Mahindra South Africa is capitalising on its Durban assembly facilities by branching out with the PikUp into specialised markets and has launched options for the medical services, game viewing and mining sectors.

Based on the Mahindra Pik Up S6 Single Cab Chassis Cab, the new Pik Up Ambulance offers go-anywhere medical mobility for first responders and medical staff, especially in rural areas and to reach crisis sites through off road or through rubble and debris.

The new Pik Up Ambulance is converted with a double-walled and insulated ambulance cabin. These proven underpinnings and the support from Mahindra engineers mean that the model carries a full factory warranty and is available as either an S6 Single Cab 4×2 or S6 Single Cab 4×4.

While there are significant customisation options, the Pik Up Ambulance was created with feedback from medical professionals to ensure that it fits the broadest range of applications from the onset. The range of custom options are available directly from Mahindra and are also covered by comprehensive warranty support.

These requirements include an access ramp to enable the smooth transition of the patient from curb to cabin, with the roll and cot stretcher included in the package specifications. There is an additional spine board that is flush fitting and secured to the side.

The canopy itself is double-walled and insulated, with frosted laminated side windows and one-way windows in the rear. The floor is shock-proof and has been treated with a hard-wearing anti-skid coating.

Inside the ambulance cabin, Mahindra has fitted a range of medically approved equipment that is not only easy to reach and use but allows most customers to buy and use the ambulance without requiring additional customisation and certification.

The range of equipment includes an air conditioner linked to that of the driver cabin, a fresh water system with basin, oxygen tanks, an intercom, interior LED-lighting, a swivel rear spotlight and storage space that double up as a bench. This equipment, and the additional power points in the rear cabin, are powered from an additional battery system fitted in the engine bay.

Each Pik Up Ambulance also has a public address system with siren, a regulation set of red and orange emergency vehicle lights and a range of decals for each province and application.

The S6 also includes luxuries such as cruise control and air-conditioning fitted as standard. The standard Pik Up S6 has a ground clearance of 210 mm, with an approach angle of 34 degrees, a departure angle of 15 degrees and a breakover-angle of 18 degrees. The bakkie is certified to tow a braked trailer of up to 2 500 kg and it has a combined fuel consumption of 7,7 litres per 100 km.

Every Pik Up model offers dual front crash bags, anti-lock brakes with EBD, side-impact protection, and seatbelt reminders as standard.

Also standard, is the mHawk turbo-diesel engine with common-rail direct injection. This engine delivers 103 kW and 320 Nm.

The new S4 Mahindra Pik Up Game Viewer launches in South Africa with a full manufacturer warranty. The standard offering adds features normally required by game farms and tourist operators and is available with the choice of 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. In addition, a customised solution is available for specific client needs.

“With its breadth of talent as both a workhorse and a leisure vehicle, it is no surprise that the Pik Up has become such a popular bakkie in South Africa,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

“We have been listening to our customers and, together with our manufacturing team, suppliers and industry partners have decided to expand the range with a series of locally developed and tested built-for-purpose models. There first of these is our new Game Viewer.”

Built on the S4 Single Cab platform with the input from game farms and tourist operators, the new Game Viewer has a 1 195 kg payload, a 3 040 mm wheelbase and 210 mm ground clearance. This makes it ideal for duty in the rugged African bushveld and for the safe and comfortable movement of up to ten guests.

The standard model features an open cabin to allow for easy movement by the tour guide and unspoiled views by the guests. Mahindra has included a fold-down windscreen, rubberised interior for extra durability in all weather conditions, and passenger access on either side of the wheel well on the right-hand side of the vehicle.

The standard upholstery is replaced by rip stop canvas and there is a new high roof that doubles as a heavy-duty roll cage with similar canvas covering.

In the back, Mahindra has added nine individual padded seats, each with an anchored lap belt. This will ensure the highest level of comfort and safety when travelling on tar or dirt.

Options include an extended foldaway polycarbonate windscreen that reaches the roof, a marine-ply roof cover, canvas roll down sides, additional 12V plug points inside the cabin, an optional wheel fitted on the rear of the cage and a nudge bar. Further, a full customized solution is available to cater to a customer’s specific needs.

The new Pik Up with Mining Specification package is available on the recently upgraded S6 manual double cab with 4×4 drivetrain.

The Mining Specification Pik Up is fitted with heavy-duty external roll-over protection, the necessary red, white and yellow decals, a roof-mounted light bar and a reverse buzzer.

Other additions to this specification include a rubberised load bin with cargo net, stop blocks, wheel nut indicators and heavy-duty seat covers. Mahindra has also added a fire extinguisher, First Aid kit and COVID kit.