Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux are about to get some competition from Mahindra with new ute revealed

Mahindra has given a first look at its new ute that will take the fight directly to the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger in Australia’s competitive dual-cab market.

Known as the Global Pik Up concept, the model was shown in Cape Town at a Mahindra event known as Futurescape, with the production version set to be based on the ladder-frame Scorpio SUV.

Mahindra says this new model has the potential "to be one of the market’s most versatile and capable pick-ups", with an expected on-sale date in Australia before 2027.

Read More About Mahindra Pik-Up

Mahindra spills details on its upcoming ute: Here's when you'll see the brand's new developed-for-Australia diesel dual-cab Mahindra's Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series? Upcoming Mahindra Scorpio dual-cab ute won't kill off more rugged work-oriented Pik Up First the Prado and Everest, now the HiLux and Ranger: Mahindra targeting Australia's top-selling dual-cabs with cut-price ute that's big on off-road capability

This means the new Mahindra ute will not only vie for attention against the established players like Ranger, HiLux and Isuzu’s D-Max, but also new-generation products like the Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara and Kia’s first all-new ute (currently referred to as Tasman).

However, if the Mahindra ute follows the path blazed by its Scorpio and XUV700 siblings, expect a lower price point that could shake up the booming budget pick-up market currently dominated by the GWM Ute, SsangYong Musso and LDV T60.

From the outside, the concept ute pulls from existing Mahindra products like the Scorpio and XUV700 with relatively conservative styling.

Up front, Mahindra has placed mesh over the grille, while hardcore off-road components like a winch, recovery hooks and a snorkel can also be glimpsed.

Mahindra says this new model has the potential “to be one of the market’s most versatile and capable pick-ups”, with an expected on-sale date in Australia before 2027.

In profile, the concept sports red-accented side steps, as well as a roof tray for equipment like recovery boards.

The wheels are also shod in chunky all-terrain rubber, while the rear tray features a sports bar and two full-size spare wheels.

Though Mahindra is yet to reveal the inside of the new ute, the brand claims "its interior offers comfort and ample space", as well as "luxurious touches".

And don’t expect the ute to miss out on crucial safety equipment like is absent on the current Scorpio either, as Mahindra is promising that Global Pik Up "aims to meet global standards, including a five-star rating, using advanced safety technologies".

This means you can expect features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keep assist – as a minimum.

But what about the engine?

A diesel powertrain is already locked in for the new model too, as Mahindra’s President and CEO of Global Automotive Veejay Nakra told CarsGuide in June that "it’s an ICE-based global pick-up" that "will start with diesel".

Up front, Mahindra has placed mesh over the grille, while hardcore off-road components like a winch, recovery hooks and a snorkel can also be glimpsed.

As reported overseas, this diesel engine is said to be an evolution of the turbocharged mHawk unit used in the current Scorpio, which measures 2.2 litres in size and outputs of 129kW/400Nm.

Drive will, naturally, be sent to a four-wheel-drive system, with both manual and automatic options available, according to reports.

Nakra also revealed Australia will be a key market for the new ute, with thorough testing taking place Down Under.

"There are markets in the world which are big pick-up markets … Australia is critical," he said at the time.

"We’re working closely with customers and dealers here to refine what we define that global pick-up as."