Mahindra Thar: Mahindra Thar is the epitome of Indian automotive engineering that combines power and performance with a style that is as distinct as the design itself.
From the outset, these off-road SUVS have gone from being a boner box designed to get you out on the trails to a far hipper demise-on-wheels-commuter car.
Heritage and Evolution
Derived from Mahindra’s long expertise building practical, rugged vehicles, Thar is descended from the legendary Jeep CJ series and iconic WWII Willys Jeep.
The new model line-up, introduced in 2020, is a huge step forward in technology, design and comfort, yet upholds the Land Rover legacy with its distinctive silhouette and off-road capability.
Design Philosophy
In between the lines: The Thar manages to do the trick of looking nostalgic and retro and modern at the same time.
Even though it stands tall, with round headlamps, a seven-slot grille, and squared wheel arches, the body work is a nod to a blast from the past; LED daytime running lights and alloy wheels point to a modern day vehicle.
Capability Beyond Comparison
Behind the facade, the Thar is still a formidable go-anywhere off-roader. It’s cleaned by the selectable four-wheel drive that supports it, plus a mechanical locking diff’, and a serious departure angle, plus and equally impressive approach angle.
The 226mm ground clearance and 650mm water wading ability make sure very little is in its way.
Powertrain Options
The current Thar comes with the option of a 2.0-liter mStallion turbo-petrol engine with a power output of 150 bhp and a 2.2-liter mHawk diesel that belts out 130 bhp.
Optional for either powerplant is a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering a choice of transmissions for customers with varying driving preferences.
Interior Comfort
Inside, the Thar has grown up quite a bit from spartan. The interiror of the vehicle now includes 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity, rain resistant upholstery, roof mounted speakers, and climate control.
It’s these amenities which make the Thar fit for daily driving, without losing all its adventure-starved charm.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Unrivaled off-road performance in the same class
Bold and eye-catching design with excellent kerb appeal
Sturdy construction built to last in any condition
Better interior ergonomics over old generation
This is because the bicycles have strong resale value and a committed community.
Convertible Styles available in wallpaper (soft top,hard top,convertible)
Decent security measures like attitude airbags, ABS and ESP
Limitations
Rear-seat legroom and cargo space are lacking
GibberishAudFilesElevated noise Decibels than traditional SUVs
Ride too firm over uneven city roads
Fuel economy is conservative
It can take a while to get in because of its popularity.
Price is a premium in comparison to similar size urban SUVs
Cultural Impact
The Thar is not just a vehicle, its the celebration of lifestyle, a vehicle that has achieved cult status in India.
There is a close knit community of Thar owners continuously going on off road trips and modifying their rides according to their taste.
Mahindra Thar: Future Outlook
Given that there is so much buzz in the automotive world just now about electrification and connectivity, were this vehicle to move the game on (which it should), the Thar may develop and modernise with the times – without losing sight of its soul.
Mahindra has hinted at iterations with ever more doors – a five-door option, which would sacrifice nothing of the capability and has even more practicality.
The Mahindra Thar is still an attractive option for those wanting levels of off-road performance with the charm of a distinct designehicle.
It’s no refined waltzer, but it isn’t without its challenges, and is instead carving its very own niche in a marketplace which is increasingly full of cars that are all the same, serving as evidence that cars which were designed for a purpose are not yet done in modern motoring.