speeds and decreasing audio volume.
A Driver Assistance Pack is available as
an option on the Trend and Titanium
models. This pack also includes Adaptive
Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information
MAHINDRA PIK UP -
A REAL WORKHORSE
System (BLIS), Lane Departure Warning
and Lane Keeping Aid, as well as
Advanced Active Park Assist. This new
Kuga is a well handling, nippy, easy to
drive car with most of the bells andwhistles you will expect on a car
costing R100k more. It is a good buy.The cheapest Kuga is the 1.
EcoBoost Ambiente Auto FWD at
R381 900. We drove the 1.5 EcoBoost
Trend Auto FWD at R427 900. Both
cars are loaded with safety gear and
new technology.The competition to both cars
includes the Mazda CX-5, which is
my favourite in this segment, the VW
Tiguan, Peugeot 3008, Toyota Rav4,
Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.I drove the original version of the 2.
diesel Mahindra bakkie a number of years
ago in Johannesburg and thought it was
a capable light workhorse truck. It was
fine to drive and quite comfortable, but
no match for the Japanese competition.
Mahindra have recently launched the new
updated version of their bakkie which they
now call Pik Up.I can really recommend
the new Pik Up for any business, but
particularly if your bakkie will live on
gravel roads and in tough conditions.
Don't be put off by the old-fashioned
military truck looks.
The engine has been impressively updated
and is now a 2.2 litre four-cylinder mHawk
turbodiesel producing 103 kW and 320Nm
through a six-speed gearbox. Pik Up will
also be available with 4x4 transmission
with low range. The entire range of the
Next Generation Mahindra Pik Up are
fitted with a MLD (Mechanical Locking
Differential) as standard. These bakkies
are designed mainly as workhorses and
use their power efficiently so don't worry
about the figures on paper. Performance is
almost nippy for a light truck. But beware
the turning circle is as wide as a Bulawayo
street. I found the fuel consumption to
be very good. Expect around 8 L/100km
in general use and around 9 in town. This
bakkie feels very solid in the way bakkies
used to be built.
The new model has been brought up
to date from a looks perspective to a
Wallace du Plessis is the epitome of
a petrol head. He also has a passion
for small business and helping them
turn their dreams into a reality. He has
managed SME publications, worked
in TV and now writes for the web and
Your Business.certain extent, as well as the electronics.
The front and the rear have both been
remodelled. I think it is an improvement.
Mahindra have added safety features like
ABS, EBD, Dual airbags on some models
too as well as auto wipers and intelligent
headlamps. The interior has been
extensively redesigned. Improvements
include a full colour six-inch touch screen
display, remote central locking, cruise
control and the upholstery is in a different
class from before. The cabin is much more
comfortable than the first generation.The Single Cab Pik Up's are available in
two different specification levels.The S4 Single Cab 4x2 is available from
R187 995.00 (with an optional service
plan).The S6 Single Cab 4x2 is available fromR239 995.00 and S6 4x4 from R284 995.
The Mahindra Pik Up Double Cab S10 4x
starts from from R324 995.00 and for the
S10 4x4 from R354 995.00.
Good prices.The pricing includes a 4 Year /120 000 km
Warranty and roadside assistance, and a 5
Year / 90 000 km Service Plan. Services are
at 20 000 km intervals or every 12 months,
whichever comes first.If it is tough workhorse you need, with a
few luxuries thrown in, look no further.Ford KugaMahindra Pik Up