Next-gen Mahindra PikUp ute could ride on new Scorpio platform

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The next generation of the Mahindra PikUp utility vehicle could ride on the newer body-on-frame platform underpinning the newly launched third-gen Scorpio SUV. 

Speaking with Chasing Cars at the recent Scorpio launch, the Indian carmaker said that although the next ute is unconfirmed, “the option [for its third-generation platform] is on the table” for a future PikUp model lineup.  

Mahindra’s vice president and head of international operations, Joydeep Moitra, told Chasing Cars that both models need the same core principles.

“They need the same things like high torque and a high towing capacity. But the [PikUp] has a different footprint [to Scorpio].

“We will look at utilising this. We will take a lot of feedback on the product performance as it happens,” Mr Moitra said. But Mahindra wants to also make its ute more lifestyle focused, like many dual-cab utes are today.  

“This is a different generation product because we’ll want to leapfrog into a little bit of the lifestyle market in the ute segment.”

This could mean that the future PikUp is much more city focused than the outgoing model, and could likely add more technology, safety and convenience to the model. 

The older second-generation Scorpio, which continues to be sold in India as the Scorpio-C – or Scorpio Classic – shares its underpinnings with the current and ageing PikUp range, as currently sold both in its home market and in Australia.  

Given this platform-sharing providence and that the newer third-generation architecture is scalable, it seems unlikely that Mahindra would develop a bespoke body-on-frame format for its utility lineup.   

Current Mahindra PikUp range explained 

Like most utes in Australia, the PikUp is currently available in either 4×2 or 4×4 specification. 

There are five variants to choose from, with prices beginning from as low as $26,990 before on-road costs for a 4×2 cab chassis variant. 

Pricing tops out at $38,500 before on-road costs for the S11 dual-cab utility with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. 

Standard features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera and fabric seats, among others. 

For those wanting to shift gears themselves, the Pikup is available in six-speed manual guise with either 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain options.