Indian brand Mahindra has launched its new-generation Pik-Up in Australia, remaining faithful to its rugged workhorse and value orientation but bringing it up to date with significant improvements in areas such as powertrain and safety.

Partially developed in Australia, where a six-month test schedule was carried out ahead of its arrival late last year, the new-generation Pik-Up emerged at launch with four variants: S6 4×4 single cab chassis priced from $26,990 drive-away, S6 4×4 dual cab chassis from $29,490 d/a, S6 4×4 dual cab pick-up from $29,990 d/a and higher-spec S10 4×4 twin cab with tub from $31,990 d/a.

From early this year, an entry level S6 4×2 single cab chassis was set to become available, from $21,990 d/a.

On the powertrain front, the new Pik-Up has an updated version of the 2.2L four-cylinder ‘mHawk CRDe’ turbo-diesel engine, now with a variable geometry turbo that figures behind its higher power and torque figures of 103kW (up 15kW) and 330Nm (up 50Nm), the latter produced from 1,600rpm through to 2,800rpm.

The engine drives through an all-new six-speed manual transmission only (no automatic is available), with 4×4 variants fitted with a conventional part-time four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing (sourced from BorgWarner) and all models offer an Eaton rear differential lock as standard. Fuel consumption is quoted at 8.6 litres per 100km for the 4×4 single cab and 8.8L/100km for the 4×4 double.

The suspension is a conventional solid rear axle and independent type up front, the latter in double wishbone configuration on the 4×2 and as a torsion bar on the 4×4 variants, while the braking hardware includes discs up front and drums at the rear.

All Pik-Ups are fitted with 16” wheels with 245/75 R16 tyres.

Braked towing capacity is 2500kg across the range, GVW is 3,150kg, kerb mass ranges from 1,680kg on the 4×2 single cab chassis to 2080 for the 4×4 dual cab pick-up, and, on the same basis, payload ranges from 1,470kg to 1,070kg.

Now with an integrated rear step, the factory tub measures 1,530mm long, 1,520mm wide and 550mm deep, while various factory aluminium and galvanised steel tray options are available. Other accessories include a towbar and the usual mix of bullbars, snorkels, interior covers and a suspension upgrade with lift kit.

Safety features fitted standard across the range include dual front airbags, hill descent control, electronic stability control, rollover mitigation and ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

Each seating position now has a headrest and three-point seatbelt, while the rear bench in the dual cab also includes two internationally recognised Isofix child seat anchors and three top tether strap points.

Other features on S6 variants include projector headlights, side steps, new fabric seats with vinyl inserts, air-conditioning and audio head unit with an MP3, radio and CD player, while remote central locking and cruise control are only standard on S10.

The S10 also adds exterior chrome accents, alloy wheels (up from steel rims with plastic cover), alloy sports bar, daytime running lights and side projection beams, better infotainment system (including 6.0” touch screen with satellite navigation, reversing camera and Bluetooth), a multifunction steering wheel, automatic wipers/headlights, front armrests, driver’s seat height adjustment and automatic climate control air-conditioning.

The Pik-Up is backed by a 5-year/100,000km warranty with five years of roadside assistance.