Mahindra has released the 2016 Genio single cab and dual cab ute and cab/chassis into a highly competitive market segment where value for money and functionality are the major attractions for buyers of working vehicles.
Powered by the 2.2 litre, four cylinder, turbocharged mHAWK diesel engine and with a five-speed manual gearbox, the new 2016 Genio offers one of the most spacious cabins in its class, with impressive head, shoulder and leg room making it of particular appeal to Australian Tradies.
With its compact frontal design and minimal overhang the Genio makes full advantage of being able to minimise engine intrusion into the passenger compartment, increasing available space in the cabin. Also significant are the large, uninterrupted door openings for front and rear seat access that makes entry and exit much easier than many other popular ute designs.
Mahindra has kept to the design parameter of a ute being a working vehicle. With a strong focus on practicality, Genio offers sufficient power and performance with an impressive payload for those buyers that want a comfortable work vehicle at a sensible and affordable price.
Available in both single cab and dual cab variants and in 4×2 and 4×4, each model is powered by the same 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel with variable geometry turbocharger that produces 88kW (120bhp) at 4,000 rpm with peak torque of 280Nm rated through from 1,800-2,800 rpm. Gear selection comes only in the form of a five-speed manual transmission, it runs on 215/70R15 tyres on alloy rims (optional) and it offers a fuel tank capacity of 75 litres.
The Genio weighs in with a kerb weight for the 4×2 single cab of 1,720kg, adds a further 100kg for 4×4 and then moves up to 1,880 kg for the dual cab 4×2, (plus a further 100kg for 4×4).
The single cab, base model 4×2 cab chassis, including base heavy duty aluminium tray has a drive-away price of $19,990, with the 4×4 driveline adding a further $3,500. The drive-away price structure for the 4×2 dual cab chassis and ute models is identical at $24,990, plus the $3500 upgrade to 4×4.
When it comes to payload, the Genio offers a full 1260kg for the single cab in 4×2 form and 1100kg for the dual cab, dropping 100kg for each model if the 4×4 driveline is selected. The tow weight capacity for a braked trailer is restricted to a maximum of 1800kg.
The cab/chassis versions come with a high quality alloy tray from Queensland manufacturer Triple MMM, with tray dimensions of 2700 x 1777mm for the single cab and 1950mm length x 1777mm in width for the double cab. The removable drop-sides and tailgate are 250mm in height and the GVM is 2980kg.
In line with normal conventional ute suspension systems, Genio uses a double wishbone, front independent design with coil springs, while at the rear, the semi-elliptical multi-leaf springs provide a well controlled ride through the variations of light load to fully laden operation. Brakes are disc front and drum rear.
The fitment of 15-inch rims and tyres means a low tray deck height of 910mm unladen, reducing the need to lift cargo higher than waist level and facilitating the reach of the cargo from either side or the rear of the tray.
From a safety perspective there are SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger, side intrusion beams in the door construction, crash protection and crumple zones incorporated in the design, a collapsible steering column, and ABS braking. Air conditioning, power steering, central locking, cruise control, power windows and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel are standard and the optional Bluetooth phone accessory operates through a push button control on the dashboard.
The on-board Digital Drive Assist System (DDAS), trip meter and data indicator (Dual Cab Only), covers a wide range of information displayed in a central binnacle on the dashboard. Information highlighted includes interior and exterior ambient temperature, date and time, speed, fuel consumption and gear ratio selected.
Interior stowage areas are particularly useful, with a slide-out tray under the driver’s seat, plus storage space under the rear seat squab on dual cab variants to locate clothing, tools and other items.
“The 2016 Genio really holds its own against competitors by setting out to provide functionality and practicality in a cost affordable overall package. With the best in class interior space and high-level of standard equipment the Genio looks set to become a firm favourite with Aussie Tradies.” said Russell Thiele, National Sales Manager – Auto at Mahindra Automotive Australia Pty Ltd.
