Mahindra, Australia, Toyota
Mahindra started importing its pickup and SUV models to Australia in mid-2007. The Australian version of the Mahindra is called the "Pik-Up." The web site is
http://www.mahindrapikup.com.au
The specs of the Australian model are similar to those recently available from the Global Vehicles - USA web site.
2009 Mahindra Two-Door Truck -- U.S. Specifications
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
Engine.....4 Cylinder Common Rail Diesel
Drivetrain.....Front Engine, 4WD/2WD
Transmission.....6-speed Automatic
Wheel base.....119.7 inches
Single cab bed length.....7.5 ft
Ground Clearance.....8.3 inches
Suspension
Front.....Independent Torsion with Stabilizer Bar
Rear.....Multilink, Coil Spring
Fuel Capacity.....21.1 gallons
Wheel.....16 x 6.5J
Tires.....P245/75R16
The crew cab version of the truck uses the same wheelbase, and shorten the bed to 59 inches to make room for the back seat.
INTERIOR
Seating.....2
Stereo.....CD/MP3 Player with Aux Input
Driver Controls.....Power Windows w/Locks; Keyless Entry
Climate Controls.....Air Conditioning and Heat
SAFETY
Airbags.....Front Smart/Dual Stage System
Brakes.....4 Wheel Disc with ABS
Handling.....Electronic Stability Control
There are a few significant differences between the USA and Australian models. First, the USA model will use a newly designed 2.2L turbodiesel that can meet our emissions standards. The USA model will have a 6 speed automatic only, no manual transmission. The USA specs list 4 wheel disc brakes, while the Australian version has the typical disc/drum brake setup.
The interior of the USA truck will be different than Mahindra models elsewhere. The interior is designed by Lear, a company that has designed interiors for other USA auto manufacturers. (So expect XXL-size seats and lots of cupholders.)
Down Under, the Pik-Up has a standard limited slip rear differential, which will probably be included in the USA model.
The Australian model has a payload of 2200 lbs. That's 400 lbs less than the payload that Global Vehicles USA talks about in this article
http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/news/mahindra/dieselhybridandmore.html
2009 Mahindra Appalachian Regular cab 4x4
Wheel base.....119.7 in
overall length.....200.7 in
width.....69.7 in
bed length.....89 in
payload.....2200? 2600? lbs
2008 Toyota Tacoma Regular cab 4x4
Wheel base.....110.0 inches
overall length.....190.4 in
width.....74.6 in
bed length.....73.5 in
payload.....1485 lbs
The projected starting price for the Mahindra pickup may be a problem. The articles I've read state $22,000 for a rear wheel drive model, maybe $25,000 for a 4x4 single cab. The base Tacoma regular cab has an MSRP of less than $15,000.
Maybe a more realistic comparison: The Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 with 6 cylinder engine and automatic transmission has an MSRP of $25,000. The top of the line Mahindra, with double cab, 4x4, diesel engine and auto trans is expected to cost about $29,000.
The Toyota 6 cylinder gets 20 MPG (downhill with a tailwind). The Mahindra has a 600 lb greater payload capacity, and is supposed to return 30+ MPG.
But is that enough to justify paying an extra $4000 for the Mahindra?
Chip Haven
