To be frank, I’m tired of vehicle manufacturers, and this applies to motorcycles and cars, answering questions we never asked. Modern-day vehicles are drowning in electronics that I almost feel are meant to score brownie points on a spec sheet rather than be indispensable to drivers or end users. If we look at 4x4s in particular, two vehicles come to mind when we think of what we consider vehicles that opened up Africa. First on that list must be the Land Rover, and then, in more recent times, the Toyota Land Cruiser. If I look at these two vehicles and what made them so successful, I believe that first and foremost, it was their rugged build, followed by their simplicity of design and execution. Fact is, they were venturing into the African hinterland where few, or no roads, much less manufacturers’ dealerships.
Times have certainly changed! To diagnose problems on modern vehicles, they get plugged into diagnostic computers, which spit out fault codes after chatting to the vehicle’s onboard computer. The technician then addresses the problem, often by unplugging an electronic component and plugging in another one. Alternatively, they will re-map the software of the engine management unit to rectify the problem. I suspect if that had been the level of complexity, ‘back in the day’, Africa, and many other remote parts of the globe, would not have been traversed. I am a child of the seventies, so I remember those simple times rather well.
For me, the secret lies in keeping things as simple as possible in the crazy complexity of the modern world, whilst utilising modern technology in a way that it does not detract from that simplicity. The subject of this driving impression is an excellent example of the point I’m trying to make. Mahindra’s Karoo Double Cab 4×4, in this instance in ‘Dew’ guise. We also live in a world that in many cases favours form over function. Things have to ‘look the part’. Manufacturers dress up their vehicles, in most cases doing nothing to enhance their function, but to make them more appealing to the egos of their buyers.
The ‘Dew’ version of Mahindra’s Karoo range is a case in point. It certainly looks the part! Front and rear bumpers are replaced for hardcore off-road numbers, and a fat roll bar gets bolted to the load bed. The wheels get shod with mud terrain tyres, which further enhance ‘the look’. Visually, it is certainly a successful exercise; it is for individuals to decide whether the extra spend is justified.
I did not have the time to exhaustively assess the Dew; however, there were some points that I am well able to chat about. I drove a route that included city snarl, open road, highway and some gnarly and rutted dirt roads. This was the first time that I had driven a Double Cab Mahindra. I didn’t really know what to expect. On the surface, the rugged look and spec suggested a rather uncompromising ride and driver experience. I expected a utilitarian implement-like feel where comfort is totally sacrificed for rugged reliability. On a visit to India, I saw a number of 40-year-olds and older Mahindras running around New Delhi. If they can last that long in Indian conditions, then reliability is a given.
I was genuinely pleasantly surprised by the driving experience. The 2.2 litre mHawk turbo diesel motor is a beaut. It is refined and smooth with 103 kW and 320 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,200 rpm. It has more than adequate power. The Auto box shifts smoothly and complements the motor well. I was surprised at the lack of road and wind noise at cruising speed, despite the aggressive mud-terrain tyres fitted to the bakkie. The leather-clad front seats are supportive and comfy with an armrest for your inside arm on each seat.
The driving position is commanding with a good view for Kruger lovers. The back seats are a tight fit for tall adults but perfect for kids. The radio and reverse screen incorporate a nav system that I cannot comment on, as I found it difficult to operate. Take that more as a reflection on my ability rather than problems with the system. I did not persevere as I was more intent on the driving experience than the tech on offer.
With consumption of around 9 litres per 100k’s, the 80-litre tank gives a decent range. The Mahindras are well known for their good off-road ability, enhanced by a mechanical diff-lock when needed. The steering is positive, and it is easy to keep the Mahindra pointed where you want it to go. Whilst firm, the suspension is not uncomfortable but rather what you would expect from a vehicle as competent off-road as this one. The commanding size of the vehicle demands respect. You look at taxi drivers eyeball to eyeball. The brakes are good and add to the general feeling of control that the driver enjoys. Being a big vehicle, the turning circle is rather wide; however, the well-weighted power steering makes manoeuvring a doddle. The aircon is excellent and kept us comfy on a hot and humid day.
To sum up, the Karoo left me really impressed. It is refined and comfortable enough to be a daily driver and will make a great base for an overlanding vehicle. Speaking overlanding, the purchase price of the base Karoo 4×4 Auto is around R440,000, leaving you with plenty of rands to pimp the vehicle to your needs. The mud terrain tyres on the test vehicle are more of a hindrance than a help. They are heavy, aggressive and noisy compared to a tyre like our favourite General Grabber AT3s, which are great all-round performers in most applications. The cost of the Dew is north of R600,000 with all the farkles fitted.
For me, Mahindra’s Karoo DC 4X4 offers the bargain buy of the class. It has no pretentious bling but rather everything that you need to enhance your African adventures. If you are one of those people who appreciate function over form, you should seriously consider a Mahindra spec’d to your preference. Rather than paying a premium for features that you do not need or necessarily value, spend your loot on the adventures that you bought the vehicle for. I will endeavour to get this vehicle for a Kruger trip and comment after extended time together. My initial impressions are overwhelmingly favourable. The Karoo does everything it promises on the packaging, and more!
For more information, visit: www.mahindra.co.za
