High on the highway: The sheer size of the Tata Xenon and the Mahindra Getaway makes them look imposing; the Getaway(below) has a more functional load area

If you think that all there’s to a pick-up is a simple old goods carrier, you’re probably still looking in your rear view. For there’s an all-new rugged lifestyle segment of pick-ups headed your way with the new Tata Xenon and Mahindra Getaway. These upmarket pick-ups have loads of attitude. The Mahindra Getaway and Tata Xenon were essentially conceived for the export markets, so it remains to be seen if their go-anywhere appeal will strike a chord with the home crowd. A comparison test sets the record straight on these new pick-ups.

Size matters

The first thing that strikes you about these trucks is their sheer size. The Getaway’s towering height (it’s four inches taller than the Xenon), hefty grille and fat 245/75R16 tyres make it look more imposing than the Xenon. But the Tata pick-up is more stylish with its clean lines, giving it a modern look. The upswept window line in its rear doors is a neat touch too. In comparison, Mahindra hasn’t quite given the Getaway its own distinct identity — it looks more like the Scorpio.

Under the skin, both pick-ups have a similar layout with front torsion bar suspension, rear leaf springs and a four-wheel-drive with a ‘shift-on-the-fly’ operation. The Xenon gets a limited slip differential, which the Getaway doesn’t have. While alloy wheels come standard on the Xenon, these will cost you Rs 25,000 extra on the Getaway.

Big outside, small inside

After literally hopping into both pick-ups, you sit nice and high, enhancing their appeal. From the driver’s seat, the Xenon has a European feel to it with its simple and functional design. This is evident in the curved dashboard with its duo-tone silver-grey interiors. Tata Motors has also retained the typical Indian features of its SUVs so the Xenon has an analogue clock. Its seating position is good with firm lateral support. The tall gear lever falls easily in the hand too.

The Scorpio-like Getaway doesn’t feel as fresh though. However, it’s better assembled with superior plastics, switch-gears and plenty of cubbyholes. On the other hand, the Xenon is better equipped with powered mirrors and an ‘auto down’ function for the driver’s window.

But given their size, the lack of interior room in both pick-ups comes as a bit of a shock. The Getaway is more comfortable in the rear with better under-thigh support and legroom. The Xenon’s rear seat backrest is too upright, which is tiring on long hauls. But this is, to some degree, compensated by the Tata’s superior ride that’s not as bumpy in the rear as the Getaway’s.

Unlike the Xenon, the Getaway comes with a satisfying air-conditioning vent for rear passengers. It also has a bigger bed, which is deeper, wider and much more useable than the Xenon’s. While the Getaway’s load area is more functional, the Xenon’s is designed to be accessorised — there’s the thick plastic cladding for starters.

The road: On and off

Compared to the Xenon, the Getaway’s shorter gearing and flatter torque curve make it more responsive off the line, useful for load-carrying duties. The Xenon’s tall gearing means that it’s more suited to the highway with its superior top-end performance. But its shift quality is poor and the gear lever often feels sticky. Its steering feel, however, is greater than the Getaway’s. The Mahindra can easily skip over bumps, but its high centre of gravity makes it rock from side to side.

On the tarmac, the Xenon is more composed and manageable. But on a dirt track and particularly slippery surfaces, the Getaway comes into its own with its stiff suspension, high seating and light steering. The Mahindra’s 2.6 CRDe motor can pull it out of most off-road situations while the Xenon’s limited slip differential works to its advantage in slippery conditions.

In spite of similar-sized brakes, the Getaway’s brakes have a better feel and bite while the Xenon manages to stop at a shorter distance on the tarmac.

Final verdict

With the Tata Xenon costing Rs 9.89 lakh, fully loaded, and the Mahindra Getaway retailing for Rs 9.77 lakh, there’s not much difference price-wise. The Getaway’s overall functionality and comfort make it a no-nonsense pick-up with genuine off-road ability. The Xenon’s more upmarket looks, plusher feel and wide range of accessories mean that it’s positioned as more of a lifestyle accessory than as a mode of serious transport.

spec check

TATA XENON

Engine type: Diesel/common-rail, direct injection

Layout: 4 cyls in-line, 2179cc

Installation: Front, longitudinal

Maximum power: 138bhp at 4000rpm

Maximum torque: 32.6kgm at 1700-2700rpm

Transmission: Rear/4WD

Gearbox: 5-speed manual, low ratio transfer case, LSD (on 4WD version)

Kerb weight: 1990kg (4WD)

Tyres: 205/80 R16, tubeless

Suspension (F/R): Independent, double wishbone, torsion bar/ Non-independent, leaf springs, live axle

Brakes (F/R): Ventilated discs/ drums

MAHINDRA GETAWAY

Engine type: Diesel/ common-rail, direct injection

Layout: 4-cyls in-line, 2609cc

Installation: Front, longitudinal

Maximum power: 115bhp at 3800rpm

Maximum torque: 28.3kgm at 1700-2200rpm

Transmission: Rear/4WD

Gearbox: 5-speed manual, low ratio transfer case

Kerb weight: 2050kg (4WD)

Tyres: 245/75 R16, tubeless

Suspension (F/R): Independent, double wishbone, torsion bar/ Non-independent, leaf springs, live axle

Brakes (F/R): Ventilated discs/ drums