Mahindra Thar 4x4 CRDe (Old) Updates

Despite its limitations, the old Thar had a loyal following due to its off-road prowess and unbreakable legacy. It was one of the few old-school off-roaders still being sold in India and was often used for serious off-roading. I think its off-road capabilities were unmatched in its time.

The old Thars engine, although robust, had a narrower torque band compared to the new model. It required more frequent gear shifts, which affected fuel economy and overall driving experience. The new Thars engines offer a broader torque band, making them more efficient and easier to drive. I think the old Thars engine was good but not as refined as the new ones.

The old Thars suspension was less refined, with an independent torsion bar front suspension and leaf springs at the rear. This setup made the ride bouncier and less comfortable, especially on rough roads. In contrast, the new Thar has a more modern suspension setup that provides a smoother ride. I believe the old Thars suspension was one of its major drawbacks.

The old Thars 4x4 system, although effective, was less sophisticated compared to the new model. It lacked features like hill-descent control and electro-mechanical driveline disconnect, which make off-roading easier and safer in the new Thar. I think these advancements have significantly improved the Thars off-road capabilities.

The old Thar was more suited to off-the-beaten-track roads and was not as comfortable or practical for daily driving. It was primarily seen as a lifestyle product rather than a family car. I think its utilitarian nature was both its strength and weakness.

The old Mahindra Thar 4x4 CRDe, launched in 2010, was based on the MM540 and was known for its rugged and utilitarian design. It had a 2.5-litre turbocharged CRDe diesel engine producing 105bhp and 247Nm of torque. This engine was mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The Thar was a favorite among off-road enthusiasts but lacked modern comforts and safety features. I think its raw, unbridled off-road capability was part of its charm.

The old Thar was not compliant with the mandatory safety norms that came into effect, leading to its discontinuation. It lacked essential safety features such as dual airbags, ABS, and EBD, which are now standard in the new model. This made it less appealing to buyers looking for a safer vehicle. I believe safety should always be a top priority, and the old Thar fell short in this area.

The old Thar did not have advanced safety features like ESP with rollover mitigation, hill assist, and dual airbags, which are now standard in the new model. This lack of safety features made it less appealing to families and daily drivers. I believe these safety features are crucial for any vehicle.

In terms of design, the old Thar retained the classic and boxy silhouette of its predecessors but had a more basic look compared to the new model. It featured a simpler front bumper, smaller wheels, and fewer color options. The old Thar also had exposed hinges and removable doors, which added to its rugged appeal. I think the simplicity of the old Thars design was part of its rugged charm.

The interior of the old Thar was sparsely loaded with features, offering only basic amenities like an AC, double-din music system, and analogue speedometer. It lacked modern comforts such as a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, and key-less entry, which are now available in the new Thar. This made it less comfortable for daily driving. I think the lack of modern features made the old Thar feel outdated quickly.