Top-six accessories for your Mahindra Pik Up

By Stuart Johnston

Since Mahindra embarked on local assembly of vehicles in South Africa in mid-2018, the company has been keen on using as many locally-sourced components as possible. In line with this thinking, a number of locally-produced accessories have been produced for the Pik Up and other models.

The latest Indian-built Mahindra Pik Up is one of those vehicles that makes you happy because it turns out to be much better than expected. The latest-generation diesel engine couple to a six-speed transmission is a well-matched package. And the rest of the vehicle is well-built, even though some materials in the interior are budget-orientated, rather than of the boulevard-chic variety.

For more details on the Mahindra LCV range, click here.

The Karoo Konnection

Celebrating local assembly of the Pik Up at Mahindra’s fledgling plant in Durban (production is scheduled to be ramped up considerably over the next few years), Mahindra South Africa recently introduced a total of 180 accessorised Pik Ups, known as the Karoo Limited Edition.

These units, based on the S6 and S10 versions of the Pik Up Double Cab, were an instant hot item and were snapped up by dealers as soon as the models were launched between November 2018 and February 2019.

You can still buy the parts separately

If you had bought a Pik Up prior to the launch of the Karoo, or missed the boat after the last Karoo editions had been sold, the good news is that you can buy the Karoo parts individually for your Pik Up. And fitting them won’t compromise the warranty on your vehicle, as long as the fitment is done by an authorised Mahindra dealer. You could also have them retro-fitted to a used Pik Up or Scorpio model. For a range of used Mahindra LCVs currently on sale, click here.

There is also a Farmer’s Edition

If you prefer the rugged look for your Pik Up and use it more for carting cattle or hay bales than cruising the latest urban in-spots, Mahindra also offers a special Farmers Edition package that includes rugged steel replacement bumpers for front and rear, a cattle extension grid for the rear, and a snorkel for deep wading during river crossings in the flood season.

But the Karoo items caught our eye

But for transforming the Pik Up into a looker with street cred, we favour the Karoo package, especially the items that include the wheel arch extensions and the imported alloy wheels. Mahindra still needs to learn a bit about funky wheel design when it comes to equipping its standard Pik Up models, as they look a bit cartoon-like, to our eye.

Our Top Six Karoo Add-Ons

1. A-Line 16-inch alloy wheels (R6 950-00 for a set of four). These are imported wheels, and the good news is that they accept the standard-fit Pik Up rubber, as used on the S6 and S10 Pik Up models
2. Wheel Arch extensions (R4 275 for set of four). These are high-quality locally-made items in GRP using injection moulding, and really buff the profile of your Pik Up. They harmonise brilliantly with the A-Line wheels. We don’t recommend using them with the standard rims!
3. Nudge Bar (R2 735.42). This rugged steel “nerf bar”, or bull bar, finished in black, is locally made and gives the Pik Up a contemporary urban-cool look. Also handy for protecting your Pik Up bodywork.
4. Sports Bar (R3 247-09). This is not a place to sip beers and watch rugby on the big screen! It is actually a black-finished roll bar fitted to the load bay section. Again it is locally made and of high quality. Useful for securing awkward items in the load bay.
5. Tow Bar (R3 968-14). We feel every bakkie should be equipped with a tow bar. So why not get the Mahindra-approved item?
6. Tonneau Cover (R1 950-00): This is a simple high-quality fabric item, covering the load bay and easily affixed to the standard tie hooks on the Pik Up. Like a tow bar, this is a must-fit accessory for any bakkie.