Pickups Comparison: Isuzu D-Max, Mahindra Bolero Pikup and Tata Yodha

The Isuzu D-Max makes a BS6 comeback promising an efficient engine, more payload and higher comfort. Does the BS6 upgrade enhance the D-Max? How does it stack against the king of Pickups-the Mahindra Bolero and the challenger Tata Yodha? We compare the specs to find out. 

If you’re a transport entrepreneur or a business owner looking for a suitable pickup truck, the first name likely comes to your mind is the Mahindra Bolero. Bolero Pikup has been synonymous with the Indian pickup market. Mahindra has a strong grip on this segment with more than 70 percent market share over several years now, and there is hardly any challenger on the horizon. Tata Motors, the winner in the mini-truck segment, aggressively takes on the market leader with a good and stronger pickup offering-the Yodha. 

There is another contender in the pickup segment that is aiming high- The Isuzu D-Max. Isuzu is a global leader in the pickup, and the company has them in more than 100 countries globally. After the pandemic related disruption, Isuzu India has introduced the upgraded D-Max range of pickup with a new BS6 engine and many features to address the growing needs of pickup customers. So how does the D-Max score against the two established players? Read to find out.

OEMs often introduce several variants of the same product in the commercial vehicle segment to address customers' different needs. Similarly, the pickup has a wide range of products; for example, Mahindra Bolero Pikup has an extensive range, and so does Tata Yodha. To make the specification comparison, we’re taking one variant to see how they appear on paper. We put the Isuzu D-Max regular cab against Bolero Pik up Extralong 1.25T and Tata Yodha 1200. 

Powertrain

Pickups operate in the last-mile delivery segment, where the customer demands higher performance from the vehicle. To ensure an uninterrupted and efficient vehicle, the powertrain is the heart of the vehicle. The Isuzu D-Max gets a reliable 4-cylinder, common rail, intercooler diesel engine with a power figure of 78hp, and 176 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Bolero Pikup get the tried and tested Mahindra’s m2DiCR, 4-cylinder, DI turbocharged engine. The power figure of the Bolero engine includes 70hp and 200Nm of torque. While the Tata Yodha is fitted with a 2.2L DI engine that produces 100hp of power and 250Nm of torque. The engine sizes reveal that the Yodha scores high with a considerably more powerful engine than the D-Max and Bolero.  

To complement the engine, the D-Max gets a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Bolero comes with a 5-speed all-synchromesh gearbox; likewise, the Yodha is fitted with a synchromesh 5-speed gearbox. While these powertrain figures are for the three options for comparison, you can also check the higher version of each pickup like the Bolero Extrastrong, Yodha 1500, Yodha Crew Cabin 4x2 D-Maxi Super Strong variant. 

Payload & Cargo Body

In cargo applications, the vehicle payload and the cargo carrying capacities are critical in a vehicle purchase decision. A higher payload, larger cargo body that allows flexible cargo shipments helps the owner run the vehicle to its fullest potential and earn more revenue. In payload, the D-Max and Bolero are nearly similar to 1240 kg and 1245 kg, respectively, and the Tata Yodha is a 1200 kg payload pickup. However, there are several payload options available to choose from.  

Apart from the relatively higher payload, what works in favor of pickup is the power, torque, and overall efficiency in delivery cargo faster. Furthermore, they deliver higher operating economies. This also reflects in the popularity of pickup as a segment in the overall cargo LCV segment. More and more large and smaller fleet operators are increasingly deploying pickup at some of the most demanding operations. 

A strong and durable cargo body is equally vital for carrying heavy and valuable cargo on any given day. The D-Max gets a (LxWxH) 2440 X 1725 x 510 mm cargo deck (inner). The Bolero comes with 2765 X 1700 X 650 mm outer cargo body, and Yodha with a 2650 mm (8.7 ft) x 1800 mm (5.9 ft) size. The fuel tanks sizes are quite wide-ranging on the three of them; Bolero gets a 60, while Yodha comes with 45L and D-Max with 55L capacities. 

Aggregates & Dimension 

When it comes to critical aggregates, all the products offer high quality and reliability. OEMs are well aware of what works in favor of a most dependable pickup and how an uninterrupted vehicle brings wonder to its business. To ensure the vehicle performs well in every terrain and operating condition, capable of carrying all kinds of cargo effortlessly, D-Max is fitted with a double wishbone, coil spring suspension at the front, and semi-elliptic leaf spring at the rear. Bolero gets 5 leaves rigid leaf spring suspension, anti-roll bar provided at the front, and 7-leaves rigid leaf spring, hydraulic double acting, telescopic shock absorbers at the rear. The suspension of Yodha at the front is semi-elliptical leaf springs with 6-leaves and innovative two-stage semi-elliptical leaf springs with 9-leaves at the rear.

In brakes, D-Max gets hydraulic brake with the booster, at the front is a ventilated disc with twin pot caliper and drum type at the rear. Bolero gets a single diaphragm 9â booster, LCRV type disc type at the front, and drum at the rear. Yodha front brake is hydraulic type, twin pot disc, and drum at the rear. 

D-Max comes with a 3095 mm wheelbase, while Bolero has a slightly higher wheelbase of 3260 mm and Yodha 3150 mm. In length, the differences are minor; the D-Max gets 5375 mm, Bolero 5212 mm, and Yodha 5350 mm. The tyre size of D-Max 205R16C, Bolero 7.00R15, 10 PR, and Yodha 215/75 R 16 radial tyres.

It appears that Isuzu has done a remarkable job in not only updating the D-Max with new emission but enhanced it to make them compelling to take on the top-two rivals in the segment. The specs comparison of the D-Max makes it quite a strong product with a promise of performance and reliability. Also, Isuzu is aware that to take on the most popular product in the category, the customer would expect nothing but the best. So does Bolero and Yodha need to worry about the D-Max? Well, both the products have been well-established brands in the market with a loyal customer base, the Bolero even more! Yet, Isuzu, a global player's eyes a bigger play in the growing pickup category, and likely to play the long-term game to pull customers from the top brands. To ensure the customer trust the brands assure him of the reach and service, the company is expanding the retail foot-print rapidly. 

Besides the brand and network, the price is equally critical. Isuzu has priced the D-Max at Rs between Rs 7.8-8.38 lacs, while the Bolore retailed between Rs 7.97 to 8.23 lacs, and Yodha is available at a slight premium of Rs 8.12 to 8.81 lacs, all ex-showroom, New Delhi. However, they differ in every state and city. You visit a local dealership in your city or town to get an accurate price.  

Verdict

To take on the formidable challenges is always grueling, and when it comes to a brand like Bolero Pikup, the going isn’t easy. Yet, the specs comparison on paper appears that Isuzu D-Max isn’t that behind, offering a much needed value to your business. 

So, if you want to buy a BS6 pickup, Bolero is certainly the first choice, as it has a track-record and offers a lot. Yet, you shouldn’t be missing the Yodha and D-Max. Both these products are now refined with some of the best performance characteristics. It would be best if you explored them in-depth before you go ahead with the decision. 

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