Mahindra Thar

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

The new Mahindra Thar is an improved version of the Thar, which was first introduced in 2010. A decade later, the Mahindra Thar appears to be providing stiff competition in the market to competing vehicles with its supersonic features and revolutionary design. The recently introduced Mahindra Thar is available in a variety of petrol and diesel models, giving you a wide choice of alternatives. Another distinguishing element of the new Mahindra Thar is that it is a well-designed compact sport utility vehicle. As compared to the previous generation of the Mahindra Thar, the new sedan has a considerably plusher and general appeal.

Mahindra Thar Design and Style

Compared to the previous model, the new Mahindra Thar is a breath of fresh air. Having said that, the SUV has effectively retained much of its classic appeal while looking far more modern than ever. The Jeep Wrangler inspiration appears to be abundant here, however, there is not a single panel on the Thar that is identical to the Wrangler, implying that any resemblance between the two off-roaders' appearances is simply because of shared design DNA and not infringement.

The front-end now has a more premium appearance, as the previous model's somewhat simple design has given place to a more polished and upmarket concept. The radiator grille, as well as the LED DRLs and indicators on the fenders, round off the front end. Thar is now available with a variety of roof options, including a hard top, soft top, and convertible top. The massive 18-inch alloy wheels that fit the wheel wells nicely are one of the major attractions of the side profile. Another design feature is that the wheel arches are roundish in the back but squared off in the front. The rear, like the front, preserves the Jeep DNA but looks more modern than any of the predecessors' rears. The LED tail lights, which provide a touch of refinement to the back façade, are our favourite feature here.

Mahindra Thar Engine and Gearbox

The Gen-2 Mahindra Thar comes with a 2.2-litre mHawk turbocharged diesel engine and a 2.0-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol engine. The former produces 130 HP-300 Nm, while the latter produces 150 HP-320 Nm. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with an optional 6-speed automatic transmission. 4X4 hardware and a Mechanical Locking Differential (MLD) in the rear are standard across the board.

The improved diesel engine is virtually vibration-free at low speeds, but performance is sluggish below 1,500 rpm. When the turbocharger fires up, there's a powerful burst of oomph that can propel the off-roader up even the steepest of inclines. In-gear roll-on acceleration has also been significantly enhanced. The clutch action isn't overly long or heavy, and the 6-speed manual transmission works smoothly. The automatic transmission isn't the smoothest shifting unit available, but it's recommended over the manual for individuals who intend to use the SUV in an urban area.

Mahindra Thar Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

In terms of ride and handling characteristics, the 2018 Mahindra Thar outperforms its predecessor in practically every way. SUV has coil springs with dampers on all four corners, although the front and rear axle designs differ. The SUV has an independent suspension with a double-wishbone configuration up front and a solid axle in the back. The new Thar has a car-like ride quality, but because it is a tall body-on-frame type, the body roll is quite noticeable.

The SUV can easily absorb all the undulations because of the softened suspension. At low speeds, the ride quality is luxuriant, and the 255 section CEAT CZAR all-terrain tyres provide adequate grip in all circumstances. In the city, the steering wheel feels a little heavy, and performing 3-point turns is a little tough, but on the highway, the same heft turns out to be a favourable trait.

Interior and Instrument Console of Mahindra Thar

With the vastly improved internal design and quality over the previous version, the new dashboard is significantly more appealing, with the IP54 dust and water-resistant 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking centre stage. Aside from its capacity to endure some damage, this gadget offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and satellite navigation.

The steering wheel is from the TUV300 and includes radio and phone capabilities besides the cruise control button. The instrument console is well-designed and uses real fonts. The front passenger has a dashboard-mounted grab handle, but the glove compartment is relatively small and can only accommodate the car's instruction manual and a few papers. Fortunately, it's a lockable unit. Unlike the original Thar's bare-bones cabin, the new model includes a variety of comfort and convenience options like air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and automatic folding ORVMs.

The bucket seats in the front are extremely supportive and keep you in place on an off-road track. They also have lumbar adjustments to assist you and fine-tune the seating to your specific needs. We can adjust the steering wheel to tilt but not for reach. The front-facing second-row seats can fit two adults, although they are difficult to reach. Also, with the second row in position, the boot area is barely big enough for a couple of tiny strollers.

Key Features of Mahindra Thar

Central Locking, Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBA (Electronic Brake Assist), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), Hill Assist, ISOFIX (Child-Seat Mount), and 2 airbags are among the important safety features of the Mahindra Thar. All rows have adjustable headrests, adjustable steering, a fuel level gauge, an analogue + digital instrument console, keyless entry, a digital odometer, power steering, front only power windows, and driver's seat height adjust, an analogue speedometer, and an analogue tachometer.

Top Speed and Mileage of Mahindra Thar

2023 Mahindra Thar's off-road mechanism is well regarded. However, its on-road capabilities must not be overlooked. The petrol variants of both automatic and manual transmission cars get a powerful mileage of 15.2 km/l. The diesel types, both automatic and manual, have a mileage of 13 km/l. In contrast to the mHawk diesel engine, the petrol models utilise a mStallion turbocharged engine. As a result, the petrol versions of the new Mahindra Thar have superior mileage and power to the diesel variants.

The top speed of the new Mahindra Thar is 155 km/h, although the suggested cruising speed for the Thar is 100 to 110 km/h. The incredibly refined petrol engine provides plenty of torque above 1,200 rpm, the power distribution is quite linear, and the automatic version can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in around 10 seconds. Even in-gear acceleration is impressive, with 20-80 km/h passing in around 6 seconds. Unlike the diesel, the automatic transmission here is rather smooth, though downshifts could be quicker. The major disadvantage is the low fuel efficiency of 6-7 kmpl in city conditions. Of course, if things get rough, 4H and 4L come to the rescue. The Thar's low-ratio transfer case is the best we've seen on any moderately priced off-roader.

Mahindra Thar Colour Options

2023 Thar comes in two variants: AX Optional and LX, with the AX Optional type only available in two colours: Red Rage and Napoli Black. The LX model, on the other hand, comes in six different colours: Red Rage, Galaxy Grey, Napoli Black, and Aqua Marine.

Mahindra Thar Competitors

Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Jeep Compass, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, MG Hector and Force Gurkha are some of the similar cars that rival Mahindra Thar in the Indian Market.

Conclusion

2023 Mahindra Thar is one of the best SUVs available at such an economical price. Mahindra Thar receives a thumbs up in all categories, including performance, gearbox, engine, power, safety, and styling. Purchasing the all-new Mahindra Thar will undoubtedly be a worthwhile investment. You can rely on its off-road performance and its on-road speed to conquer long roads and create unforgettable moments. If thrills and excitement come from sports and adventure, then the all-new Mahindra Thar is the vehicle for you. The Mahindra Thar is one of the most dependable SUVs on the market. At such a cheap price, Mahindra is giving away its specially developed vehicle, which is ideal for long-distance on-road travel and off-road driving. The car's safety equipment and engines are all well-equipped with updated features and a technologically enhanced support system, making it one of the most dependable SUVs of all time.