Mahindra Peak-Ap 2007 Review
Test Drive

Mahindra Peak-Ap 2007 Review

Pik-Up ute is the first stopper from an Indian company in the Australian market; it might be wrong, but between us, it's not that bad.

Our test car was the top of the range 4×4 double cab, priced from $29,990 to $3000. That's $8000 less than its closest competitor, SsangYong's Actyon Sports, and $XNUMX less than its cheapest Japanese competitor, that is, short of the Musso, which is in the final run-out phase.

But, for a clearer picture, you really need to study the specifications and equipment lists of both cars.

Pik-Up is covered by a three-year 100,000 km warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance for the first 12 months. Like all Mahindra vehicles (4×2 and single cab versions are also available), the Pik-Up is powered by a four-cylinder 2.5-litre turbodiesel with common rail fuel injection and intercooling.

This is an in-house development developed jointly with the Austrian powertrain engineers AVL. The diesel develops 79 kW of power and 247 Nm of torque at low 1800 rpm and complies with Euro IV emission standards.

Fuel consumption from an 80-litre tank is 9.9 l/100 km. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, however no automatic is available.

Pik-Up is designed for the lower end of the market: farmers, merchants, etc. who need an inexpensive car that they can hit the ground with.

The all-important bath at the back is large: 1489 mm long, 1520 mm wide and 550 mm deep (measured internally). With independent front suspension and leaf springs under the rear, it is capable of carrying a payload of one tonne and has a trailer brake load of 2500 kg.

Pick-Up is equipped with a part-time XNUMXWD system and cannot drive on dry tar with XNUMXWD engaged.

A limited slip rear differential is standard. For slippery surfaces, all-wheel drive can be engaged on the fly with a rotary knob located between the front seats, with automatic locking of the front front hubs. While we found the transmission in our test car to twitch from time to time, the Pik-Up is easy enough to drive if you're not trying to rush things.

Keeping up with the flow is no problem, and it easily travels along the motorway at a speed of 110 km / h. Having said that, the ute's turning radius is terrible and we note that it is equipped with rear drums and also lacks anti-lock brakes. It also lacks airbags, and the center rear passenger is wearing a lap seat belt.

Although the car is equipped with power windows, the exterior mirrors need to be adjusted manually (we would love to swap one for the other).

Off-road, the Pick-Up has 210mm of ground clearance and a very low, "caterpillar" first gear.

Suffice it to say that it ran our favorite fire trail without too much trouble, mainly due to the lack of tire traction.

We would rate it as an all-wheel drive medium-duty vehicle. As for reliability, only time will tell.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, keyless entry and a Kenwood audio system with USB and SD card ports. Side steps, front and rear 12-volt outlets, and alarms are also fitted, but alloy wheels are an additional cost. A full-size spare is located under the rear.

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