Thread: Mahindra pick-up compared to a Puma Defender

Originally Posted by sdt463

Chris thanks for a very interesting thread. Just out of curiosity, I tow a 3.2 ton van with my chipped td5 130 Defender, not fast but we have covered 45000 Ks. How do you feel the Mahinda would pull these sort of weights.and could you tell us what its carrying and towing ratings are.

Mahindra Load capacity for the Dual cab 4wd is 1030 kg & towing is 2500 kg.

Have driven many 130 Landies with the CFA and know how capable they are off road. But would never buy one due to their hmmm driving position. Ergonomics are woeful.

Have had a test drive of a Mahindra. Was very impressed. Only fault I found was the gear lever position. My knee was always resting against it while in 5th gear. Would have to put an extra bend in it.

Only reason we decided against buying one was the thay don't have an auto. Wifey can't drive a manual.

Great write up Chris

Originally Posted by 33chinacars

Only reason we decided against buying one was the thay don't have an auto. Wifey can't drive a manual.

I do believe there is a new model Pik-Up coming soon. Revised body shape and interior plus an auto.

There might be some great deals on run out Pik -Ups when the new model arrives but I think Chris has set the bench mark for astute buying at the moment.

Thanks guys,
I noticed the gear stick too, but I soon got used to it, but I agree an extra bend in it would have been better.
Re the towing capacity, not sure why the Mahindra is 2500kg..It would for sure take a lot more. My feeling is though that some cars are overrated in this aspect, ie small 4x4 with massive towing capacity. Anyway I looked at what my van weighs it is 1450kg and the trailer tow weight which I assume is when water tank ectc is full is 1600kg so it is well within the Mahindra's towing capacity. I then got curious so I googled a few new caravans around 20 and 21 foot with toilet and shower. To my surprise most are around 1700kg so new vans have got a lot lighter it seems so even quite a big newer van would be fine.
Just a point though on towing a 3500kg towing capacity does not mean you can tow a 3500kg van. Actually towing a 300kg van you will still be over weight. You have a GVM and a combined mass ie the trailer and the car and many get caught out with this and get fined. Also remember the ball weight of the van is subtracted from the carrying capacity of the car so 300kg ball weight on a 1000kg ute mans you only have 700kg left for occupants and luggage two adults, kids and dog does not leave much. Using the Mahindra I would not exceed 2,000kg max to stay legal and safe, the Defender to be honest I would not go much more either, it tows my van great, but overtaking with a huge van would be impossible. IMO huge vans should be reserved for Dodge rams and similar ie a heavy tow vehicle.
Chris

Originally Posted by Grumbles

I do believe there is a new model Pik-Up coming soon. Revised body shape and interior plus an auto

Ended up buying a 2012 Mazda BT50 auto. Not in the same class but will do the job for now. More power & 3500 kg towing. Just not as rugged. Did I say more power. And cheaper than the equivalent Ford Ranger

Just saw one of these in the main street of Kalgoorlie this morning. Was a dark burgundy colour and appeared to be a "top of the line" model. Looked very flash.

Was larger than the Chinese 4WD wagons getting around, but smaller than the Disco - probably somewhere close to the new Toyota Fortuner in size.

I didn't even know that these were available in Australia, but looking at their web-site, there's a couple of dealerships in Perth and one in Wagin selling them, and plenty over east.



XUV500 | Mahindra Auto

Originally Posted by BMKal

Just saw one of these in the main street of Kalgoorlie this morning. Was a dark burgundy colour and appeared to be a "top of the line" model. Looked very flash.

Was larger than the Chinese 4WD wagons getting around, but smaller than the Disco - probably somewhere close to the new Toyota Fortuner in size.

I didn't even know that these were available in Australia, but looking at their web-site, there's a couple of dealerships in Perth and one in Wagin selling them, and plenty over east.



XUV500 | Mahindra Auto

Yes I have seen a few of those about. They dont look bad for a small 4x4. A local one I see often parked opposite to the fire station I had a good look at and one of the roof rails was protruding too fae. I dont know if this is a fault or as a result of some damage. Otherwise it looked quite good.
Chris

Another soft roader suv station wagon. yawn.

Originally Posted by MrLandy

Another soft roader suv station wagon. yawn.

Yes I agree.. They though are cheap enough for what they are, actually very good from what I have seen. I do agree though most of that sort of car you could almost swap the badge and they are so similar you would not know which is which.
Chris