Mahindra has added a dropside-configuration bakkie to its already versatile line-up. Basic it may be, but at R109 900 it has to be one of the most cost-effective means of carting cumbersome loads.
Anyone who has had the misfortune of trying to unload sand or gravel from a bakkie with a standard load box will appreciate the lack of drama and spades clanking against wheel arches that a dropside configuration offers.
Mahindra has taken heed of this phenomena and added the Bolero Dropside to the South African model range.
The Dropside features a 1848 dmƒV loadbox with a clean load surface and high walls to help prevent its driver from inadvertently graveling the road when taking a corner. Functional fold-down panels on three sides of the flatbed loadbox make loading such cargo as sand, bricks, scaffolding and the like less of a chore.
Its all business and no beauty contest when it comes to the boxy, utilitarian looks of the Dropside, but this is a vehicle built to work hard and the working-man¡¦s-Hummer styling of the cab does nothing to dilute the appeal of the Bolero here.
The workhorse nature of the Bolero Dropside continues in the cabin with durable vinyl seating and rubber flooring keeping the any trampled-in contents of the loadbox at bay ¡V as we suggested before, no frills, no fuss.
A 74 kW 2,5 litre four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel propels the Bolero Dropside from 0-100 km/h in a very leisurely 21 seconds and on to a 149 km/h top speed ¡V the sort of pace that suits loose cargo. Torque is a respectable 235 N.m at just 1 800 r/min. Servicing is required at 10 000 km intervals.
Power steering comes as standard on the Dropside and Mahindra claims that its new addition has a turning circle radius of 5,7 meters. The 185-mm ground clearance helps the Dropside negotiate the farms and construction sites that will inevitably form its natural habitat.
One of the main concerns surrounding the adoption of any new marque to this market segment is the availability of parts and servicing. Mahindra has made an effort to have a presence in every province with 35 dealerships nationwide.
Mahindra has also collaborated with parts logistics and distribution company Berco to ensure the delivery of spare parts ¡§anywhere in the country¡¨. Mahindra vehicles are also covered by a two-year AA roadside assistance plan that includes medical backup in the event of an emergency.
At R109 900, the Bolero Dropside also comes with a two-year/ 50 000 km warranty and an optional service plan is also available.
