Mahindra Pik-Up S10: 2019 4x4 of the Year contender

THE Mahindra Pik-Up joined the 4x4 of the Year line-up in 2018, in top-spec S10 trim. Powered by an upgraded 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, claiming 103kW (up from 90kW) and 330Nm (up from 290Nm), the Mahindra shapes up as a decent out-of-town workhorse.

The Mahindra’s lucrative selling point is its $31,990 price tag, with the boxy unit considerably undercutting its 4X4OTY competition. That it can handle itself in the rough stuff gives it yet another leg up.

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The high-riding farm ute claims 210mm of ground clearance and comes standard with an Eaton self-locker at the rear; electronic traction control remains active on the front axle in 4WD, even with the Eaton locker engaged.

The top-of-the-range S10 runs a six-speed manual cog-swapper and gets 16-inch alloys, sat-nav and a reversing camera, among a host of enhancements.

The Pik-Up can only tow up to 2500kg, which could dissuade tourers; however, a generous payload capacity is a positive. The example at 4X4OTY came with two options fitted: bullbar (+$2574) and snorkel (+$765).

Still, can the budget-ute knock off vehicles that cost twice as much?

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