Traditionally the Mahindra Thar has been a niche vehicle for off road enthusiasts. But with the addition of the 4x2 LX Automatic variant, it is also putting itself forward as a more available option to a wider audience of buyers, including first time SUV buyers. That begs the question of whether it’s the right car for first timers purchasing an SUV, and people who are comparing it to more conventional options. It’s a blend of rugged styling and improved urban practicality that the Thar brings to the table, but it doesn’t have all the refinements and features you’d find in a more mainstream SUV. The Thar is one of those cars that raises the question whether its distinctive character and improved usability make it a good entry point into the SUV world, or if its specialized nature might be too much for those who are used to more traditional vehicles. It also has something to say about the learning curve involved with driving a car with this kind of a personality and whether the positives really merit the negatives for the new SUV owner.