“I was born in India but was made in South Africa” - Mahatma Gandhi. Starting with the Thar in 2020, followed up with the XUV700 in 2021 and finally the ScorpioN in 2022 - Mahindra has consistently unveiled new products on every Independence Day, over the past few years. This year, however, there are no imminent launches. Instead, the event previewed a "Go Global" theme for Mahindra - showcasing future products and global vision for their farm and auto divisions! With Gandhiji's abovementioned phrase in mind, a global venue of Cape Town, South Africa was selected for this "Mahindra Futurescape".
The showstopper unveiled is the new Global Pik Up that shoulders the responsibility of expanding Mahindra's international exposure! Targeting new potential markets in ASEAN, Australia, South Africa, South & Central America and India, the concept will spawn a production version (Codename Z121) in 2025.
Mahindra believes they have the right fundamentals in place now for global expansion with presence across 25 countries, 4 overseas ventures in Europe, South Africa, Australia & Sri Lanka, presence across LHD and RHD markets and manufacturing / assembling capabilities across countries like the USA, Tunisia, Kenya, South Africa and Sri Lanka in addition to the mother plants in India. The company also believes that its current SUV portfolio has set the right fundamentals for a global audience with powertrain options, safety, design and technology. New products like the Global Pik Up will be tasked to take it forward:
Designed by the Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS) - Mahindra claims the new Global Pik Up is designed based on 5 principles - Tough, Versatile, Capable, Techy and Safe:
Dubbed 'Heartcare Design', Mahindra claims it to be "Modern, Functional Detail, Robust and Bold":
One may not too be too far-fetched in calling this the ScorpioN Pik Up. It shares the same platform and the front end is similar too, which may not be a bad thing in this case!
A closer look at the headlamp which has an identical shape, but different internal elements in this concept form:
The large grille is very unique and quite unlike Mahindra designs so far! This also lends it a very butch stance. Mahindra has also stayed clear of the usual "Jeep" inspiration as the product is targeting the United States as a prime region. No comments on the material used and finish of the grille since this is only a concept, but there is definite scope for improvement here. Mahindra also showcased a functional winch with the load capacity mentioned:
Muscular bonnet gets rugged design elements maybe as a differentiator from the SUV. Under the bonnet, the concept packs the familiar Gen-II mHawk all-aluminum diesel engine, which will be made available with two transmission options - a 6-speed manual or an AISIN sourced 6-speed automatic. There was no mention of a petrol engine option during this unveil:
Side profile is where Mahindra design has really pulled an ace out of its sleeve. The car looks proportionately designed and not like an add-on to the ScorpioN. It's not very edgy in design like earlier pickups from Mahindra, but the design should be well received by the customer base. No specific mention was made about the wheelbase, but it looks significantly stretched in comparison to the SUV:
Proportionate is the first word that came to mind when the Pik Up rolled onto the stage. With its double cab styling - the large load area looks well-designed with spot-on proportions. Mahindra claims the Pik Up has been designed to meet the needs of off-road enthusiasts and commuters as well as those looking at such vehicles for adventure camping:
Little to fault with the design when viewed from the side. Mahindra claims that the designing has been done with structural safety being given maximum importance and that the Pik Up will get 5-star rating in Latin NCAP and ANCAP along with Global NCAP when launched:
The concept was equipped with a snorkel which was neatly integrated into the design. Off-roading features include a 4WD system with shift-on-the fly, 4L, 4H and terrain (grass, gravel, mud, snow, rut, sand) based mode selection:
Mirrors could be shared with the ScorpioN:
Conventional pull-type door handles and no retractable wizardry as with the XUV700:
The glass area. Mahindra design stickers at multiple places on the concept - this one near the A-pillar says "Global Pik Up. Designed in India. For the World":
Ground clearance looks very good and the concept looked raised in comparison to the ScorpioN. Much needed side steps to climb into the car:
MIDS (Mahindra India Design Studio) stickering on the LHS rear fender:
Nice looking 5-spoke alloys fitted with beefy 285/65 R18 tyres. No comments on drum or disc brakes, as the concept was not fitted with any!
Tail-gate is clean except for the large embossed "Mahindra" lettering. Functional tow hooks are provided on either side. 4XPLOR badge hints at off-roading capabilities. 4WD that is claimed to be standard on the Pik Up:
Tail-lamps use the same design theme as the headlamps, with the vertical LEDs extending into the fog lamps which are placed on the bumper:
Wraparound tail-lamps are very nearly executed:
Mahindra claims the design elements are just as functional as they are aesthetic - the fog lamp recess also doubles up as steps to climb in to the loading bay:
The loading bay:
Loading capacity was not mentioned. area was not revealed through the use of this fake cover. Sharing for size perspective:
Vertical rear windshield, as is the case with most pickups:
Although the mechanicals underneath were not sorted, the concept suggested that the spare wheel will be mounted underneath the car:
With such a brightly coloured stage and lot of lights all around, capturing the interior was impossible and not very relevant as the same was covered with a board. Judging from the proportions (and at the risk of jumping to conclusions too early) legroom at the rear could be just adequate:
Similar story at the front with respect to capturing the image, but the top of the dashboard hints at the interior being shared with the ScorpioN:
Some of the technical features of the Pik UP were also revealed, although the details could change closer to the launch. The car will feature drive modes (Zip, Zap, Zoom and Custom), an immersive audio experience (no mention of the brand involved here) and a sunroof. New features will include 5G connectivity and semi-automatic parking along with Level-2 ADAS features. Safety features will include "all-around airbags", drowsy driver detection, trailer-sway mitigation, etc.
Further details are expected closer to the launch in 2025.
Disclaimer: Mahindra invited Team-BHP for the unveil of the Global Pik Up in Cape Town, South Africa. They covered all the travel expenses for this driving event.