New ute is Mahindra's 'number one dream program'
Mahindra Pik-Up
is the model on which the Indian automaker built its reputation in Australia, but production ceased in the last few months and the brand's new global ute is now well into its final development stage, having undergone testing of more than 600 test mules over several years.
Having spotted the camouflaged new ute around Mahindra's testing and development centre at Chennai in India last week, CarExpert spoke to Velusamy R, the president of Automotive Technology & Product Development at Mahindra, about the current status of the vital new model.
'It is the number one dream program for us right now. It's being run with a separate team, a dedicated team,' said Velusamy R.
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'Last time [he addressed media in 2024] I said I am starting the engineering. This time I'm telling you I'm starting the development. In fact, it's well into the development.'
According to Velusamy R, Mahindra's new ute will be built on the same 'Mahindra Glide' platform as the Thar-Roxx, which in the new Thar application has independent double-wishbone suspension up front and penta-link suspension with a Watt's link at the rear.
'It's coming out of that platform, the latest generation, generation four. Of course, you know our diesel engines and you know our gasoline engine. You know the automatic transmission that we have, manual transmission that we have. All of them [will be available].'
In the Thar-Roxx, the platform is capable of 650mm of fording depth and impressive approach and departure angles, which will likely carry over to some extent for the new ute.
While confirming the availability of a diesel automatic for the new ute, Velusamy R ruled out any electric variant of the new Mahindra Pik-Up.
'No, not quite. It needs a different architecture,' he responded in regards to development of a hybrid ute from Mahindra.
'As in, you can't use the architecture, but I think those who do not have a good diesel engine, they do a hybrid gasoline, but it's very expensive. But we think a good diesel engine with an automatic gearbox is the best for a pickup.'
Mahindra engineers came to Australia last year to benchmark a variety of best-selling utes, which the company says has helped shape development of its own ut development program.
The company says it has been developed to meet global safety crash test requirements, including those of ANCAP, and that it will be the first Mahindra product to be developed for global markets ahead of the Indian automaker's domestic market.
The new ute will likely make its first public appearance later this year, before arriving in Australia sometime in 2026.
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