Can do S10 Karoo

By Augetto Graig

The Mahindra Pik Up S10 Karoo is a six-speed manual transmission off-road double-cab bakkie that makes for an imposing appearance on Namibian streets, and it is sure to be an intriguing sight on Namibia’s gravel roads and tracks. Bulging with power and standing head and shoulders above the rest of the traffic, this automobile is built for tough terrain, away from the madding crowd.

The spacious interior offers superior headroom and ample space for elbow-movement and drivers with broader shoulders. Fold-up armrests illustrate the extra thought that went into creature comfort design. Your Karoo comes standard with cruise control and other extras like rain sensing wipers, auto on-off headlamps that react to deficient natural light, start-stop engine saving and climate control.

A satellite navigation system can be programmed to store the entire Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) roadmaps, while Bluetooth, auxiliary jacks and USB ports enable music and video content of choice in order to entertain you and your passengers on a recently enlarged console display screen. Of course the electric windows open to the great outdoors at the touch of a button.

Let’s face it, owners of this Pik Up would want to be in the great outdoors as much as possible, if only for the pleasure of easily overcoming rough terrain and blazing trails where few have gone before them. The 80-litre fuel tank is complimented by fuel economy statistics like actually achieving 100km to 7.9 litres of fuel, or averaging 12 to 14 kilometres per litre. The 2.2-litre diesel engine can produce 103kW of power and generate up to 370Nm of torque. This bakkie has enough power to take on the long road and effortlessly overtake slower traffic without breaking its stride.

It is factory-certified to carry up to one ton of freight and is rated for towing capacity allowing a further load to a maximum of 2.5 tons - this allowing you to bring along everything but the kitchen sink when going on a family excursion. Towing a caravan or a trailer certainly is an option. The four-wheel drive system is electronic and activated when the vehicle is at a standstill by simply turning a dial. The dials on the dashboard-display are well illuminated by its blue backlight, so you can clearly establish which mode you have selected: 4H or 4L, in other words powering along in high or low revolutions.

According to the Senior Sales Executive for Mahindra at M+Z Motors in Windhoek, Xavier van Wyk, a farmer’s kit with replacement bumpers for the front and rear as well as a roof rack on top of the cabin, will add to the versatility of the vehicle. He says aftersales services are ensured under the established M+Z umbrella and service agents countrywide, from Lüderitz to Katima.

On account of the fact that the Mahindra is assembled in South Africa, parts are always available or can be ordered for delivery within four days, says van Wyk. A new Karoo comes with a 4-year or 120 000 km factory-warrantee and a five-year service plan covering the first 90 000 km. Van Wyk pointed out, that a small service can cost between N$ 2 000 and N$ 4 000 (depending on what is needed) while a major service is likely to cost between N$ 6 000 and N$ 7 000.

“Affordable and very capable thanks to its 4x4-driving capacity in addition to its fuel economy, with plenty of space and the possibility of fitting an aluminium canopy, as well as the comfort inside the passenger cabin, this all spells value for money,” said van Wyk. The S10 retails for approximately N$405 000 all-inclusive according to the proud Senior Sales Executive.