Mahindra Thar SUV – The all-new, second-generation Thar is slicker, sexier, safer, and more sophisticated in every sense than its predecessor. Mahindra has turned the Thar into a lot more polished and a more desirable proposition. This time around it’s been a hit from day one, instantly tugging at the heartstrings of buyers.
The new Thar comes with three roof options. We have the fixed soft-top (like before), a factory-fitted hard-top, as well as a convertible soft-top. Your usability of the New Thar should be a determining factor for the roof to go for. Those planning on longer drives must opt for the hard-top, which seals off the cabin from road and tire noise much better than the soft-top options. Owners using the Thar purely as a recreational vehicle are likely to find appeal in the convertible option for that open-top experience. Let’s take a close look at its diesel-manual and automatic, as well as the petrol-automatic version and other features of the new Thar.
The Exterior Design
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The second-generation Thar comes with its unique adornment as nothing except the name was carried over from its predecessor. A combination of mild and advanced high-strength steel that’s lighter, yet a lot more rigid forms the car bodyshell. Stabilizer bars at the front and rear, as well as an integrated roll cage, see to the car’s torsional stiffness. The new Thar’s design is longer and wider, sits a lot more solid, and looks more proportionate compared to the older version. There’s simply no mistaking the new Thar for any other car on the road, except perhaps the Jeep Wrangler, as both share the same heritage and no effort was made to give the new Thar an identity of its own.
The Thar’s grille isn’t as bold or as powerful at first impression, this could be to avoid any (legal) conflict with Jeep’s signature seven-slat design. The exposed bonnet clips, door hinges, side steps, and body cladding have been very well executed. The massive 18-inch alloys and 255mm all-terrain tires (on the LX variant) and the full-sized tire mounted on the tailgate is an intrinsic part of the Thar’s rugged, 4×4 appeal. There are lots of interesting design details, too, and the jerry-can-shaped LED tail-lamps with Thar branding neatly embossed are particularly well-executed.
The new Thar comes with three roof options. We have the fixed soft-top (like before), a factory-fitted hard-top, as well as a convertible soft-top. Your usability of the New Thar should be a determining factor for the roof to go for. Those planning on longer drives must opt for the hard-top, which seals off the cabin from road and tire noise much better than the soft-top options. Owners using the Thar purely as a recreational vehicle are likely to find appeal in the convertible option for that open-top experience.
The Interior Design
Mahindra Thar SUV – The design of the new Thar has cleverly incorporated the exposed screws as a styling feature that lends ruggedness to the ambiance and adds character to its interior design. The chassis plate adorning the dashboard is a nice touch that proudly flaunts this Mahindra’s Indian roots.
The balcony-like seating makes for a commanding frontal view, the pillars are slim, and the large outside mirrors cover the sides well. The rearward visibility, however, is hampered by the spare tire and the rear headrests. This letter box-like view makes you rely on the sensors while parking in tight spots, and a reverse camera is sorely missed.
The front seats are perfectly fine for medium-sized adults, but larger passengers won’t be too happy about the snug side bolstering or the cup-like shape of the seat base
The Thar has a scant boot space with the rear seats in place, it’s just about enough to accommodate a couple of small backpacks. What also makes accessing the boot a bit cumbersome is the two-step process as the heavy tailgate needs to be swung open, and then the rear windscreen area has to be lifted.
On infotainment, Mahindra’s 7.0-inch touchscreen has a very user-friendly interface, and touch sensitivity and responses are rather good. Contrary to the popular button-less trend, this system features physical shortcut buttons as well as rotary volume control, which is very convenient to operate while on the move. What’s nice is the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This system also displays certain on-road and off-road data that are very useful to the driver.
The Different Engine Performance
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Mahindra Thar SUV – Under the hood of the new Thar is a second-generation 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine that makes 130hp and 300Nm of torque. The diesel clatter is well controlled and even when this motor is spun faster, it doesn’t come across as loud or coarse. Not only does it generate 53Nm more torque than before, but it also delivers max torque from just 1,600rpm, and extends till 2,800rpm, which is a 1,200rpm band, compared to the narrow 200rpm (1,800-2,000rpm) band of the first-gen. As a result, the diesel feels extremely drivable and effortless in its operation.
The 6-speed manual has rather long throws, but with well-defined gates and a smooth-shifting nature, the effort required to slot it in is really low. The diesel manual transmission hits the 0-100kph in just 13.36sec, and rolling acceleration from 20-80kph in third and 40-100kph in fourth gear takes merely 10.28sec and 13.69sec, respectively.
Transmission duties in the automatic are carried out by an Aisin-sourced 6-speeder. Overall, shifts are smooth and seamless, and this sophisticated torque converter works well in sync with the diesel engine. The automatic transmission sprints from 0-100kph in 13.52sec, almost as quick as the diesel manual. The automatic also gets a manual mode, and it will hold onto the first two gears (only) in this mode, which comes in handy while off-roading. Because of the sheer convenience, this diesel-automatic brings to the table.
Mahindra Thar SUV – Making its debut in the new Thar is a brand-new 2.0-liter, turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, the first from the mStallion family. With power and torque figures of 150hp and 320Nm, this engine certainly makes a strong case for itself. It’s even more refined and stronger than the diesel engine.
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