Mahindra Thar The New Avatar of the Legendary Off-Roader From a utilitarian utility vehicle, the Mahindra Thar has graduated to a lifestyle SUV replete with the same hard-core off-road DNA but packed with modern day comfort and technology.

The Thar has been a hit right from its big update in 2020 and is a favourite, not only among adventure junkies, but also young buyers and even urban users seeking an SUV with unmistakable presence.

It’s not just a car, it’s an experience that lets you be who you are. (The Thar is a combination of iconic design, raw power and exacting off-road capability—a heady combination true to the original, but significantly enhanced for the better.)

Contemporary Style in A Rugged Finish

One of the Thar’s greatest assets is its inescapable road presence. Its well-rounded, militaristic origin is giving a nod in a boxy silhouette, circular headlamps, flat fenders, and robust stance.

At the same time the design has been updated with LED DRLs, contemporary alloy wheels and a grille that offers it a tasteful dose of retro and modern charm.

Available in hard-top and convertible soft-top versions, the Thar is now also an RWD to complement the 4×4.

That enables buyers to select based on use — whether they are after a weekend off-roader or a chic city cruiser.

Cabin and Features Inside the Ranger cab, you’ll find a comfortable and full-featured environment

Get into the Thar, and you’re greeted by a cabin that is far more liveable than the one it replaces.

It has a V.. easy to clean interior design with wash-out surfaces and drain plug which is that is perfect for outdoor use.

The seats are comfortable, the dashboard is sensibly laid out, and the upper trims come with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Riding the premium wave are the digital MID, steering-mounted controls, roof-mounted speakers and cruise control but some hard plastics remind you of its utilitarian lineage.

The 3-door version’s row-two space is tight (as it will be in a 5-door), but it serves occasional use or container holding.

Nissan Magnite Facelift – Family SUV comes with all new look

Engine and Performance

At present, two engine choices are available on the Mahindra Thar:

A 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol developing 150 PS and 320 Nm.

A 2.2-litre mHawk diesel unit that generates 130 PS and 300 Nm of torque.

Both manual and automatic 6-speed gearboxes can be had with both engines.

The diesel is torquey and laid-back for off-roaders, while the petrol is more punchy and smooth for those who want a sporty feel in town.

More budget rear-wheel drive (RWD) models are aimed at those who still want a rugged machine but can live without the hardcore 4×4 features.

The four-wheel drive options are fitted with a shift-on-fly transfer case, mechanical locking differential,

And brake locking differential, which are capable of taking the car to sand, slush, rocks or slopes at a steep angle.

Comfort, Handling and Safety

Being a ladder-on-frame SUV, ride quality on the Thar is firmer but still acceptable for day to day usage.

It feels planted on the highway at cruising speeds, though not so much during sharp corners and hits to potholes.

A large footprint and a high ground clearance of 226mm ensure man and machine negotiate tarmac and terrain alike with confidence.

Safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP with rollover mitigation, hill hold and hill descent control, ISOFIX mounts for child seats and a sturdy body shell.

The Thar also received a 4-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests, adding itself to the list of one of the safe vehicles of its kind.

Pros of Mahindra Thar

Iconic and Rugged Design

4×4 Meets Off-Road Package for Serious Off-Roading

Petrol and diesel engines dispatched between 2010 and 2015

New Features and Improved Cabin Quality

Above Average Safety and Road Autonomy

Cons of Mahindra Thar

Little Rear Seat Room and a 3-door configuration only

Rigid Ride Quality on Poor Roads

Boot space (seats up)

Not the Best Primary Family Vehicle

Some Urban Alternatives Could Be Cheaper

Mahindra Thar: Conclusion

The Mahindra Thar is an exceptional SUV that provides you with a sense of adventure while not being too alien to the requirements of current times.

It’s not only about where you can go — it’s about how you can get there.

Though not the most suitable family daily driver, for the one who craves adventure, outdoor life and thumbs his or her nose at road conformity, the Thar stands on a pedestal of its own.

The introduction of RWD and more budget-friendly trims makes it more desirable to a larger group of people than at any point in its history.