By Khulekani Dumisa

Mahindra has revealed its Pik Up Ambulance which is a product of the combined the expertise of its engineers, its technical partners, its assembly facility in Durban and its Gauteng-based Special Fitment Centre.

Pik Up Ambulance

The new Pik Up Ambulance is Based on the Mahindra Pik Up S6 Single Cab Chassis Cab which will come in handy in rural areas and to reach crisis sites through off road or through rubble and debris.

The new Pik Up Ambulance is converted with a double-walled and insulated ambulance cabin. These proven underpinnings and the support from Mahindra engineers mean that the model carries a full factory warranty and is available as either an S6 Single Cab 4×2 or S6 Single Cab 4×4.

Customisation Options

A range of custom options are available directly from Mahindra and are also covered by comprehensive warranty support. These requirements include an access ramp to enable the smooth transition of the patient from curb to cabin, with the roll and cot stretcher included in the package specifications. There is an additional spine board that is flush fitting and secured to the side.

The canopy itself is double-walled and insulated, with frosted laminated side windows and one-way windows in the rear. The floor is shock-proof and has been treated with a hard-wearing anti-skid coating.

Interior

Inside the ambulance cabin, Mahindra has fitted a range of medically approved equipment that is not only easy to reach and use but allows most customers to buy and use the ambulance without requiring additional customisation and certification.

The range of equipment includes an air conditioner linked to that of the driver cabin, a fresh water system with basin, oxygen tanks, an intercom, interior LED-lighting, a swivel rear spotlight and storage space that double up as a bench. This equipment, and the additional power points in the rear cabin, are powered from an additional battery system fitted in the engine bay.

Each Pik Up Ambulance also has a public address system with siren, a regulation set of red and orange emergency vehicle lights and a range of decals for each province and application.

Impressive standard features

The S6 also includes luxuries such as cruise control and air conditioning fitted as standard. The standard Pik Up S6 has a ground clearance of 210 mm, with an approach angle of 34 degrees, a departure angle of 15 degrees and a breakover-angle of 18 degrees. The bakkie is certified to tow a braked trailer of up to 2,500 kg.

Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, side-impact protection, and seatbelt reminders.

Engine

The Pik Up Ambulance is fitted with Mahindra’s mHawk turbodiesel engine with common-rail direct injection. This engine delivers 103 kW and 320 Nm. Combined fuel consumption is a claimed 7,7 litres per 100 km.

Expanding specialised range

The Mahindra Pik Up Ambulance joins the recently launched Pik Up Game Viewer and the Mining Specification Pik Up double cab in Mahindra’s growing portfolio of locally developed and built special Pik Up models.

Pricing

The Mahindra Pik Up Ambulance is available at the following prices:

• Mahindra Pik Up Ambulance S6 4×2: R607,999
• Mahindra Pik Up Ambulance S6 4×4: R655,999