Mahindra teases new Pik-Up based on Scorpio SUV
It's been 16 years since the current Pik-Up went on sale in Australia, but Indian car maker Mahindra has now previewed a concept version of its replacement, set to be unveiled later this month.
An all-new Mahindra Pik-Up dual-cab ute concept is due to be revealed in the coming weeks, the Indian car-maker has announced.
A teaser video posted by Mahindra online show glimpses of a new "global" Pik-Up ute concept, which is believed to be based on the recently-released Scorpio SUV – albeit with a lengthened ladder-frame chassis, according to Autocar India.
The new-generation Pik-Up – reportedly codenamed 'Z121' internally – is expected to offer itself as an alternative to dual-cab utes from Chinese brands such as LDV and GWM, as well as other "value" utes such as the South Korean SsangYong Musso.
While doing so, the Pik-Up is expected to align itself more with traditional dual-cab utes in the segment, offering more comfort and technology than the current model – which is relatively popular in Australia's agricultural sector.
The current Mahindra Pik-Up has been on sale in Australia since 2007, and is often seen as a rugged workhorse and a cut-price alternative to the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series.
Overseas reports suggest the next Z121 Pik-Up could eventually be offered with a single-cab body alongside the dual-cab variant, and may come as a cab-chassis with the option of a tray – as with the current model.
While exact details of the forthcoming Pik-Up have yet to be revealed, the Scorpio is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 129kW and 400Nm.
While that represents a 25 per cent increase in power over the current Pik-Up, among the current line-up of dual-cab utes in Australia, it would remain one of the least-powerful models on sale – sitting just above the GWM Ute with 120kW/400Nm.
Drive in the Scorpio is sent to all four wheels through an Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic transmission, with an automatically-locking rear differential and selectable drive modes for different terrains.
Mahindra appears to be spruiking the Pik-Up concept's off-road credentials, with a chunky all-terrain tyre fitted to a spare wheel in the tub of the ute – and the concept driving through a desert environment.
The unveiling of the global Pik-Up Vision concept will take place on 15 August 2023 in Cape Town – with South Africa being a key market for Mahindra, being the fastest-growing automobile brand in the country last year thanks to a 78 per cent increase in sales.
Reports out of India suggest the new-generation Mahindra Pik-Up will go on sale in 2025 – though Drive has previously reported on a launch date in 2027, based on comments from Mahindra executives.