Mahindra Global Pik Up Concept is a utilitarian beast

Tonka toy looks – a prerequisite in this sector – to get the Mahindra off to a strong start. The car revealed in Cape Town has knobbly tyres and chunky bumpers. Go-anywhere features include a winch, underbody bash plates, snorkel and a light bar, while side steps make up for the Mahindra's towering ride height. 

Thankfully, the styling isn't writing cheques the mechanicals can't cash.

Under the skin, the Mahindra has live axles, select-on-the-fly four-wheel drive (with Normal, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Rut and Sand modes) and will come equipped with a torquey all-aluminium diesel engine mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto gearbox. Decent payload and towing capacities will be crucial to Mahindra's success, although the company has yet to reveal numbers.

It has told us that the pickup will come packed full of tech, including a 5G internet connection, Level 2 Autonomous Driving, semi-auto parking and, erm, a sunroof. Mahindra is also targeting a Ford Ranger-matching five-star NCAP safety rating, and the car will come fitted with Trailer Sway Mitigation.  

If the Mahindra does come to the UK – and it's a big 'if' – competitive pricing and a generous warranty will be crucial to its success if it hopes to pry buyers away from their trusty Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger or SsangYong Musso.