Mahindra launches the Imperio at Rs 6.25 lakh in India

Mahindra has launched the Imperio, their new pickup truck that is replacing the Genio. Based on the same Ingenio platform as the latter, the Imperio receives a new front end that's SUV inspired. The bonnet, front fenders and face are all-new and we expect to see a similar change in the updated Quanto and Xylo as well.

The cosmetic change improves styling considerably. The new face looks quite aggressive for a utility vehicle. The headlamps are smart and the new front grille is quite prominent thanks to the design and colour contrast. The bumper features large vents and inserts, adding to the aggressive face. Mahindra likes to call it a premium pickup truck. This is also one of the reasons why the Imperio gets a choice of various metallic hues like the attractive Verve Blue and Lava Red you see here.

Mahindra says that the customer's needs are ever evolving and offering a product that caters to these needs is what the Imperio and future products focus on. The target customer for such a vehicle are contractors, farmers and businessmen. The Mahindra Imperio is claimed to perform well in rugged terrain and low on maintenance, while still offering car-like comfort and modern tech.

The Mahindra Imperio will be offered in two body options - single and double cab. The double cab Imperio is aimed for more diverse functions than the larger, load carrying single cab, which will be preferred by the farming industry.

The Mahindra Imperio also offers air-conditioning, bucket seats and tilt adjustable power steering. The double cab variant also gets power windows, keyless entry and a double-din stereo. Other tech features include two driving modes - Power and Eco. When driven in Eco mode, the Mahindra Imperio claims to offer seven per cent better fuel efficiency. There's also an option to install a vehicle tracker as an accessory. There are no airbags or ABS offered, even as an option.

Both models get a DI motor with common-rail technology which produces 75PS and 220Nm of torque. Top speed and fuel efficiency are claimed to be 120kmph and 13.55kmpl, respectively. Total payload is 1,240kg, according to Mahindra. 16-inch wheels are offered as standard (the Genio offers a 15-inch wheel). There are four variants on offer. The single cab and double cab models get two variants each.

The BSIII Mahindra Imperio starts at Rs 6.25 lakh for the base single cabin variant. A similar BSIV-complying variant starts at Rs 6.40 lakh. The double cab variant meanwhile is priced between Rs 6.6 lakh and Rs 7.12 lakh (all prices being ex-showroom, Thane).