Mahindra Thar: Zabardast Off-Roader at ₹11.35 Lakh

Are you ready to conquer the great outdoors in style? The Mahindra Thar is here to fuel your adventurous spirit with its rugged charm and impressive capabilities.

This iconic SUV has been turning heads and tackling terrains for years, and the latest iteration is better than ever. With its muscular design, powerful engines, and a host of modern features, the Thar is ready to take on any challenge you throw its way. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Mahindra Thar a top contender in the off-road SUV segment.

Design and Styling

The Mahindra Thar boasts a design that commands attention both on and off the road. Its bold, imposing front grille and muscular body lines give it a distinctly rugged appearance. The tall stance and high ground clearance not only contribute to its commanding presence but also enhance its off-road capabilities.

At the front, you’ll find LED projector headlamps with distinctive daytime running lights, adding a touch of modernity to the classic SUV silhouette. The side profile features pronounced wheel arches housing 18-inch alloy wheels, while the rear sports LED taillights and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, staying true to its off-road roots.

One of the Thar’s unique selling points is its versatile roof options. You can choose between a fixed hard top, a convertible soft top, or even a factory-fitted removable hard top. This flexibility allows you to customize your Thar experience based on your preferences and the weather conditions.

Available in a range of attractive colors, including the popular Galaxy Grey and Napoli Black, the Thar allows you to choose a style that matches your personality. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring uncharted territories, this SUV is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Mahindra Thar offers a choice of powerful engines to suit different driving needs. You can opt for either a petrol or diesel powerplant, both of which deliver impressive performance:

• 2.0-liter mStallion TGDi petrol engine: 150 bhp and 320 Nm of torque
• 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine: 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque

Both engines come mated to a smooth 6-speed manual transmission, while select variants offer the convenience of a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The automatic transmission is well-tuned and provides smooth shifts, making it a great option for those who frequently drive in city traffic.

One of the Thar’s standout features is its standard 4×4 system, which allows you to tackle challenging terrains with confidence. The SUV offers multiple drive modes, including 2H (2-wheel drive High), 4H (4×4 High), and 4L (4×4 Low), giving you the flexibility to adapt to various off-road conditions.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Thar delivers respectable numbers considering its size and capabilities. The petrol variant offers an ARAI-certified mileage of up to 9 kmpl, while the diesel version can achieve up to 15.2 kmpl. However, real-world figures may vary depending on driving conditions and terrain.

Ride and Handling

The Mahindra Thar offers a comfortable ride quality that’s well-suited for both on-road and off-road driving. Its suspension setup, consisting of independent front suspension and a multi-link rear arrangement, strikes a good balance between comfort and capability. The high ground clearance of 226mm allows you to tackle obstacles and rough terrain with ease.

On the road, the Thar feels more refined and comfortable compared to its predecessor. The steering is light at low speeds, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. As you pick up speed, the steering weighs up nicely, providing good feedback and stability. The braking system, featuring disc brakes at all four wheels, provides confident stopping power.

Off-road is where the Thar truly shines. Its 4×4 system, coupled with features like a mechanical locking differential and brake locking differential, allows you to navigate through challenging terrains with ease. The SUV’s approach angle of 41.8 degrees, departure angle of 36.8 degrees, and ramp-over angle of 27 degrees further enhance its off-road prowess.

Interior and Features

Step inside the Mahindra Thar, and you’re greeted by a functional and rugged interior that’s a significant improvement over its predecessor. The dashboard layout is straightforward and user-friendly, with all controls within easy reach. Higher variants feature a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keeping you connected on the go.

The Thar offers comfortable seating for four passengers, with options for front-facing rear seats or side-facing jump seats depending on the variant. The high seating position provides excellent visibility, a boon for navigating through traffic or off-road trails.

Some notable features available in the top-spec variants include:

• Cruise control
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
• Roof-mounted speakers
• Drizzle-resistant 7-inch infotainment system
• Adventure statistics display (includes information like pitch and roll angles)
• Washable interior with drain plugs for easy cleaning after off-road adventures

In terms of safety, the Thar comes well-equipped with features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard across all variants. Higher trims also get features like ESP with roll-over mitigation, hill-hold and hill-descent control, and a built-in roll cage, enhancing both safety and off-road capability.

Variants and Pricing

The Mahindra Thar is available in multiple variants to suit different budgets and requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the key variants and their ex-showroom prices in Delhi:

The mid-range LX Hard Top variant offers the best balance of features and value for money. However, if you’re looking for the ultimate off-road experience with all the bells and whistles, the top-spec LX Convertible Top AT variant is the one to go for.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

Q1. What is the mileage of the Mahindra Thar?

The Mahindra Thar delivers an ARAI-certified mileage of up to 9 kmpl for the petrol variant and up to 15.2 kmpl for the diesel variant. However, real-world figures may vary depending on driving conditions and terrain.

Q2. Is the Thar suitable for daily city driving?

While the Thar is primarily designed for off-road use, the latest generation has significantly improved on-road manners. It can be used for daily city driving, but keep in mind that it may not offer the same level of comfort and refinement as traditional urban SUVs.

Q3. How does the Thar compare to the Suzuki Jimny?

Both the Thar and Jimny are capable off-roaders, but the Thar offers more space, power, and features. The Jimny is more compact and fuel-efficient, making it better suited for urban environments. Your choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Q4. What is the ground clearance of the Mahindra Thar?

The Mahindra Thar boasts an impressive ground clearance of 226mm, which allows it to tackle obstacles and rough terrain with ease.

Q5. Does the Thar come with a sunroof?

The Mahindra Thar doesn’t offer a traditional sunroof. However, it provides options for a convertible soft top or a removable hard top, allowing you to enjoy an open-air driving experience.

Wrapping Up

The Mahindra Thar continues to be a strong contender in the off-road SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of ruggedness, performance, and modern features. Its powerful engines, excellent off-road capabilities, and improved on-road manners make it an excellent choice for adventure enthusiasts and lifestyle buyers alike. While it may not be the most refined option for urban use, the Thar’s charm lies in its ability to tackle any terrain while turning heads wherever it goes. If you’re in the market for a capable, stylish, and uniquely Indian SUV, the Mahindra Thar deserves a spot at the top of your list.

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