Mahindra is starting off 2023 on the rise, introducing two new models and bringing a significant upgrade to its stalwart seller – the Pik Up.
The two new vehicles from the Indian marque are the XUV700, a seven seat SUV to replace the XUV500, and the new-to-New Zealand Scorpio N, a vehicle which Mahindra has been talking about bringing to Aotearoa for some time, but the timing hasn’t been quite right – until now.
There is little we can tell you about the Scorpio N, except to say it is not what we expected, it is much, much better in terms of its versatility, quality and driveability – this last based on a short drive at Hampton Downs race circuit.
We initially thought the Scorpio to be a small, rough n tumble 4WD, much like a Suzuki Jimny. It isn’t. It’s more like a scaled down generation one Ford Everest, with a comparable level of build quality and running a Euro 6B-compliant diesel engine that’s super smooth and very quiet.
In saying this, the Scorpio N is a mid-sized SUV, rather than a large and it follows the typical Mahindra trait of being rather tall, not disproportionally so, but it does have long travel suspension, suggesting solid off road capability.
On tarmac, the Scorpio’s height does make for a rather impressive silhouette while its comparatively short body with minimal overhangs makes for a very suburb-friendly SUV.
More on the Scorpio as it draws closer to its arrival mid-year.
As to the XUV700… oh, this has come a long, long way from what we know of the XUV’s seen previously. As with the Scorpio design, the XUV700 exhibits distinctively European design cues in-cabin, while adopting a far more conventional exterior than it has seen before.
At one point the XUV suffered from ‘let’s dare to be different’ on the part of the design teams who were obviously keen to make their mark in a crowded market place and deliver an SUV with a distinctive appearance.
As the saying goes, Mahindra’s ‘been there, done that’ and have now reimagined the very affordable seven-seater to something which not only looks good, it’ll make you proud to have one in your driveway or garage – and that’s just based on the exterior appearance.
Everything is nicely coherent with a more mature look, which is going to attract Kiwi buyers for the SUV’s design and overall, rather than merely trading on its expected competitive price.
Inside, the XUV700 looks like a proper, well-developed SUV with European (ahem, German) styling cues. Big, clear screens, door-mounted electric seat adjusters, well thought out colourways and quality tactile surfaces.
Its almost as if Mahindra invites you into its new 21st century vehicle line and you step onto the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.
The XUV700 is so far removed from the Mahindra vehicles you think you know – the XUV500 and the Pik Up – you won’t believe it comes from the same manufacturer.
But as to the Pik Up, this is here now and ready to buy. But it has got an ace up its wheel arches as well.
The significant enhancement is the inclusion of a new automatic transmission, which is exactly what the staunch-little-truck-that-could needed.
The auto is a super slick shifter with six speeds well suited to the 2-litre DHawk turbo diesel.
Mahindra’s Pik Up has proven its off-road capabilities with its Eaton 4x4 system and diff locks able to send the intrepid little truck-lette up astonishingly steep, sandy slopes which impressed the owners of Rotorua’s off-road adventure park where the Pik Up’s prowess was first demonstrated.
Late last year, the Pik Up auto was put alongside the XUV700 and the Scorpio N in a place it shouldn’t be comfortable in.
The place? Hampton Downs. The challenge? Slalom and speed trials on very hard, fixed tarmac – not the hunting preserve of an extremely capable off-roader!
Despite this, the Pik Up performed with distinction, inviting comments like: “I can’t get over how smooth it is,” “Damn, this thing stops well!” and “It steers so well, even when you’re going hard out!”
The Pik Up’s legacy seems to be one of surprise and delight. If you can get your head around its appearance – it’s just a little taller and narrower than a regular D/C diesel ute after all – you’ll find that it’s a very capable, well equipped and honest truck, with the ability to exceed its delivery promises.
Mahindra’s stars are on the rise this year – here is a brand to watch with product it can be proud to bring to market. Pricing will be revealed as the XUV and Scorpio N arrive in the next few months, the Pik Up is priced from $28,686+GST and ORC at entry level to $37,382+GST and ORC for the auto double cab.
