Top 8 things you need to know about the Mahindra Pik Up S11 Automatic double cab
The four-wheel drive versions of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger aren’t within everyone’s budget, but should you consider an Indian alternative like the Mahindra Pik Up? We tested the new automatic S11 in last week’s rainy weather. Here’s what you need to know before committing yourself to a new Pik Up.
1. The new automatic gearbox is what the Pik Up needed
Lifestyle bakkie lovers will agree that having to constantly shift gears in heavy traffic is a schlepp, especially if you’re towing a boat or caravan. In my press vehicle, the automatic gearbox wasn’t the smoothest shifter when the car was cold, but after a few minutes, this niggle seemed to disappear. (Read about our Pik Up S11 Karoo longterm test drive here!) In S11 4x4 models, the gearbox is mated to the hill-descent control and cruise control systems for safe passage down steep declines. (We compared the Pik Up Karoo to the JAC T8 and GWM P Series here.)
Related: Launch report - Mahindra’s new Automatic Pik Up (January 2020)
2. The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel mHawk engine is one of its strongest points
This particular engine with 103 kW and 320 Nm is well-known for being sufficiently powerful, reliable, and quite efficient too. I never had any issues overtaking slower vehicles and towing a trailer or boat up to 2500 kg (braked) is a cinch. And it’s no noisier than an Isuzu D-Max. Sure, there’s some wind- and road noise, but the Pik Up doesn’t pretend to be an SUV.
Read our Mahindra Pk Up 2.2 CRDe Double Cab 4x4 S11 review here (2020) - The big old easy.
3. A large fuel tank and good fuel efficiency means stopping less frequently to fill up
The Pik Up has an 80-litre tank and fuel consumption hovers around the 8-9 litres per 100 km, although Mahindra reckons it’s 7.9 litres per 100 km. According to this figure, you’ll be able to travel for around 1000 km before having to stop for diesel. We suggest being a little more conservative with your calculations and bargaining on about 800 km.
Something different - the Mahindra Pik Up (2019)
4. Visibility is excellent
Whether you’re driving happily along or just sitting on the passenger’s side, looking at scenery, the Pik Up’s high windows and large front windshield ensure your view is always as good as can be. The S11 is also the only bakkie in the range to have a standard rear-view camera.
5. Ergonomics could probably be a little better
While we all appreciate satellite buttons on the steering wheel instead of fumbling with radio systems or touchscreens, if it’s not done exactly right it can become a slight irritation. At the beginning of my week in the S11 I kept on pressing the voice control button on the steering wheel by mistake as I turned the steering wheel around corners. The voice control system itself is not sophisticated and I tried to avoid it as best as I could.
We would also have liked a few more cup holders as the front door cars are very narrow and two of the cupholders in front are just too shallow to be practical.
6. Space on the back seat is a little tight
This means you can forget about having adults along when you’re off on an adventure, unless they’re no taller than primary school children. Forget about 4x4 weekends away with the boys, unless they drive their own bakkie. At least the front part of the cabin offers plenty of room.
7. The 4x4 Pik Up models are tough and capable
The Pik-Up’s high ground clearance of 210mm, 34-degree approach angle, 15-degree departure angle and 18-degree break-over angle go a long way in making the Pik Up very adept at off-roading. Treacherous 4x4 courses pose no real threat or challenge to the Pik Up and the heavy-duty Cushion suspension system allows up to 995 kilograms to be transported with ease. (4x2 models can carry up to 1095 kg.) All double cab models are fitted with Eaton and Mahindra’s co-developed mechanical diff lock (MLD) that allows the rear wheels to lock up completely when a loss of traction occurs.
With regards to manoeuvrability, the Pik Up’s large turning circle and firm steering doesn’t allow the most comfortable entrance into city parking bays, however.
8. It’s loaded with spec
The S11 model has all the modern convenience features that we’ve come to expect from lifestyle vehicles, such as electric windows all ‘round, armrests in front, climate control, Bluetooth, AUX/USB ports, a touch screen system with sat nav, puddle lamps, fog lamps in front, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, and automatic headlamps. The standard cornering lights are quite uncommon on bakkies, so kudos to Mahindra for adding them. Safety features include ABS, EBD, two airbags, and traction control.
*Current pricing for the Mahindra Pik Up 2.2CRDe double cab S11 starts from R492 999. The S11 enjoys a 4-year / 120 000 km warranty and Mahindra throws in a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan as well.
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