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Mahindra’s new flagships on epic excursion

How do you best showcase the capabilities of your flagship bakkies, which were inspired by the great South African outdoors? You take them to the places that birthed them.

In this case, the flagship bakkies in question are the three new tough and authentic models that joined the Mahindra range from July.

The models are the Pik Up Karoo Dawn, the Karoo Dusk and the Karoo Storm – each carrying its own signature design that links back to the semi-desert area that named them and the Karoo Pik Up model range.

A convoy has departed on a three-week journey through the most rugged and unforgiving terrain in South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho.

On the way, these models will be shown to dealers and customers, many of whom have placed orders for one of the new flagship bakkies without even setting eyes on them.

Local fans will have the opportunity to see these new vehicles in the flesh during an exhibition at M&Z Mahindra in Windhoek this Friday, 19 August, from 09:00.



Explore every horizon

“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,” Rajesh Gupta, the CEO of Mahindra South Africa, said.

“We realised that Mahindra is in a unique position to help southern Africans unleash their inner explorer with our range of accessible and affordable products and with made-for-purpose adventure vehicles like the Karoo Dusk, Dawn and Storm.”



The Mahindra adventure

After leaving the Mahindra head office in Centurion, Gauteng, the expedition headed 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 as well as the Mahindra dealers en route.

The convoy will also make its way to KwaZulu-Natal to conquer some of the most challenging 4x4 courses and routes they can find. From there, they will make their way back to Mahindra’s South African headquarters.

“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,” Gupta said.

The team will be led on an adventure at every step of the journey with clues they receive daily from Mahindra and their task is to navigate to their destination. Customers following the adventure can live the journey and become part of the experience by following along on social media.



Flagship features made accessible

The Mahindra Dawn, Dusk and Storm form the flagship model range for Mahindra’s authentic bakkie range. All three models are fitted with a dedicated heavy-duty off-road suspension that is unique to these models.

All three are equipped with Mahindra’s tried and trusted 2.2 mHawk turbodiesel engine that delivers 103 kW at 3 750 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from 1 500 rpm to 2 800 rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheels in 2WD, or to all wheels in 4WD low- and high-range via the Mahindra six-speed automatic transmission.

While each version is unique in its design, all three versions share luxuries such as climate control, electric windows, cruise control and leather seats.

Also standard across all three models are a special hardy Karoo carpet set, a nudge bar, a load bin-mounted Karoo sports bar and a rubberised load bin. A custom-designed set of hardened off-road rims are fitted to all three models, including to their spare wheels.

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.

Lastly, all three flagship models also have a new nine-inch touch-screen infotainment system with HD display, in-built maps and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.



Unique styles

Where the three models diverge from each other are in their unique styles.

The Karoo Dusk is finished in black to symbolise nightfall in the desert. It has black and blue Karoo Dusk decals. It also has an additional lockable roller shutter door that is fitted as standard.

The Karoo Dawn meets the morning sun with a special sandy beige body colour. It forgoes the roller shutter door in favour of a heavy-duty roof rack and flush-mounted tonneau cover. It has bright orange and black decals.

The last flagship model is the Karoo Storm. This model is finished in a light blue colour with a tonneau cover and black and grey decals.



Follow the adventure

Mahindra will keep in contact with the convoy throughout the trip and will share exciting updates as the bakkies traverse the three countries’ most challenging off-road routes via their social media channels.