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| The Mahindra score high on power:price, but low on high-jack risk. |
MAHINDRA South Africa celebrated the reopening of its dealers with the launch of a refreshed Pik Up S6 single cab.
This single cab bakkie is Mahindra’s “flagship workhorse” and drops the gauntlet to competitors listed below.
The S6 single cab benefits from the design changes first seen on the S11 automatic double cab.
The large, seven-slot chromed grille resembles the new look on the double cab and Scorpio models, with a reworked front bumper, integrated fog lamps and chrome detailing that turns this rugged bakkie into a bit if a looker.
On a functional level, Mahindra responded to clients’ needs with a new styling bar on the load bin that adds rigidity and has stronger tie-down capabilities. This styling bar is bolted onto the rear load bay and is standard on both the 4x2 and 4x4 models.
Another little luxury is an electric lock on the fuel lid which allows it to be opened remotely.
Mahindra said the real value is inside the cabin, which now boasts an electric rear view mirror adjustment, one-touch lane change indicators, cruise control and arm rests as standard features. The driver’s seat can also be adjusted for height.
Lastly, the key fob has been replaced with an upmarket flip key with integrated remote found on the lifestyle double cab models.
These upgrades add to the list of standard “luxury” features in the S6 single cab model range, all of which come with rain-sensitive wipers, automatic self-levelling headlamps and a fuel-saving start-stop system.
All S6 models also include Mahindra’s integrated audio system with auxiliary port, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
This model further has dual front airbags, central locking, a 12V charging port, ABS brakes with emergency brake force distribution and air conditioning as standard.
UNDER THE HOOD
Fleet owners who use their bakkies for work used to check only for two prices — how much per Newton metre and the average resale price. Nowadays they also check the security risk of owning the brand.
Mahindra scores high on value and is low on risk.
The Newtons comes from Mahindra’s proven 2.2 litre mHawk turbodiesel engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission.
Featuring common rail direct injection and variable turbocharging, this block makes 103 kW at 3 750 rpm and a healthy 320 Nm from 1 500 rpm to 2 800 rpm.
While 320 Newtons does not sound like much compared to the 385 Nm from the 2.2 TDCi in Ford’s single cab high rider, it is actually the second highest torque delivery among the competing workhorse bakkies.
Equipped with this engine, the S6 single cab can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 2 500 kilogrammes, and with no heavy trailer deducting from the bakkies overal licensed road wieght, the S6 can deliver 1 195 kg on the 4x2 model, and 100 kg less on the 4x4 model.
All Mahindra Pik Up S6 models are sold with a comprehensive mechanical warranty and roadside assistance plan of 120 000 km or four years and a 5-year or 90 000 km service plan.
Service intervals after the 10 000 km lubrication service, are set at 20 000 km.
The luxurious S6 bakkie makes a mockery of the spartan cabs offered by more expensive workhorses and delivers more power than cheaper bakkies. I therefore recommend giving the S6’s wheels a good kicking before deciding on buying a new bakkie. Bear in mind, while the Isuzu D-Max and Nissan NP300 are more expensive, its a buyers market and both dealers have big discounts on offer.
MAHINDRA PIK UP S6 PRICING
(June 2020)
4x2: R266 499
4x4: R311 499
MAHINDRA'S COMPETITORS
