After the recent launch of three new Pik Up models – the Karoo Dawn, the Karoo Dusk and the Karoo Storm – Mahindra is undertaking a three-week journey through the most rugged and unforgiving terrain in South Africa, Namibia, and Lesotho. The aim is to prove just how capable these vehicles are, but also to give customers the opportunity to admire them in the flesh.
After leaving the Mahindra Head Office in Centurion, Gauteng, the vehicles started heading west to the border of South Africa and Namibia. Along the way, the convoy will visit some of the most demanding off-road trails and routes in the Free State and Northern Cape. It will also make its way to KwaZulu-Natal before returning back to Gauteng. “Each leg of our tour was carefully chosen for its beauty, its challenging routes and its proximity to some of our best-performing dealers. We will visit the dealers along the route to show them the new Karoo Dawn, Dusk and Storm and to whet their customers’ appetite,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
The Mahindra Dawn, Dusk and Storm are fitted with a dedicated heavy-duty off-road suspension and Mahindra’s 2.2 mHawk turbodiesel engine that delivers 103kW at 3 750rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1 500rpm to 2 800rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheels (in 2WD), or to all wheels (in 4WD) via a six-speed automatic transmission. Mahindra has also fitted a custom-designed off-road approach and departure bumper set to all three flagship models. These bumpers are anchored to the chassis and have LED front fog lamps, heavy-duty steel recovery points, non-slip steps and even a ready-to-fit space for a winch.
While each version is unique in its design, they boast the same standard equipment. Where they diverge from each other are in their unique styles. The Dusk is finished in black and has an additional lockable roller shutter door that is fitted as standard. The Dawn has a sandy beige body colour and foregoes the roller shutter door in favour of a heavy-duty roof rack and flush-mounted tonneau cover. The Storm is light blue in colour, with a tonneau cover and black and grey decals. All three are all sold with a 4-year/120 000km mechanical warranty and 5-year/90 000km service plan.
“In June, we revealed our new corporate identity and our brand promise – to Unleash the Explorer in You. While every Mahindra bakkie or SUV delivers on that promise, the three Karoo flagship models do so with aplomb,” says Rajesh.
Mahindra will keep in contact with the convoy throughout the trip and will share updates via their social media channels – watch this space!
