By Otsile Kadiege

Mahindra has expanded its lifestyle double cab range by offering four more automatic models. All four new additions to the double-cab range are fitted with the same engine and automatic gearbox, which was developed by Mahindra globally with significant input and testing from Mahindra in South Africa.

Powertrain

Powering the Pik Up S6 range is Mahindra’s mHawk turbodiesel engine with common rail injection. The engine delivers 103 kW at 3 750 rpm and a healthy 320 Nm all the way from 1 500 rpm to 2 800 rpm. The mHawk engine is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which was co-developed with renowned automatic transmission giant, Aisin. 
Mahindra claims that with the automatic transmission fuel consumption has been rated at 9.3-litres/100 km in a combined cycle. 

The Pik Up S6 Automatic comes with the automaker’s MLD self-locking rear differential, an 80-litre fuel tank, a 210 mm ground clearance and a maximum tow rating of 2,500 kg. Other features carried over from the S6 manual model include front fog lamps, the 1,095 kg payload for the 4×2 double cab model (995 kg for the 4×4) and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). Four-wheel drive models are also fitted with a knob-selector for a quick shift between 2H and 4H modes and to low-range.

Interior

The cabin of S6 Automatic model has a comprehensive list of features. These include air conditioning, an audio system with a USB and auxiliary port, cruise control, central locking and electric windows and mirrors. All auto models also have Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard.

Mahindra has also added charging points to both the front and rear of the cabin, auto-locking doors, two airbags for the driver and front passenger and ISOFIX seat anchors for the safe fitment of child seats. Other features that are standard across the S6 Automatic Double Cab range include an arm rest for the driver and front passenger and height adjustment for the driver’s seat.

S6 Automatic Karoo 

For image-conscious buyers, the Karoo Edition adds steel wheels with hardened off-road ready alloy rims, a nudge bar, a rear styling bar instead of the bolted-on cab protector and a tonneau cover. The Karoo models further feature colour-coded rear wheel arch mouldings and rain deflectors fitted to the doors.

Pricing

The Mahindra Pik Up S6 Automatic is priced from R378,999, making it the most affordable automatic bakkie in South Africa. Here’s the pricing for the entire S6 Automatic range:

>Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 mHawk DC 4×2 S6 AT – R378,999;
>Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 mHawk DC 4×4 S6 AT – R412,499;
>Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 mHawk DC 4×2 S6 AT Karoo Edition – R394,999; and
>Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 mHawk DC 4×4 S6 AT Karoo Edition – R424,999.