CAR POOL
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday October 17, 2009
THE CAR Mahindra Pik-up single-cab chassis 4x4 (tub model shown)THE PRICE From $18,990 plus dealer andon-road costsVITAL STATISTICS 2.5-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 79kW/247Nm, 5-speed man, 9.9L/100km and 260g/km CO2, 4WDWHY WE'RE DRIVING ITMahindra has launched a facelifted version of its cut-price ute range, adding important safety features such as front-seat airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard.LIKESHonest, workhorse feel to the drivetrain. Auto-locking hubs and low-range gearing. Good value and safer compared with some second-hand choices. Roomy cabin. Radio has USB/SD card input. Huge aluminium tray with galvanised steel drop sides fitted to our test car. Warranty €” with roadside assist €” covers 100,000 kilometres or three years, which is important in an as-yet unproven brand.DISLIKESLimited off-road potential, with very little wheel articulation. Shallow rampover angle due to long wheelbase. Flex in the chassis skewed the tray off centre on our test car. Seats feel cheap and are uncomfortable. Turbo whine is a common and irritating companion, particularly on freeways. No easy access to cabin space behind the seats. Unpleasant plastic smell of the cabin even penetrated clothing. Speedo was 11 per cent out compared with our GPS.WOULD I BUY ONE?You're probably looking at an eight-year-old LandCruiser cab chassis for about the same money, so if size and safety matter the Mahindra should be on the list.
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
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