Mahindra Pickup Update

[newbury]

newbury:VW still does they just dont sell it here.

I realize, like the new Subaru diesel, not here. I could go on and on. At least they sold me my JSW TDi.
Seen here hunting land in Mississippi. (it's wearing a hunting cap because it's deer season)

 

[Scooby074]

I realize, like the new Subaru diesel, not here. I could go on and on. At least they sold me my JSW TDi.
Seen here hunting land in Mississippi. (it's wearing a hunting cap because it's deer season)

Im a huge Subaru fan (had several, hence the nick) and i think that subaru is missing out too, The milage that there reporting from europe is awesome mid 40 MPG hello!! That car would sell out in a heart beat. Plus it would get people into the showroom who otherwise wouldnt consider subarus.

We also had a 96 jetta diesel sedan (pre-tdi). Another amazing car on fuel. I dont know what your getting, but wed get close to 50 Imp MPG. I could pretty much drive all the way to Ottawa on a tank almost 1300 Kms IIRC. Your Sportswagen, Toyota Matrix and Subie Impreza WRX or Forrester are my list of cars to consider for my next one. Forrester Diesel would likely sway me back to Subie.

Youd think that with the Sales that VW is getting for the TDi's the other makers would realize the need for compact diesels here in North America?

 

[Renze]

Youd think that with the Sales that VW is getting for the TDi's the other makers would realize the need for compact diesels here in North America?

AFAIK your N.A. emission regulations are a bit ahead of us, so manufacturers might have to develope new technologies before they are readily available in Europe, for just the American market...
...but with petrol cars they did Euro and US versions all the time... dont know.

 

[Scooby074]

AFAIK your N.A. emission regulations are a bit ahead of us, so manufacturers might have to develope new technologies before they are readily available in Europe, for just the American market...
...but with petrol cars they did Euro and US versions all the time... dont know.

I think its the states holding it up as well. Likely california and the states that follow california emissions rules.

Our market here in Canada is small compared to the states and most companies wont bring a product here that they cant sell in the states, even though our emissions are more reasonable.

When Smart launched in Canada, they had the diesel, but this wasnt compatible with US emissions regulations. When Smart launched in the US they had the Gasoline engine and the diesel is no longer available in Canada.

 

[Renze]

When Smart launched in Canada, they had the diesel, but this wasnt compatible with US emissions regulations. When Smart launched in the US they had the Gasoline engine and the diesel is no longer available in Canada.

The Smart doesnt bear the Mercedes name nor logo, because of its inferior quality. These engines are city cars, intended for the short trip to the mall. They wont last 100.000 km, which is 1/10th of what the MB Diesels of the 70's and 80's did.

 

[Scooby074]

The Smart doesnt bear the Mercedes name nor logo, because of its inferior quality. These engines are city cars, intended for the short trip to the mall. They wont last 100.000 km, which is 1/10th of what the MB Diesels of the 70's and 80's did.

Interesting. They seem to be holding up alright here? And our climate certainly is more harsh than most of Europe's.

Locally theres one used for Pizza Delivery (LOTS of stop/starts and KMs put on per year) and a friend has one for a 60km commute each day. They havent had any major issues that i know of. What problems do you typically see in Europe.

 

[Renze]

Scooby074, i have read an owner say that his lasted only 50.000 km before loosing compression, and that the engine was a disposable, its cheaper to buy a new engine than to overhaul. He was very unstatisfied.

...But how long are these on the market ? maybe MB realised that even though it doesnt share the name, it will still be somehow connected to it and improved the quality ? Or did this guy just happen to get a monday morning (or friday evening) Smart ?

 

[dgl24087]

Taj Mahauler: We Drive Mahindra's Diesel Pik-Up - PickupTrucks.com News

 

[Scooby074]

Scooby074,

Or did this guy just happen to get a monday morning (or friday evening) Smart ?

Maybe, or maybe the local ones are Wednesday machines

dgl24087: Beat me to it i was going to post that link.

In the article the Mahindra was generally well received despite the authors incorrect pre-conceptions.

"Overall, weæ±*e impressed with Mahindraç—´ four-cylinder diesel pickup truck much more so than before we drove it. The interior has glaring weaknesses but if this truck can live up to Global Vehicleç—´ marketing hype of up to 30 mpg, 1.3-tons of payload and 5,000 pounds of towing ability, Mahindra and Global Vehicles will have a pickup truck like no other to sell to U.S. truck buyers. They値l effectively be competing in a segment of one and in cases where a heavy duty diesel is overkill for the application, we think they値l be an excellent alternative to help out on a farm or construction site."

 

[RollTideRam]

I just read in a 4x4 mag that Mahindra is trying to find a way around the 25% import tax. It said the trucks may have a final assemble in the U.S. JC