comparing Mahindra and Toyota
In an interview with Pickuptruck.com in February, the CEO of Global Vehicles USA, claimed that the payload of the new "Appalachian" pickup will be 2600 lbs. The standard cab model will have a 90 inch long bed, auto trans, 4x4 and limited slip differential. Price is supposed to start around $22,000 for this configuration.
Several magazine articles have reported the 2.2L MHawk diesel engine produces 300 lb-ft of torque. I think this is a mistake. The torque rating of the 2.2L MHawk in other countries is 300 newton meters, or about 225 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the VW 2.0L TDI diesel produces 236 lb-ft. So I expect a torque figure for the engine in USA trim to be below 250 lb-ft.
The Appalachian's EPA Mileage rating is unknown. The company importing the pickup to USA claims 30 to 35 mpg highway. The Scorpio SUV with the new 2.2L MHawk diesel is rated at 32 mpg highway in Europe. I expect an EPA rating closer to 25 mpg overall, maybe 28 mpg highway.
Even with these diminished expectations in the power and mileage departments, I think the Mahindra will be cheaper to buy and to operate than similar 4x4 trucks. The Mahindra will also have a longer bed, greater payload and longer warranty (save for Dodge's lifetime powertrain warranty).
Compare this to the Tacoma, which has a payload of 1485 lbs and bed length of 73.5 inches. A stripped Tacoma 4x4 standard cab with 4 cylinder engine and 5 speed costs about $20,000. A Tacoma equipped like the Mahindra, with V6, auto trans and limited slip differential costs $27,000. The V6 is rated at 266 lb-ft of torque and 20 mpg on the highway.
A stripped Tundra regular cab long bed with 4.7L V8, auto trans, 4x4 and limited slip differential costs about $28,500, but probably could be found with deep discounts today. Bed length is 97.6 inches and payload is 1780 lbs. The engine produces 313 lb-ft of torque and is rated at 16 mpg highway.
Chip Haven
