There’s nothing flashy about this truck but the Mahindra Enforcer gets things done and does it with ease, no matter what the obstacles are. (CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)
Before we even start talking about the Mahindra Enforcer, we just want to make one thing clear first: This utility pickup truck is almost just half the price of some of the top pickup trucks in the market today.
With that said, I believe it’s fair to say that this vehicle is one heck of a workhorse.
During a weekend test drive made possible by the Gateway Group, which handles dealerships of Mahindra in Cebu, it was clear that this vehicle was made to do the tough stuff without much of the fanfare.
Its styling may not match that of the Japanese or American trucks but it isn’t that bad at all. It sports a Jeep-type look, which actually looks tough.
There’s a lot of old-school features that make it look like a real workhorse such as the door hinges that are outside the doors and a dual tailgate lock that is similar to those used in trucks until the late 90s.
The good stuff of the utility vehicle is in its performance. This is were the Enforcer can really deliver. This is the reason why the single cab version of the Enforcer was chosen by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for its patrol vehicles.
CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA
In a report in motioncars.inquirer.net, it was said that the Enforcer was chosen after complying with the PNP’s stringent requirements. The vehicle reportedly can wade through high waters, and traverse the countryside’s rough and dusty roads, all while carrying a full load of passengers and cargo.
Knowing that, we actually tried doing those tests ourselves.
The Enforcer has a 4-stroke 4-cylinder 2.5L turbodiesel engine that’s capable of producing up to 100 horsepower and 240 newton meter of torque.
The Enforcer’s 4-stroke 4-cylinder 2.5L turbodiesel engine.
CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA
That power is more than enough when we made the Enforcer go through some of the toughest terrain with full load.
Suspension is on the stiff side on paved roads but very tough and stable off road.
The truck isn’t also lacking convenience features.
Inside, the top-of-the-line double cab 4X4 variant has power windows, a decent sound system with CD, MP3 and AUX function and an air conditioning that can cool its spacious cabin.
Power window and air conditioning switches are located at the dashboard.
CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA
Quality may be on the top of one’s mind when we talk about its brand but the company is actually well known in the world.
Mahindra is one of the largest industrial companies in India that has been supplying the world with countless products and services. It has operated for more than six decades and has entered in key industries such as aerospace, aftermarket, agribusiness, automotive, components, construction equipment, among others.
With that, it is safe to say that this vehicle could go a long way in our country.
Proof of its durability is again the torture/test drive based on the six pages of the PNP circular as a guideline in performing the so-called tests.
The Enforcer passed with flying colors in front of representatives from both the PNP and the Mahindra group.
So will it make an impact in the Cebuano market? Only time can tell but one thing’s for sure: those who know about value for money would surely appreciate the simplicity and toughness of this utility truck.