Mahindra Imperio DC Review

Mahindra Imperio DC

India’s small commercial vehicle segment although does not have many competitors but still the competition is intense. Mahindra who is definitely one of the major players of this game launched their product Genio couple of years ago and it left quite a buzz in this segment because of its low maintenance diesel engine and load carrying capability. The new commercial vehicle which will replace the Genio is called the Imperio DC; Mahindra is calling it premium, aspirational pick up. This truck has been developed to help those who are in the small medium businesses transportation. Compared to the other trucks of its segment the Imperio DC brings stylish futuristic design and premium interiors for the comfort of its occupants inside and above all superior performance. The Imperio DC is also offered with two variants which include the base and the top of the line VX variant. The base variant is made available with BSIII engine while the slightly pricier variant gets the BSIV engine. The Imperio DC is positioned above the Mahindra Bolero Pik Up and will compete with the Tata Xenon and Isuzu D-Max Pik Up.

Color Options

It is available in 4 different colors. They are as follows:

1) Skyline Blue
2) Diamond White
3) Marvel Granite
4) Silver Shine

Dimensions

The mini truck has a pretty generous load area which has a 1647mm length and 1745mm width. It measures 5180mm in length, 1890mm in width and 1952mm in height and a wheelbase of 3220mm. It has a ground clearance of 211mm and a turning radius of 6.3mm.

Design and Style

Mahindra says that their newly launched Imperio DC Pick Up truck has this sculpted and aerodynamically sculpted exterior. The front profile gets this toothed distinctive grille followed by the next generation headlamps. The front also gets a stylish bumper as well. Towards the side profile the Imperio DC looks almost identical to the Genio but the Imperio DC gets big 16 inch wheels which are actually fitted with tubeless tyres. The cargo load area too has been finished perfectly and it blends well with the overall design of the truck. Towards the rear profile things looks rather simple through with the rectangular shaped tail lamps and the spare wheel mounted towards the button of the truck.

Mahindra has not compromised with the new Imperio DC’s interior and it shows the pickup truck gets a plush cabin which is actually spacious and according to Mahindra has been ergonomically designed. Perhaps nobody expected that a Pickup truck also could get so much luxury inside. The front seats of the truck get bucket seats which come with recliner and even slider arrangements. While the double cab body style Imperio DC gets bench like seats for the rear passengers. For the comfort of the passengers the cabin also gets air conditioners which come with four step blowers and even a 2Din music system for the comfort of the passengers. What is even more interesting is also the fact that the top end Imperio DC also gets keyless entry as well. Mahindra has also worked to lower the NVH levels inside the cabin as well. Apart from the spacious cabin there are number of cubby holes available as well. There are bottle holders and map pockets as well along with mobile cases and wallets.

Engine Specification

The Imperio DC carries over the same drivetrain from the Genio and this newly launched Pickup truck uses the 2.5 litre 4-cylinder engine which comes with common rail technology, the engine is capable of producing about 75 Hp of peak power at 3200 rpm and 220 Nm of torque in between 1400-2200 rpm. The engine is paired to a 5 speed manual transmission. The pickup truck is capable of hauling 1,240 kilograms of load, the pickup truck is also capable of reaching top speeds of 120 km. The Imperio DC is also capable of returning an overall mileage of 13.55 km to a litre. The impressive fuel efficiency is attainable because it comes with Fuel smart technology which is capable to choose between power and fuel economy. Mahindra also claims that the 5 sped manual gearbox is also smooth and refined helps in ease of driving.

Braking and Handling

The Imperio DC is fitted with Independent, Coil springs, Double Wishbone type with Anti-roll bar towards the front and Leaf Spring towards the rear. The same pickup truck also uses ventilated disc brakes towards the front and drum brakes towards the rear.

Safety Features

Although the Imperio DC does not get any airbags for the safety of the passengers but it does get ELR seatbelts which locks the belt effectively in case of an impact, furthermore it also gets head restraints as additional safety feature. The double cabin variant gets child locks as well. The other passive safety features on the Imperio DC includes Engine Immobilizer technology.

Competition

Tata xenon has been in the Indian market for a long time now and it uses 2.2 VTT DICOR engine which is capable of producing an impressive amount of power and torque 140Ps and 320Nm to be exact. The engine is paired to a 5 speed gearbox as well. The pickup truck is renowned for its load carrying capability and impressive ground clearance.

Verdict

The Imperio DC is definitely a boon for those who carries small loads or packaged to longer distance because it’s comfortable and spacious cabin with all the necessities definitely will keep the occupants comfortable. The powerful powertrain and the smooth gearshifts make driving this pickup truck fatigues free which will further add to the safety of the occupants.