Mahindra reveals Global Pik Up concept as HiLux, Ranger rival

What better high watermark to target than Australia’s best-selling vehicles? Mahindra’s globally-intentioned Pik Up concept has the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger in its sights.

Based on Mahindra’s imaginatively-named ‘New Gen Ladder Frame’ platform shared with the third-gen Scorpio 4x4, the Global Pik Up looks much better than Mahindra’s current ute.

Mahindra executives say what you see here will go into production, but as for exactly when and how much will be changed before then, it’s unconfirmed. We’re anticipating a release in 2024.

Existing markets will be first on the list; these include South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and others with expansion into the ASEAN region – the home of the Triton and D-Max – on the cards, too.

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It helps – for us at least – that the Pik Up hails from India, which along with South Africa (where it was unveiled), are some of the largest right-hand drive markets in the world.

The concept shown here almost reflects monocoque utes in its proportions, with broad tracks and a shorter wheelbase more akin to the Hyundai Santa Cruz than taller Ford Rangers and Mitsubishi Tritons.

It doesn’t share sweeping visual similarities with the Scorpio, though we expect most production versions will do without the aggressive bonnet vents, intricately cut front bumper protection, winch, and sleek side steps. And, unlike the current Pik Up, this one’s doors don’t have the scallop to accommodate the wagon’s shorter wheelbase.

This is clearly more a design concept proving what Mahindra can do when it comes to making a popular off-road lifestyle version, think of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Toyota HiLux Rogue.

The dead giveaways include roof racks with recovery accessories, a tonneau cover with an integrated spare wheel rack, and a sleek sports bar at the rear.

“Our move with the Global Pik Up is poised to not only reinforce our presence in existing markets but also pave the way to new frontiers”, said Veejay Nakra, president of Mahindra’s automotive arm.

"[Global Pik Up] stands as an embodiment of what we aim to offer, an invitation to live unlimited, explore boundlessly, and embrace freedom”, he added.

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What’s going to power the Pik Up and how much will it tow?

Mahindra shared limited details about the Pik Up concept, but we’d expect it to use the same 2.2-litre ‘mHawk’ diesel four-cylinder as the Scorpio, which was recently improved with an aluminium block and cylinder head, higher pressure fuel injection and a tweaked turbo for 129kW/400Nm.

As for towing capability, the Scorpio 4x4 is rated to lug a 2500kg braked load and has a 5155kg GCM. Expect similar towing from the ute but a payload closer to 800-1000kg.

Mahindra claims a ‘substantial cargo bed’ sits on the back of the Pik Up concept, and that it offers ‘commendable towing capacity’ citing horse trailer and horse lugging capacity.

Ideally, Mahindra will be able to bring towing capacity closer to the 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50, the LDV T60 Max and GWM Ute (3000kg), and the outgoing Mitsubishi Triton (3100kg).

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Safety and technology

The Pik Up has been designed from the outset with a five-star safety rating in mind, according to Mahindra.

In this case, the carmaker is likely referring to Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP) ratings – this was the case with Scorpio. Stricter European-driven safety bodies such as ANCAP, used in Australia and New Zealand, require more driver assistance feature to score maximum points.

We’ve seen a similar scenario with the Scorpio 4x4, with Mahindra's local arm choosing not to send that vehicle for ANCAP evaluation until more safety equipment is added.

Mahindra has promised that the Pik Up concept is equipped with ‘level-2’ ADAS systems, including autonomous emergency braking, driver monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and exterior cameras.

Below: The 2023 Mahindra Scorpio

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