Mahindra Thar

About Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar, an off-roading SUV produced by Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra, debuted in 2010 and quickly became popular among off-road enthusiasts. Designed for rugged performance, the Thar effortlessly tackles various terrains. It offers petrol and diesel engine options in 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive configurations.

The Thar's retro styling is reminiscent of original Jeep models, featuring a removable roof, doors, and a fold-down windshield for an open-air driving experience. While the interior may initially seem basic, it marks a significant improvement over the previous model. The design is straightforward and functional, with a high-set dashboard, nearly vertical front windshield, and narrow A-pillars. The quality and finish are commendable for the price, and the top-spec variants come well-equipped.

The latest Thar model is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine delivering 152 bhp and 300 Nm of torque and a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 132 bhp and 300 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.

For traditional enthusiasts, Mahindra has preserved old-school features such as a fuel lid that opens with a key, bonnet fasteners, and fabric door restraints. The front seats are spacious and comfortable, enhancing the overall driving experience. Modern amenities in the new Thar include a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, and advanced safety features like dual airbags and ABS. The Thar has been praised for its off-road capabilities, retro design, and contemporary features.

Mahindra Thar Highlights

The following pointers highlight the crucial aspects of the Mahindra Thar.

• Mahindra Thar Price: The Mahindra Thar's on-road price ranges between Rs 14.35 lakhs and Rs 21.85 lakhs (Delhi), depending on the 19 variants currently available in India.
• Mahindra Thar Launch Date: The Mahindra Thar was first launched in India on October 4, 2010, and got a facelift in 2020.
• Configurations for Mahindra Thar: The Mahindra Thar is mainly available in two broad variants- AX(O) and LX.

Mahindra Thar Ex-Showroom Price

The Mahindra Thar ex-showroom price in Delhi ranges between Rs. 11.35 lakhs to Rs 17.60 for the two broad variants available in the Indian market.

Mahindra Thar On-Road Price

The Mahindra Thar's on-road price in Delhi starts at Rs. 14.35 lakhs for the base variant and goes up to Rs. 21.85 lakhs for the top-spec model. Note that the price varies from city to city.

Mahindra Thar Models and Price

In this section, we will present the prices for the Mahindra Thar's base and top-spec models.

• Mahindra Thar Base Model Price- The Mahindra Thar AX Opt 4-Str Hard Top Diesel RWD is the diesel base model priced at Rs 14.35 lakhs on-road in Delhi. If you opt for the petrol variant, which is the 2.0 LX AWD Hard Top, it is priced at Rs. 18.27 lakhs on-road in Delhi. 

• Mahindra Thar Top Model Price- The 2.2 LX AWD Hard Top AT Earth Edition Diesel is the top model priced at Rs. 21.85 lakhs on-road in Delhi. And, for the 2.0 LX AWD Hard Top AT Earth Edition Petrol, you must pay Rs. 20.54 lakhs on-road in Delhi. 

• Mahindra Thar Automatic Model Price- The automatic models of the Mahindra Thar range from Rs 19.98 lakh to Rs 21.85 lakh (on-road, Delhi).

Mahindra Thar Price in India

Here are the prices of the Mahindra Thar model in different cities.

Mahindra Thar Price

Mahindra Thar Price in India

Here are the prices of the Mahindra Thar 2023 model in different cities.

• Mahindra Thar Price In Bangalore
• Mahindra Thar Price In Delhi
• Mahindra Thar Price In Pune
• Mahindra Thar Price In Chennai
• Mahindra Thar Price In Gurgaon
• Mahindra Thar Price In Noida
• Mahindra Thar Price In Ghaziabad
• Mahindra Thar Price In Faridabad
• Mahindra Thar Price In Hyderabad
• Mahindra Thar Price In Mumbai

Mahindra Thar: Quick Review

Here is a detailed analysis of the Mahindra Thar's specifications and features, including engine options, performance, transmission, dimensions, and cargo capacity. This review also examines the vehicle's advanced safety features and exterior and interior design for a comprehensive understanding.

Exterior Design

The Mahindra Thar has grown with an extended wheelbase, width, and length. Its road presence is enhanced by its squat stance, new grille, and Jeep Wrangler-like resemblance. The tyres are larger and more robust, and the hood has a flat, upright design. The new 18-inch wheels are smartly designed, and the vehicle's dimensions have increased in length (3985 mm), width (1820 mm), and wheelbase (2450 mm). Interestingly, the overall height is shorter, especially with the hard top or convertible soft top. The Thar offers striking colour options and stylish alloy wheels.

The wheel arches remain asymmetric, and the front features round headlamps, circular fog lamps, and rectangular daytime running lights (DRLs). The Mahindra Thar projects an adventurous yet composed look appealing to adventure enthusiasts and regular SUV lovers. It features a two-door body style on a new Mahindra Gen 3 platform, which is wider than before. While retaining retro elements, the bonnet line has been raised to meet new pedestrian safety guidelines, and the doors are removable. The dual-tone bumper and three roof options (hardtop, removable hardtop, and soft-top) add to the Thar's attractiveness.

Despite its modern features, the Thar retains several old-school elements, such as exposed door hinges for the removable doors, bonnet clamps on either side of the hood, a modernised take on the old CJ series' square tail lamps, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel (an alloy in the top-end model). The front grille adds a touch of retro charm, with the front end inspired by the old Mahindra Armada Grand. 

A significant advantage is the range of options available. The base AX variant has a fixed soft top as standard, while the top-end LX offers either a fixed hard top or a convertible soft top, which can also be fitted to the base variant. The colour options include Red Rage, Mystic Copper, Galaxy Grey, Aquamarine, Rocky Beige, and Napoli Black, though there is no white option, which is surprising.

Interior and Features 

The Mahindra Thar's cabin is designed for ergonomic convenience, featuring a revamped gear lever for easier use. It offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and the interior is simple yet fully washable, which is a practical touch. However, the dashboard's hard plastics may not meet this price range's expectations.

The AX trim includes 16-inch wheels, a side-facing seat, a roll cage, and a soft top. The LX or Lifestyle trim offers luxurious upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, and roof-mounted speakers. The interiors have a retro charm with geometric elements throughout the cabin. The all-black theme is waterproof, and switches are protected from water ingress, including those for cruise control, power windows, and audio controls on the steering wheel. The Thar features front-facing seats with good bolstering to keep occupants secure during off-road adventures, and the front seats offer good lumbar support. The rear seats have split-fold functionality.

The driver's side door pad is close to the shoulder, and the footwell is narrow. The steering wheel is only height-adjustable. Despite these issues, the Thar provides a decent seating experience, although the cushioning could be improved for better overall comfort. Accessing the rear seats is challenging due to limited space when folding the front seats. Many may find it easier to enter the rear by squeezing between the front seats. The rear seats suit two people with adequate legroom, though the lower seat height may affect comfort. Compared to the earlier model, the front-facing bench is an improvement.

The hardtop gives the Thar a more conventional appearance, while the removable soft top can be noisy above 60 km/h, with flapping noises at speeds over 100 km/h. Highway driving is more comfortable with the hard top. The Thar includes a permanently placed rollover bar near the B-pillar, housing the rear speakers. Additional features include hill descent control, hill hold, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Engine and Transmission

Mahindra Thar Engine CC (Capacity)

The new generation of the Mahindra Thar introduces greater versatility with its 1497 cc - 2184 cc engine. It now features a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 152 bhp and 300 Nm of torque with the automatic transmission and 300Nm with the manual. The diesel option is a new 2.2-litre unit delivering 132 bhp and 300 Nm of torque. Both engines are turbocharged and have a standard 6-speed manual transmission, with a 6-speed automatic available.

Mahindra Thar Transmission

The Mahindra Thar is available with both manual and automatic transmission options. The manual gearbox is a 6-speed unit, while the automatic is a 6-speed torque converter. Both transmission types can be paired with the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines. Additionally, the automatic gearbox includes a manual mode for enhanced control during off-road or spirited driving conditions.

Mahindra Thar Performance

The new Mahindra Thar impresses with its sophisticated quality, which marks a substantial advance over the previous model. The diesel engine is particularly smooth at the starter, with well-controlled vibrations, significantly improving NVH. The controls are lightweight and simple, with light steering, a clutch, and a smooth-shifting gear lever. The Thar's low-end torque is outstanding, letting it easily climb inclines while offering good off-road prowess. The engine noise is well-controlled, with little noise at cruising speeds.

The 6-speed automatic gearbox is quite quick, making daily driving easier. The petrol engine stands out for its refinement, with low vibrations, quick throttle response, and a rev-happy disposition. When floored, the exhaust makes a loud fluttering noise. The petrol engine is likely the urban buyer's preferred option, providing a blend of performance and refinement, while fuel efficiency may be an issue. The new Thar offers a significantly improved driving experience over its predecessor.

Mahindra Thar Mileage 

The manual diesel variant offers a mileage of 15.2 kmpl, and the automatic returns a mileage of 9 kmpl. The manual petrol variant also provides a mileage of 15.2 kmpl. Similarly, the automatic petrol variant achieves a mileage of 15.2 kmpl.

Mahindra Thar Ground Clearance

The Mahindra Thar has a ground clearance of 226 mm, making it ideal for off-road activities. This excellent clearance enables the Thar to handle rugged terrain, obstacles, and uneven surfaces, improving performance in difficult driving situations.

Mahindra Thar Boot Space

The Mahindra Thar has a generous boot space capacity of 600 litres when the rear seats are folded. The split-folding back seats may also be folded to increase baggage space, fitting larger objects and making them more useful for outdoor activities.

Mahindra Thar Dimensions

The Mahindra Thar measures 3985 mm in length, 1820 mm in width, and 1855 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2450 mm, contributing to its stable and robust stance. These dimensions provide ample space inside while maintaining a compact size for manoeuvrability.

Mahindra Thar Colours

Mahindra Thar is available in six different colour options, like:

• Everest White

• Rage Red

• Stealth Black

• Deep Forest

• Desert Fury

• Deep Grey

Safety

Safety is a top priority in the Mahindra Thar, as demonstrated by its comprehensive safety features. The Mahindra Thar has significantly enhanced its safety standards. It includes an internal roll cage with three-point seatbelts and dual locks for the convertible and hardtop versions. Additionally, it is equipped with dual airbags, ESP, vehicle dynamics control, rollover mitigation, tyre pressure monitoring, hill descent control, hill hold, and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. With these advanced safety features, the Mahindra Thar ensures a secure driving experience for all occupants.

Mahindra Thar Rivals

The Mahindra Thar competes with the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Force Gurkha, as well as monocoque compact SUVs in a similar price range, such as the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, MG Astor, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Hyryder, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Mahindra Thar: Old vs Facelift

The Mahindra Thar currently available in India is the 2020 model (2nd generation), with the original version launched in 2010. Below is a brief comparison between the pre-facelift previous model and the updated facelift version.

Exterior

The facelifted Mahindra Thar has modern design elements such as a reworked grille, LED DRLs, and modified bumpers, as opposed to the previous model's more conventional look, providing a revamped and contemporary image.

Interior

The 2020 Thar model includes a more sophisticated cabin with finer materials, an updated instrument cluster, and increased comfort features, in contrast to the old model's simpler and practical interior design.

Features

The facelifted Thar adds modern amenities, including a touchscreen infotainment system, temperature control, and upgraded safety systems like twin airbags and ABS, outperforming the prior model's basic feature set.

Engine and Gearbox

The facelifted Thar has a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a 2.2-litre diesel engine; both mated to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The powertrain options deliver better performance and drivability than the previous models. The RWD variant also gets a 1.5-litre diesel engine.

Pros and Cons of Mahindra Thar

Pros

• True off-road capability

• Superb petrol refinement, tractable diesel

• Tremendous leap over the older model.

• Reasonably comfortable/usable than earlier

• Attitude, rugged lineage, an elite club of users

Cons

• Poor on-road performance and fuel efficiency.

• Uncomfortable for four people compared to similarly priced vehicles.

• Insufficient boot capacity, fit/finish, and limited rear legroom.