New Mahindra Thar: The new Mahindra Thar isn’t just a car, it’s a phase. Having started out life as a simplistic off-roader best sampled on dirt tracks and mountain trails, the latest Thar has evolved into a modern lifestyle SUV with appeal to both city slickers and outback explorers.
Thanks to its contemporary updates and the addition of a wider range of variants, Mahindra has done a fine job of truly transforming the Thar from a niche 4×4 to more mainstream alternative in the Indian SUV space.
Design: Modern Yet Muscular
The new Thar maintains its signature stance albeit in a more sophisticated and proportionate form.
Those round headlamps along with the wide front grille and boxy shape hark back to its Jeep roots.
While the old car felt quite budget-heavy with its plastic-packed exterior, the new one is flush with upmarket features such as LED DRLs, flush-fitted door handles, alloy wheels, and a better paint finish.
It comes in soft-top and hard-top. The hard-top variant in particular has the feel of a full-blown SUV that you can take without an iota of trepidation on city roads or even park outside the mall without feeling out of place.
It’s a robust design but the finishes are far more serious than the older generation.
Interior and Cabin Experience
In the cabin, the Thar now has creature comforts it didn’t have even in its last generation.
The interior is all black with dash, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, roof mounted speakers, and multi-functional steering wheel.
There is also manual air conditioning, power windows, central locking and even the switches are water resistant, don’t forget the off-road DNA of the SUV. The chair seats are not only comfortable, but provide a great road presence.
The cabin feels cosy, but not overly cramped.
Rear seats remain tight though, suitable more for occasional passengers and – because of the extra length – the layout is actually more practical than before, especially in the 5-door version that will follow soon.
Engine and Performance
Engine Options The new Thar comes with two engine options:
2.0L mStallion 4-cyl petrol motor with close to 150bhp of power and 300NM of torque.
2.2 L mHawk diesel engine which can churn out around 130 bhp of power.
Each come with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions, and 4×4 with a low-range transfer case and mechanical locking differential.
Off-road, the Thar shines. Rangerend wayangk iease and departure angles, wack, water-wading ability and solid ladder-frame chewsiber frame sign tied makes it a beast when going off-road.
For city conditions, petrol automatic is smoother and diesel is better for torque and mileage.
Ride and Handling
Even the suspension has been sharpened up considerably. But its firmness is more forgiving than before, especially over rippled patches and rough roads.
With the Thar’s short wheelbase and high ground clearance, it’s nimble on dirt tracks, though it can feel a bit bouncy on highways.
That said, it’s now much more day to drive friendly than the outgoing model.
Pros of New Mahindra Thar
Aggressive styling with enhanced street presence
Superb and aggressive off-road prowess and 4×4 ability
Petrol and Diesel mated to both manual/automatic gearboxes
Far more upmarket cabin with contemporary tech
Durable, water-resistant interiors suited for adventure travels
Mahindra’s good service network and resale value
Cons of New Mahindra Thar
Not much boot space, 3-door model in particular.
Second-Row is Hard to Get in to
Ride quality is still not quite what you’d expect from an urban SUV
High-speed stability isn’t the strongest suit.
Expensive for budget shoppers
New Mahindra Thar: Verdict
The New Mahindra Thar is not only a tough off-roader. Today, it’s a lifestyle SUV, one that celebrates adventure but makes no sacrifice in comfort.
The Thar gives you Performance, Presence and Peace of mind whether on city streets or off the beaten path on your road Less travel led.
On the whole, for those buyers looking for a car exciting as well as practical the Thar is definitely a sturdy and desirable pick.