part of the brand's Go Global Vision - there are no less than 5 new electric SUVs coming from Mahindra, as well as the all-new fully electric Thar.e, which is eventually heading our way as well.
The Thar.e concept vehicle was revealed to South African and international media yesterday, and to us this striking off-roader strongly resembles a cross between the Land Rover Defender and Elon Musk's Cybertruck - and it will be interesting to find out what the Thar.e's estimated range will be once it starts rolling off production lines.
What we know about the Global Pik-Up so far
Styling of the Global Pik Up
The pickup concept from the Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS), reflects Mahindra's interpretation of an authentic lifestyle pickup, and hopefully, the end product won't be too far removed from what we saw at Futurescape.
Pratap Bose, Chief Design Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said: "Design is the cornerstone of our success, shaping our identity and paving the way for our global acceptance. The Global Pik Up’s rugged, dependable, and purposeful appearance appeals universally, reflecting a desire for adventure and exploration. The satin-finish titanium-gold paint highlights the vehicle's ultra-durable New Gen Ladder Frame platform, embodying the ‘GO FAR’ aspirations that define this Mahindra Pik Up. Its versatility and capability, enriched by cutting-edge technologies, signal a transformative shift in what a lifestyle pickup can be."
In its concept sheet metal, it is one of the best-looking double cabs we've laid eyes on. It looks swish with its rugged all-terrain tyres, side steps, snorkel, and a roof rack with blinding integrated LED lights. In the load bay, there are two spare tyres and the rear end has LED taillights in the corners, as well as recovery points.
Global Pik Up's Platform, engine, and drivetrain
The new Global Pik Up is based on the aforementioned New Gen Ladder Frame platform (like the Scorpio N SUV) which is designed for optimum durability, excellent crash performance along with low NVH (noise vibration and harshness) levels, and improved ride and handling. The wheelbase will be longer than the Scorpio N's to accommodate the dual cab and load bed.
The body of the Global Pik Up is stiff, yet lightweight and the engine that will be on offer will most likely be the Gen-II 2.2-litre mHawk AII-aluminium turbodiesel, mated to an AISIN 6-speed auto or the brand's own 6-speed manual transmission. It will be suitable for every terrain with a variety of offroad driving modes for the 4Xplore four-wheel-drive model (Normal, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Rut, and Sand), as well as Zip, Zap, Zoom (and Custom) driving modes, as seen in the XUV700.
Global Pik Up's tech and safety features
The Global Pik Up will also aim to please the more tech-orientated among us, with an immersive sound system, 5G on-board connectivity, semi-autonomous parking, and safety specs such as semi-autonomous driving features (Level 2 ADAS), trailer sway mitigation, and drowsy driver detection, to name a few. The Global Pik Up aims to meet the highest global standards, including a 5-Star safety rating.
When will the Global Pik Up arrive in South Africa?
The Global Pik-Up will be heading our way somewhere between 2024 and 2025 and it may also receive a more interesting name - Mahindra says any suggestions are welcome.
ENDS
