The Indian bakkie becoming a local favourite in South Africa

The locally-built Mahindra Pik Up has become a mainstay on the list of best-selling bakkies in South Africa, and is quickly becoming a favourite in the country.

Last month, Mahindra sold just shy of 2,000 new vehicles in South Africa; more than half, or 1,003, of these were Pik Up models.

Earlier this year, Mahindra commented on its strong showing in 2025, crediting the bakkie as a key contributor to its local success.

A big part of this success is its decision to open a new state-of-the-art assembly facility in Durban, allowing the Indian carmaker to assemble over 1,000 Pik Up bakkies every month.

It is at this facility that the brand has added more local content and now builds special-edition models, such as the Pik Up Karoo range exclusive to South Africa.

The locally-built Pik Up single cab has become one of South Africa’s favourite workhorses, ranking as the third-best-selling single cab bakkie.

During its announcement regarding its 2025 sales, Mahindra announced that it had made additional improvements to the bakkie, such as a change to a single-mass flywheel for even lower maintenance costs.

The brand predicted that this would see the popularity of the bakkie continue throughout the year, which has since been proven right.

“Mahindra is here to stay,” declared Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

“As we enter our third decade in South Africa, we will double down on our business model of responsible investment, sustainable growth and authentic products with world-class support.”

“If we continue to focus on these business fundamentals, then the sales success will continue.”

Since its local introduction, the Pik Up has been Mahindra’s best-selling model and thus responsible for much of its annual sales.

A strong local offering

Despite Mahindra’s local line-up becoming increasingly focused on passenger vehicles, the Pik Up’s popularity remains, and it’s easy to see why.

Single-cab prices start at R278,149 and feature the common drivetrain found throughout the entire Pik Up line-up.

In the entry-level single-cab, the powerful 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel motor has been married to a six-speed manual gearbox, responsible for directing its 103kW and 320Nm to the rear wheels.

Similarly, the cheapest double cab, which sells for R413,849, features the same motor and gearbox configuration, with identical power outputs and a fuel economy of 7.9l/100km.

This model adds manual air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, 12V charging points in the front and rear, an integrated radio and sound system with USB and auxiliary capabilities.

The flagship special-edition double-cab Karoo models – the Dusk, Dawn, Dew and Storm – which sell for R665,349, add several bells and whistles to this, while sporting distinct looks.

These models feature front and rear off-road bumpers, sports bars, and styled 16-inch alloy wheels, and add off-road suspension and 4×4 capabilities.

Inside, these models feature leather upholstery, automatic air conditioning, and a 9-inch touch screen infotainment centre with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality.

Safety features include Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), side impact protection bars, airbags, and Isofix child seat attachments.

Driver conveniences found in the top-spec models are a reverse camera, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, follow-me-home headlamps and light-sensing headlights.

Fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission, buyers sacrifice efficiency for a long list of luxuries, as these models burn diesel at 9.3L/100km.