increase font size
Mahindra's new Pik Up.
A bit like Vegemite, the first impression raised when you encounter a Mahindra Pik Up is love or hate – with one motoring journalist saying it had looks “only a mother could love.”
Getting past that first impression, that goes on to reveal that the interior is never going to win any prizes for style, it looks like the mechanicals are very well sorted, which is reassuring if you’re considering dipping your toe in the budget end of the burgeoning ute market.
Mahindra’s own mHawk 2.2 litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel pumps out a relatively modest 103kW/320Nm, that combines with a six-speed manual gearbox to push it along quite cheerfully. While manual transmissions appear to be a disappearing breed, this one changes as slickly as any top end brand, while the ratios are progressive and keep things in the “sweet spot “of around 1,800rpm at legal road speeds.
For those looking to explore beyond the tar seal, the 4WD versions are fitted with a Borg Warner electrically-shifted transfer case that made it very capable when we ventured into some soggy Waikato paddocks in late April.
Offered in single cab 2WD or 4WD or as a double cab 4WD, all with rear low-level trays, the company can also supply a single cab with a much deeper well-side body, offering acres of spaces for an extra $1,000.
Out on the open road, the Pik Up drives with very good manners, with precise, wellweighted steering, along with a torquey motor that hangs on well down below 1,500rpm before the gearbox needs to be stirred. The independent suspension at each corner travels well over any road imperfections and makes for a comfortable ride on more serious off-road terrain.
On the safety front, whilst not up there with the latest suites, the mix includes dual airbags, crash protection zones, ESP and ABS. Tech is taken care of with the likes of central locking a noisy alarm and reverse camera on the S10 version. Payload for the rear tray is rated up to 1,035kg, combined with rear towing capacity of 2,500kg, brought to a stop by a front-end disc and rear drum set-up.
Ford New Zealand has announced the addition of the Everest Tremor as a rugged and capable expansion of its hugely popular SUV family, said to offer improved offroad capabilities, without compromising on towing capacity or on-road comfort.
While the LDV brand has been available in New Zealand for a number of years, it’s typically been recognised as a second tier offering. That has started to change after distribution passed to the Inchcape Group in 2023, who are on a trajectory to improve that public perspective, and in due course, push sales upwards.
While the New Zealand ute market is dominated by three main players, “disruptors” are never too far away.
Since its launch in the late 1960s, nearly 3.5 million Suzuki Jimnys have been sold worldwide, picking up numerous awards along the way.
While the average size of a tractor in India is much smaller than in Europe or North America, the market is booming, with a record 915,474 tractors sold last year – five times greater than the Western European and three times larger than North American markets.
Sitting Beef + Lamb NZ farmer director Scott Gower has been voted out by farmers.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) says it will be working alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) as they attempt to improve access to veterinary medicines.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes a recent court decision which granted a stay on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until legislative changes can be made by government.
A holistic approach to sustainability sees Pukatea Dairy Farms take out the top award at this year's Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Registrations are now open for the highly anticipated South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) 2025, taking place April 7-9 in Timaru.
Scientists from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are part of an international team working to develop a low-cost diagnostic tool that could significantly improve food crop production in developing countries.
OPINION: Two Australian cheesemakers have rescued the iconic Tasmanian cheese company King Island Dairy.
OPINION: World famous liqueur maker Baileys is the latest to dabble with plant-based products.
