Top 5 Mahindra Pik Up features that stand out from the competition

We’ll discount the lower-trim single-cabs in this report, because they pretty much represent par for the course in the workhorse market: simple, rugged, capable and affordable, but nothing to really widen anyone’s eyes. Instead, we’ll look at the double-cab derivatives, specifically in high-trim S10 and S11 format. The latter was a new arrival to local shores in 2020, while the former received a spec upgrade towards the end of 2020, and they’re both very well-priced for their feature count.

Related: Extended-term review of the Mahindra Pik Up S11 Karoo 4x4 – what’s it like as a daily driver?

 

1. It’s made to work hard

Don’t be fooled by the Pik Up S10 and S11’s plusher trimmings (or the Karoo Edition’s flashy styling add-ons), because it’s still a proper workhorse at its core. Even in double-cab 4x4 format, the Pik Up can carry just about 1 000 kg in its sturdy, double-skinned load bay, while 4x2s can carry almost 1 100 kg. That’s on par with larger, newer mainstream-brand double cabs (and even better than some), and is a stand-out feature at this price point.

Related: What is covered by the Mahindra Pik Up manufacturer’s warranty?

 

2. Colour touchscreen infotainment

We’re not talking about a state-of-the-art touchscreen with artfully-animated graphics, mind you, but the console-mounted screen nonetheless offers most of the functionality you’d expect from this type of user interface. It also doubles as the display for a basic trip computer and has seamless Bluetooth integration. At this price point, most bakkies count themselves as plush if they just have a radio of any description...

Related: Mahindra Pik Up S11 test drive – check out these Karoo-specific features!

 

3. Rear-view camera

This is a new addition to the S10 specification, but it has featured on the S11 from launch. The image (on the aforementioned touchscreen display) includes guide lines, and is a major assistant when maneuvering in tight parking spots. Front parking sensors would have been a welcome addition, though.

Related: The top 6 must-have accessories for your Mahindra Pik Up.

 

4. Standard navigation

To get this feature in a mainstream double cab, you’d have to look at offerings that cost about 50% more. Yes, it’s a bit clunky to enter your destination via the touchscreen, but it gets the job done just fine, with turn-by-turn navigation and clear voice directions.

Related: The top 8 things you need to know about the Mahindra Pik Up S11 Automatic.

 

5. Automatic climate control

Once again an unusual feature in a new budget bakkie, the Mahindra Pik Up has a very effective, electronically controlled set-and-forget air conditioning system. The one oddity is that its default setting is for cabin air filtration, regardless of how you set it before switching the bakkie off – likely due to the extreme air pollution in its native India.

 

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