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M
ahindra is pitching its facelifted 2016 Genio squarely at
the trades, offering more bang for your buck with the
budget-oriented Indian-built one-tonne ute range that
continues to start from $19,990 drive-away.
Detail changes inside and out serve to modernise the
Genio, with a new grille and updated 15” wheels the main
attractions on the outside while the cabin now has darker
trim throughout.
Electronic traction control remains optional, but Mahinda’s
local distributor is working to have it fitted standard by the
end of the year.
The Genio continues to be offered in single and dual cab
body styles – the latter kicking off from $24,990 drive-away –
with a turbo-diesel engine and either a 4x2 or 4x4
driveline available.
The power source in question is a 2.2L four-cylinder
‘mHawk’ unit with a variable geometry turbocharger that
produces 88kW of power at 4,000rpm and 280Nm of torque
from 1,800-2,800rpm. A five-speed manual is the only
gearbox on offer, while specifying a 4WD system adds $3,500.
Fuel economy on the official combined cycle is listed as
8.6L/100km.
Mahindra claims the cabin is one of the most spacious in its
class and the Australian-sourced aluminium tray – supplied
by Queensland manufacturer Triple M Truck Bodies – is fitted
standard. It measures 1,777mm wide and 2,700mm/1,950mm
long (single/dual cab), both with removable drop sides
and tailgate.
Gross vehicle mass is 2,980kg, kerb weight 1,720-1,980kg
depending on the variant, and payload ranges from an even
tonne on the 4x4 dual cab to 1,100kg on the 4x2 twin, 1,160kg
on the 4x4 single and a handy 1,260kg on the 4x2 single.
Braked towing capacity is on the low side at 1,800kg across
the range.
The suspension design is a conventional independent
double-wishbone arrangement up front, with a solid-axle
leaf-sprung configuration at the rear. Disc brakes are fitted at
the front end, and drums at the rear.
Standard features include front fog lights, air-conditioning,
central locking, tilt-adjustable steering, cruise control,
electric windows/mirrors and steering-mounted audio
controls, while Bluetooth phone connectivity is available as
an option. The dual cab offers a ‘Digital Drive Assist System’
with trip computer information such as internal and external
ambient temperature, date and time, and fuel consumption.
Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags and
ABS brakes.
Mahindra
www.mahindra.com.auMAHINDRA GENIO