Cab chassis takes Mahindra ute below $20K

JUST weeks after Mahindra announced that it was striving to increase its presence in the Australian workhorse ute market, taking a greater role in the distribution and sale of its Pik-Up one-tonner, the Indian manufacturer has released a new cab chassis variant.

Positioned as a cost-effective alternative to the mainstream brands, the cab chassis sends the starting price for the Indian-built Pik-Up to below $20,000.

The 4x2 single-cab starts from $19,990 – $2000 less than the tubbed ute version – and climbs to $22,990 for the 4x4. The dual-cab starts from $23,990 for the 4x2, increasing to $27,990 for the 4x4. There is nothing in the range over $30,000.

All models continue to the use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder CRDe turbo-diesel engine, which is an intercooled and common-rail unit that meets the Euro IV emissions standard and produces 79kW at 3800rpm and 247Nm between 1800rpm and 2200rpm.

It combines with a five-speed manual transmission an automatic continues to be unavailable.

The cab chassis has the same equipment level as other models in the series. Standard features include air-conditioning (now upgraded for better distribution throughout the cab), electric windows, remote central locking, a Kenwood MP3-compatibile CD stereo, alarm, steel side steps, front foglights and 16-inch steel wheels.

Airbags and ABS brakes remain absent from the list, although the front brake discs are now slotted for improved braking performance and the seatbelts have been extended 350mm for additional comfort.

All models are backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty and roadside assistance for the first 12 months.

Maximum braked towing capacity continues at 2500kg, while payload for the cab chassis ranges from 1060kg to 1160kg, depending on the variant. Unladen weight ranges from 1790kg for the 4x2 single-cab to 2010kg for the 4x4 twin-cab.

For a limited time, Mahindra is also offering free alloy wheels (worth $1400) with tub-back Pik-Ups. It has also created a website – www.nakedpikup.com.au – for potential customers to ‘dress’ their cab chassis Pik-Up using different payloads, colours and tray options.

The Indian brand’s retail network has increased to 20 dealers in rural and metropolitan NSW, Victoria and Queensland, with retail outlets in South Australia to be announced soon.

Established in November, Mahindra Automotive Australia marked the formation of a new joint-venture company between Mahindra & Mahindra and its Australian importer TMI Pacific, which had been responsible for the distribution and relaunch of the brand since June 2007.

Mahindra has now taken an 80 per cent stake in the business and has direct involvement in the model mix, marketing, promotion and retailing of the Pik-Up.

Mahindra Pik-Up pricing:
2.5 CRDe single-cab 4x2 cab chassis	$19,990
2.5 CRDe single-cab 4x2	$21,990
2.5 CRDe single-cab 4x4 cab chassis	$22,990
2.5 CRDe double-cab 4x2 cab chassis	$23,990
2.5 CRDe single-cab 4x4	$24,990
2.5 CRDe double-cab 4x2	$25,990
2.5 CRDe double-cab 4x4 cab chassis	$27,990
2.5 CRDe double-cab 4x4	$29,990

Read more:

Mahindra moves into Australia

Mahindra heads west

First drive: Mahindra's new Pik-Up line has no frills