Indian auto brand Mahindra is working overtime to steer attention its way, targeting tradespeople with a specially tailored offer on its Pik-Up workhorse ute at the end level and, at the top end, developing its first-ever special edition for the Australian market – the Black mHawk.

The deal for the trades is available on the S6 single cab manual – priced from $23,990 plus on-road costs for the 4×2, or $26,990 for the 4×4 – and adds a general-purpose aluminium tray, ladder rack, towbar, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and cruise control.

The Black mHawk, meanwhile, is a locally developed special edition based on the 4×4 S10 dual cab priced at $38,990 drive-away and follows various other brands in applying a darker theme to the donor model to impart a more aggressive or upmarket ‘black-tie’ impression.

The latter is evident here, with Mahindra using black as the colour of choice for the model’s 17” wheels, alloy sports bar, side steps, custom decal set, wheel-arch flares and factory bullbar.

All Pik-Up variants use a 2.2L four-cylinder ‘mHawk CRDe’ turbo-diesel engine that delivers 103kW of power and 330Nm of torque (available from 1,600-2,800rpm) and combines with a six-speed manual gearbox only. There is no automatic transmission available.

Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, a rear differential lock, hill descent control, electronic stability control, rollover mitigation and ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

The S6 is otherwise a fairly basic package, with cabin features including air-conditioning, and fabric seats with vinyl inserts. The S10 ups the ante with extra sound-deadening material for a quieter ride, climate-control air-conditioning, full-fabric seat trim, remote central locking, multi-function steering wheel, driver’s seat height adjustment, automatic headlights/wipers and a better infotainment system with 6.0” touch screen, satellite navigation and a reversing camera.

All models are covered by a ‘limited five-year’ warranty – meaning three years (or 100,000km) plus another two years for the powertrain – and roadside assistance.