Review: Mahindra S5 Pik-Up utility (2007-17)

Review: Mahindra S5.I Pik-Up utility (2007-09)

Overview

Released in June 2007, the Mahindra S5 Series I (S5.I) Pik-Up utility was available in single and dual cab bodies and with rear- or four-wheel drive. Manufactured in India, the Pik-Up was powered by a 2.5-litre intercooled, common-rail turbo-diesel engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The part-time four-wheel drive system had automatic locking hubs, electric four-wheel drive activation (via a dashboard switch) and a two-speed Borg-Warner transfer case with a 1:2.48 low-range ratio. Furthermore, all models were fitted with independent torsion bar front suspension, semi-elliptic rear leaf springs and a limited slip differential.

Safety equipment

The Pik-Up was not fitted with any safety equipment as standard (ABS was optional), though its ladder-type chassis included side intrusion beams and crumple zones.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the S5.I Pik-Up dual cab utility received a two star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 16.49 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was poor, driver head protection and chest protection – for both front occupants – was poor. In the side impact test, a default score was conferred since the result in the offset test precluded the Pik-Up from receiving an adult occupant protection rating above two stars.

Features

Standard features included a two speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility, SD car reader and USB input, air conditioning, front fog lights, remote central locking, power windows, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, front and rear 12 volt power outlets, side steps, an alarm and immobiliser.

Review: Mahindra S5.II Pik-Up utility (2009-17)

Overview

Released in July 2009, the S5 Series II (S5.II) Pik-Up utility introduced additional safety equipment and an updated interior. Visually, the S5.II Pik-Up could be identified by its new bonnet with air scoop, grille, headlights, bumper bar (with fog lights) and door handles. Inside, there were new interior fabrics, re-shaped seats, a two-DIN audio system and steering wheel audio controls.

From August 2011, the Pik-Up was fitted with a more powerful 2.2-litre ‘mHawk’ turbo-diesel engine.

Safety equipment

Compared to its S5.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the S5.II Pik-Up was upgraded to include dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners. From January 2012, dual cab Pik-Ups were fitted with electronic brake force distribution.

ANCAP crash testing

Like its S5.I predecessor, the S5.II Pik-Up dual cab utility also received a two star adult occupant protection rating – with a score of 16.49 – in ANCAP crash testing . In the offset test, however, the passenger compartment lost structural integrity and there was a high risk of serious head, leg and foot injury for the driver – this resulted in a lower offset crash score than attained by the S5.I Pik-Up. As before, a default score was applied for the side impact test.

Dual-cab Pik-Ups that were manufactured after January 2012 received a three star adult occupant protection rating – with a score of 22.6 – following the introduction of several production changes. In the offset crash test, the passenger compartment held its shape reasonably well, although there was footwell and firewall intrusion; protection from serious leg injury was poor for the driver and chest protection was poor for both front occupants. A default score was applied for the side impact test.

Features

For the S5.II Pik-Up, standard features were extended to include power-operated door mirrors. From August 2011, cruise control was fitted as standard.

Related links

• Mahindra Australia: Mahindra Pik-Up Single Cab Utility
• Mahindra Australia: Mahindra Pik-Up Dual Cab Utility