Thread: Mahindra pick-up compared to a Puma Defender

Ok back to the review,
I drove the Mahindra for a couple of hours today, no back aches with my thin cushion, I am convinced a shorter driver would not have any issues though. The Defender leather seats are better, but I think these are better than the seats in the td5 (we have a td5 fire truck).
The radio is good, but the Defender radio does pull in the weak signal better. There is a poor reception area on the way into town and the Defender radio looses a bit of quality but does not break up , but the Mahindra radio breaks up in this patch, apart this the radio is very good.
The gear stick points toward the driver ie it is not vertical this is great for changing gear, but relaxing in fifth gear if I spread out the stick touches my knee, only if I rest my clutch foot close to the seat , it is a minor moan but worth mentioning. Driving on the road is great, apart a slightly hard suspension which you soon forget you zip along, it really feels more powerful than the Defender you seem to change gears less often and I do love the clunk free drive line you can shift like you do in a normal car. Plenty of get up and go overtaking, on paper it is slightly less powerful than the Defender, but it must be a power to weight ratio thing as it feels like it has loads of grunt. I parked next to a 76 series and only then you realize how big the Mahindra is, it is huge, but without a reference it looks small, not sure why as it is a very big ute indeed.
Inside the cab was quite and very roomy, I have never driven a car before where it is possible for me at 6 foot 3 inches to put the seat too far back to reach the pedals!!
I am off to fire brigade training tonight at 7pm and I will be back after 9pm so I will see how good the headlights are tonight.
I will report more soon
Chris

Originally Posted by Grumbles

It's been just over three months since you purchased the Mahindra Chris.

How is ownership going? Are you still happy with it?

I looked on the net but couldn't find the answer. Do you know if the Mahindra has a DPF?

Still very happy with it, very happy indeed actually. It is more quiet than the Defender on the highway, I am not sure that is a good thing when the missus starts talking
No it does not have a DPF, actually it need quite a cheap oil, 15w-40 API CH4
I am going to try it with the caravan on this weekend so I will let you know how it tows soon.
I actually like driving it too, I like taking it to fire brigade training each week as it is night and the lights are great. Also they stay on after I get out of the car long enough for me to get to the front door when I get home which is a nice touch. I have fitted the canvas seat covers too which are great, with the added bonus they cover the horrible seat material pattern, now the car looks nice inside
No leaks squeaks clunks or any other problems touch wood.
Chris