New ute is Mahindra's 'number one dream program'

The
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.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal.
Browse now
.
'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.
MORE:
Everything Mahindra

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Age

4 hours ago

• The Age

The hot new Melbourne restaurant where pasta starts at $6

The biggest 'why not?' is this. If you think dining out should be accessible to those without a hundred bucks or more to drop on dinner, why not create a restaurant that finds a happy meeting place between money and mouth? And the cool thing about cheap places is that cashed-up patrons will often get a bottle of wine rather than two glasses, order a round of peach cheesecake for the table and keep the wheels humming, while those on a tight budget can be here too. Three more excellent-value places to try Jay Bhavani This is the first Melbourne branch of a vegetarian Indian street-food chain with nearly 200 branches around the world. Start with panipuri, fragile dough balls stuffed with spiced potato; it's $10 for 15 tasty bite-sized spheres. 401 Clayton Road, Clayton, Beit Siti Falastini Food Truck now has a permanent cafe home, sharing Palestinian food and culture, inspired by owner Rahaf Al Khatib's teta (grandmother) Jamal. On Mondays and Tuesdays, laptops are encouraged (there's Wi-Fi) to accompany bottomless batch brew coffee and a slice of focaccia for $10. 150 Bell Street, Coburg, Blackwood Hotel An hour north-west of Melbourne, this 1868 weatherboard pub has been given a sensitive refurb by new owners. Prices are keen, and the pub classics are all there, plus a lamb shoulder that reflects the chef's Greek heritage and roasted cauliflower with cashew cream. Kids schnitzels or lasagne are $14.

Sydney Morning Herald

4 hours ago

• Sydney Morning Herald

The hot new Melbourne restaurant where pasta starts at $6

The biggest 'why not?' is this. If you think dining out should be accessible to those without a hundred bucks or more to drop on dinner, why not create a restaurant that finds a happy meeting place between money and mouth? And the cool thing about cheap places is that cashed-up patrons will often get a bottle of wine rather than two glasses, order a round of peach cheesecake for the table and keep the wheels humming, while those on a tight budget can be here too. Three more excellent-value places to try Jay Bhavani This is the first Melbourne branch of a vegetarian Indian street-food chain with nearly 200 branches around the world. Start with panipuri, fragile dough balls stuffed with spiced potato; it's $10 for 15 tasty bite-sized spheres. 401 Clayton Road, Clayton, Beit Siti Falastini Food Truck now has a permanent cafe home, sharing Palestinian food and culture, inspired by owner Rahaf Al Khatib's teta (grandmother) Jamal. On Mondays and Tuesdays, laptops are encouraged (there's Wi-Fi) to accompany bottomless batch brew coffee and a slice of focaccia for $10. 150 Bell Street, Coburg, Blackwood Hotel An hour north-west of Melbourne, this 1868 weatherboard pub has been given a sensitive refurb by new owners. Prices are keen, and the pub classics are all there, plus a lamb shoulder that reflects the chef's Greek heritage and roasted cauliflower with cashew cream. Kids schnitzels or lasagne are $14.

Sky News AU

15 hours ago

• Sky News AU

India aims to increase smartphone production to avoid Trump's tariffs

India is looking to capitalise on US President Donald Trump's trade war with China by increasing its smartphone production. Indian technology companies are committed to building mobile phones to avoid Trump's tariffs. Lava International, India's biggest domestic smartphone brand, is aiming to launch the first 100 per cent Indian made phone within 5 years, but currently, it still sources 60 per cent of its parts from overseas.