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 SUV 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 SUV 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.

• Price: The Mahindra Thar's on-road price ranges between Rs 13.27 lakhs and Rs 20.33 lakhs (Delhi), depending on the two broad variants currently available in India.

• Launch Date: The Mahindra Thar was first launched in India on October 4, 2010, and got a facelift in 2020.

• Configurations: The Mahindra Thar is mainly available in two broad variants- AX(OPT) and LX.

What is the Ex-Showroom Price of the Mahindra Thar?

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.

What is the On-Road Price of the Mahindra Thar?

The Mahindra Thar's on-road price in Delhi starts at Rs. 13.27 lakhs for the base variant and goes up to Rs. 20.33 lakhs for the top-spec model. Note that the price varies from city to city.

Mahindra Thar Models and Price

This section will present the prices for the Mahindra Thar's base and top-spec models.

• Base Model Price- The Mahindra Thar AX Opt 4-Str Hard Top Diesel RWD is the diesel base model priced at Rs 13.27 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. 20.33 lakhs on-road in Delhi. 

• Top Model Price- The 2.2 LX AWD Hard Top AT Earth Edition Diesel is the top model priced at Rs. 20.33 lakhs on-road in Delhi. And, for the 2.0 LX AWD Hard Top AT Earth Edition Petrol, you must pay Rs. 19.03 lakhs on-road in Delhi. 

• Automatic Model Price- The automatic models of the Mahindra Thar range from Rs 16.02 lakh to Rs 20.33 lakh (on-road, Delhi).

Mahindra Thar Price in India

Here are the prices of the Mahindra Thar 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 Price In Ahmedabad

• Mahindra Thar Price In Jaipur

• Mahindra Thar Price In Chandigarh

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 hardtop 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 SUV’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 SUV 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.

Mahindra Thar Engine and Transmission

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 300 Nm 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.

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.

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 SUV’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 relatively 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 performance and refinement, while fuel efficiency may be an issue. The new Thar offers a significantly improved driving experience over its predecessor.

Top Speed

The Mahindra Thar is one of the most performant SUVs currently available, offering Indians the perfect blend of luxury and ruggedness. Given its unique dimensions and powerful engine specs, it seems likely to reach a top speed of 155 km/h. This is quite impressive and more than enough to give you a fun drive on highways.    

Mileage

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

Check out: Mahindra Thar Mileage

Ground Clearance

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

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.

Dimensions

The Mahindra Thar measures:

• Overall Length: 3985 mm

• Overall Width: 1820 mm 

• Overall Height: 1850mm / 1844 mm/ 1855 mm 

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.

Check out: Mahindra Thar Dimensions

Colours

Mahindra Thar is available in five different colour options:

• Aquamarine

• Everest White

• Rage Red

• Napoli  Black

• Galaxy Grey

Check out: Mahindra Thar Colours

Variants 

The 3-door Mahindra Thar is available in two broad variants, and each of these variants comes with further sub-classifications. So, let’s take a closer look at these variants: 

1. AX (OPT): This is the base variant of the 3-door model, which offers a petrol and diesel engine option and some basic features. 

2. LX: This is the top-end variant that comes with 3 engine options along with the ability to choose between a manual and automatic transmission  

The Mahindra Thar offers ample room for choices with two types of diesel engines and another variant of the petrol engine. This might be a confusing ordeal for most, so we will break down these variants in the following table:  

Feature	AX OPT	LX
Airbags	Dual airbags	Dual airbags
LED Tail Lamp	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Program	In D117 RWD only	✓
Steering Wheel	Tilt-adjustable steering wheel	Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
Infotainment System	–	17.8 cm Touch Screen Infotainment System
Speakers	–	4 speakers
Wheels	R16 Steel Wheels	R18 Deep Silver Alloy Wheels with Thar Branding
Climate Control	–	Electrically Operated HVAC Controls
Instrument Cluster	Monochrome MID Display in Instrument Cluster	Coloured MID Display in Instrument Cluster
Powered Driver Seat	Height Adjustable Driver Seat	Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Connected Car Technology	–	BlueSense App Connectivity

 

Note: This comprehensive comparison table of the 3-door Mahindra Thar offers a generic view of what these broad variants offer. However, these specs might vary depending on the model and year. Hence, you can check out the official website and product brochure of the 3-door Mahindra Thar for the latest information.    

Which Variant Offers the Best Value for Money? 

Given the evaluation of the specs and features of both variants of the Mahindra Thar, it is fair to conclude that the LX variant offers better value for money. That said, let’s check out some logical reasons behind this:

Features

Even a single glance at the official product brochure of the 3-door Mahindra Thar is enough to conclude that the LX variant offers better features. For starters, the base variant lacks basic features like four speakers, an infotainment system, and connected car technology. But apart from that, the LX variant also comes with off-road essentials such as a mechanical locking differential and advanced electronic brake locking differential for 4WD. 

Safety Features

Regarding safety, the base variant of the 3-door Mahindra Thar lacks rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring systems, and even tyre direction monitoring systems. While both variants get dual airbags, the base variant lacks speed-sensing front door locks and ISOFIX child seat mounts on the rear seats. 

Powertrain Options

Regarding powertrain, both these variants share most of the engine specs, such as two diesel and a petrol engine. However, the only catch is that the AX (OPT) variant of the 3-door Mahindra Thar does not come with the automatic transmission option. 

Price Point

It is no secret nor a surprise that the top-end LX variant of the 3-door Mahindra Thar is pricier than the base variant. The base manual diesel variant with a hard top (AX) will cost you about Rs.13.27 lakhs (on-road price in Delhi). On the other hand, the 2.2-litre LX variant with AWD and automatic transmission will cost you Rs. 20.33 lakhs (on-road price in Delhi). While this might seem like a pricey bargain, given the features and specs you get with the LX variant, it is worth it.      

Safety

Safety is a top priority in Mahindra Thar, as demonstrated by its comprehensive safety features. It has significantly enhanced its safety standards. It includes:

Key Safety Features:

• Internal roll cage with three-point seatbelts and dual locks for the convertible and hardtop versions

• Dual airbags 

• ESP 

• Vehicle dynamics control 

• Rollover mitigation 

• Tyre pressure monitoring 

• Hill descent control 

• Hill hold 

• ISOFIX child-seat mounts 

With these advanced safety features, the Mahindra Thar ensures a secure driving experience for all occupants.

Mahindra Thar Rivals

The 3-door Mahindra Thar has a lot to offer, but this SUV has some worthy rivals in the market. So, let’s see how this beast compares against its rivals:

3-Door Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Suzuki Jimny 

Let’s compare the 3-door Mahindra Thar with the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and see where they stand against each other: 

Feature	Mahindra Thar 3-Door	Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Airbags	Dual airbags	6 airbags
Dimension (L x W x H)	3985 x 1820 x 1850/1844/1855 mm	3985 x 1645 x 1720 mm
Wheelbase	2450 mm	2590 mm
Infotainment System	17.8 cm Touch Screen Infotainment System	22.86 cm touchscreen Smartplay Pro+
Smartphone Connectivity	Android Auto and Apple Car Play	Android Auto and Apple Car Play
Digital Instrument Cluster	Coloured and Monochrome MID Display in Instrument Cluster	MID (TFT Colour Display)
Drive Modes	Not Available	Not available
Wireless Charging	Not Available	No
Suspension (Front)	Independent Double Wishbone Front Suspension with Coil-Over Damper & Stabiliser Bar	3-link Rigid Axle Type with Coil Spring
Suspension (Rear)	Multilink Solid Rear Axle with Coil-Over Damper & Stabiliser Bar	3-link Rigid Axle Type with Coil Spring
Engine Options	D117 CRDe, mHawk 130 CEDe, and mStallion 150 TGDi	K15B with idle start stop
Fuel Type	Petrol and Diesel	Petrol
Transmission Options	6-Speed Manual and 6-Speed Torque Converter Automatic	5MT and 4AT
Comfort Features	Cruise control and remote keyless entry	Automatic climate control and push start or stop option
Connected Car Technology	BlueSense App Connectivity	Suzuki Connect
Special Features	Tow hitch protection and roll cage	Steering-mounted controls and cruise control

 

3-Door Mahindra Thar vs 3-door Force Gurkha 

Let’s compare the 3-door Mahindra Thar with the 3-door Force Gurkha and see where they stand against each other:

Feature	Mahindra Thar 3-Door	Force Gurkha (3-Door)
Airbags	Dual airbags	Dual airbags
Dimension (L x W x H)	3985 x 1820 x 1850/1844/1855 mm	3965 x 1865 x 2270 mm
Wheelbase	2450 mm	2400 mm
Infotainment System	17.8 cm Touch Screen Infotainment System	9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Smartphone Connectivity	Android Auto and Apple Car Play	Android Auto and Apple Car Play
Digital Instrument Cluster	Coloured and Monochrome MID Display in Instrument Cluster	Stylish digital instrument cluster
Drive Modes	Not Available	Not available
Wireless Charging	Not Available	No
Suspension (Front)	Independent Double Wishbone Front Suspension with Coil-Over Damper & Stabiliser Bar	Independent Double Wishbone with Coil Spring
Suspension (Rear)	Multilink Solid Rear Axle with Coil-Over Damper & Stabiliser Bar	Multi-link with pan hard road and coil spring
Engine Options	D117 CRDe, mHawk 130 CEDe, and mStallion 150 TGDi	FM 2.6 CR CD
Fuel Type	Petrol and Diesel	Diesel
Transmission Options	6-Speed Manual and 6-Speed Torque Converter Automatic	Manual
Comfort Features	Cruise control and remote keyless entry	Electric gear shift and tyre pressure monitoring system
Connected Car Technology	BlueSense App Connectivity	Not available
Special Features	Tow hitch protection and roll cage	Hydraulic brakes and 700 mm water wading capacity

 

3-Door Mahindra Thar vs Kia Seltos

Let’s compare the 3-door Mahindra Thar with the Kia Seltos and see where they stand against each other: 

Feature	Mahindra Thar 3-Door	Kia Seltos
Airbags	Dual airbags	6 airbags
Dimension (L x W x H)	3985 x 1820 x 1850/1844/1855 mm	4365 x 1800 x 1645 mm
Wheelbase	2450 mm	2610 mm
Infotainment System	17.8 cm Touch Screen Infotainment System	26.03 cm (10.25”) HD Touchscreen Navigation
Smartphone Connectivity	Android Auto and Apple Car Play	Apple Car Play and Android Auto
Digital Instrument Cluster	Coloured and Monochrome MID Display in Instrument Cluster	Full Digital Cluster with 26.04 cm (10.25”) Color LCD MID
Drive Modes	Not Available	Eco, Normal Sports
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Yes
Suspension (Front)	Independent Double Wishbone Front Suspension with Coil-Over Damper & Stabiliser Bar	McPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Suspension (Rear)	Multilink Solid Rear Axle with Coil-Over Damper & Stabiliser Bar	Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) with Coil Spring
Engine Options	D117 CRDe, mHawk 130 CEDe, and mStallion 150 TGDi	Smartstream G1.5, Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi, and 1.5l CRDi VGT
Fuel Type	Petrol and Diesel	Petrol and Diesel
Transmission Options	6-Speed Manual and 6-Speed Torque Converter Automatic	6MT, IVT, 6iMT, 7DCT, and 6AT
Comfort Features	Cruise control and remote keyless entry	Electric parking brake with auto-hold and 360-degree camera
Connected Car Technology	BlueSense App Connectivity	Kia Connect with OTA Maps & System Update
Special Features	Tow hitch protection and roll cage	Air Purifier and rain-sensing wipers

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 6-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.

Check out: Mahindra Thar All Specifications

Pros and Cons of Mahindra Thar

Pros

• True off-road capability

• Superb petrol refinement 

• Tractable diesel

• Reasonably comfortable

• An elite club of users

Cons

• Poor on-road performance 

• Poor fuel efficiency.

• Insufficient boot capacity