Mahindra Thar

Overview

Mahindra Thar is one of the most powerful and reasonable SUVs from the manufacturer currently available in the country. Thar has been always cherished for its astonishing off-road capabilities, strong body structure, and legendary Jeep styling. Mahindra Thar was first showcased at the Auto Expo 2010, since then the vehicle has attracted a lot of prospective consumers and especially the adventurers and off-roading enthusiasts. Mahindra has recently updated the styling details of the vehicle that makes the car look more contemporary than ever before. Exteriors, as well as interiors, have gone through a drastic alteration that of course, adds to the overall looks of the Thar. It is the first car ever from Mahindra & Mahindra to offer an oil burner BS IV CRDe and a soft top.

Talking about the exteriors, Mahindra Thar is reminiscent of the old robust Jeep that rural people used to drive in India from old times. So the new model is, however, given some changes but still keeps the retro looks intact. One of the most impressive facts about the car is that it always demands attention wherever it goes, so we can say that the Thar has the strong road presence as well. The front adorned with seven-slat metal radiator grille enhances its muscular appeal.

The car gets the rounded headlamps and strong bonnet shape. Its plastic bumper, up to 200mm of ground clearance, huge rugged wheel arches and exposed door hinges all make the car convey it’s rugged as well as simple looks. Thar is available in Fiery Black, Diamond White, Mist Silver, Red Rage, and Rocky Beige colour options.

Its interiors are tweaked as well, the updated model features black and beige dashboard, revamped center bezel, renewed AC vents, new lockable glove box, floor console and new door trims, all that adds to its appeal. Now the new Thar feels quite good inside, its front seats are adjustable and well cushioned. The car gets 2-DIN music system on the updated variant and lot of accessories and customization options. For safety, the top end trim gets the auto-locking hubs, mechanical locking differential, and digital immobilizer.

In terms of mechanicals, Mahindra Thar CRDe is powered by a 2.5L diesel mill that can generate the power output of 105PS and yields the peak torque of 247NM. Power is supplied through all four wheels via 5-speed manual transmission. The Thar DI gets 2.5L diesel engine that makes 65PS of power and 195Nm of maximum torque. The motor comes mated to 5-speed manual gearbox.

Currently, Mahindra Thar is available in 3 different trims they are DI 2wd, DI 4WD, and CRDe. The prices for the same starts from Rs. 6.46 lakh for the DI 4X2 variant, Rs. 6.98 lakh for the 4X4 trim while the top-notch CRDe has been priced at Rs. 9.07 lakh. Mahindra Thar locks horns with the like of Force Gurkha and Maruti Gypsy King.

Interior

The environment inside Mahindra Thar is a whole lot nicer with the revamped dashboard, lockable glovebox and the new steering wheel borrowed from the Bolero. The wing mirror which has also been shared from Bolero is better along with the new addition in the form of backlit odometer given to the three-pod instrument cluster. The seats are more comfortable which have been lifted from the old Scorpio.
The dual-toned dashboard has been placed higher while the position of the steering wheel has also been changed. The steering gives a nice grip and the minor shift in the position has helped the ergonomics. The quality of the material used, especially on the dashboard has been enhanced for that everyday driving experience. There are now more cup holders than before for the needed refreshment during the rugged driving.
The 12V charging point will ensure your devices are not out of charge. The car also gets new circular AC vents, door trims, and new floor console. There is provision for 2-DIN music system as well as the air conditioner with heater.

Exterior

The new Mahindra Thar is as bulky and sturdy as before and the new exterior enhancements further make its position strong. The SUV gets new clear lens headlamps and the revamped plastic front bumper now features clean design extending up to the wheel arches. The side profile also get updates with new footsteps and scooped out wide fenders. The front slanting soft-top has been redesigned with different material to give it a nice finishing.

Mileage Running Cost

Mahindra Thar has capable engines which are meant for delivering decent mileage even in mix conditions. The CRDe engine returns a fuel efficiency of 18.06kmpl while the DI engine is able to deliver ARAI certified mileage of 16.55kmpl.

Comfort Suspension

The major addition in the Thar is the new differential lock that has made it more capable to conquer tough terrains. It let the rear wheels spin at the same speeds irrespective of the traction. As the vehicle is designed for off-roading, the suspension setup is aimed at unstressed jungle trip, getting the vehicle dirty and bringing it back to the city without any fuss.

Engine Performance

Mahindra Thar sources its power from two engines; the 2.5L CRDe and the M2DICR DI 2.5L diesel motors. The CRDe produces 105bhp and @3800 rpm and peak torque of 247Nm @1800-2000 rpm, mated to 5-speed manual transmission. The DI engine, on the other hand, is available in both 2WD and 4WD options with 63bhp of power on board. The torque level differs with the 2WD variant delivering 182.5Nm @1500-1800 rpm, the 4WD variant returning 195Nm @1400-2200 rpm. Both the variants are paired with 5-speed manual transmission.

Braking Safety

The braking capability of Thar is fantastic as it gets disc brake at the front and drum at the rear. While you will not get safety features such as ABS and airbags just like in conventional SUV, the car does get auto-locking hubs and digital immobilizer.