New Mahindra Thar Grows Up Into An Everyday SUV That You Can Take Serious Off-roading Too

If daily use and practicality were your concerns with the previous Thar, then this one has certainly addressed those issues

Update (02/10/2020): Mahindra has launched the second-gen Thar with prices beginning from Rs 9.80 lakh (ex-showroom). Read more about it here.

• The new Thar gets several bits inspired from the Jeep Wrangler like removable doors and washable interior.

• Will be offered in two variants: AX for adventure-seekers and LX series for the lifestyle buyers.

• Gets a 2.0-litre turbo petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel engine with a choice of manual and, for the first time, an automatic transmission!

• Shift on fly 4x4 manual shift transfer case with crawl ratio comes as standard. 

• Uses a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension instead of leaf spring units in the previous model. 

• Prices are expected to range between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 14 lakh.

• It will take on the Maruti Jimny, Force Gurkha and similarly-priced compact SUVs like the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. 

After making us wait for what seemed like an eternity, Mahindra has finally given us a good look at the Mahindra Thar SUV. Unlike the agricultural first-gen Mahindra Thar that catered to a niche audience, the new one looks good to serve even city dwellers. Bookings will open once it’s launched on October 2.

It retains the iconic Jeep Wrangler-inspired seven-slat grille which is flanked by rotund halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lamps on the front fenders. The high set flat bonnet with exposed hinges, squared-off windshield and prominent bumper round off the front. 

On the sides, it features massive wheel arches which are filled by 255/65 18-inch alloy wheels, side steps to enter the cabin that sits 226mm off the ground, and an oblong-shaped outside rearview mirror. Unlike the new breed of cosmopolitan SUVs, the Thar’s side indicators are affixed on the front quarter panel. The Thar will be available in a two-door configuration with a factory-fitted hardtop option for the first time. There are three roof options available -- a fixed soft top, a manually convertible soft top and a hard top -- depending on the variant you opt for. Colour options for the 2020 Thar comprise Red Rage, Mystic Copper, Napoli Black, Aquamarine, Galaxy Grey and Rocky Beige.

The rear end of the new Thar doesn’t look a lot different than the previous one. It gets rectangular tail lamps and a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. The resemblance of the new Thar to the Jeep Wrangler is quite uncanny. Let’s compare the new Thar’s off-road stats against the old one.

If the changes outside seem evolutionary, the interior has undergone updates that are revolutionary. Gone is the spartan dashboard layout making way for a 7-inch touchscreen in the centre which gets both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Other noteworthy features include a multi-function steering wheel, multi-information display, manual AC, cruise control and a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

If the changes outside seem evolutionary, the interior has undergone updates that are revolutionary. Gone is the spartan dashboard layout making way for a 7-inch touchscreen in the centre which gets both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Other noteworthy features include a multi-function steering wheel, multi-information display, cruise control and a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

The piece de resistance, though, is a convertible soft top which promotes its placement as a lifestyle vehicle. What’s more? The interior can even be washed and wiped. That’s why the speakers have been mounted on the roof and the front power window switches have been slapped in the central console. All the switches in the Thar are weather resistant. The rear seats in the new Thar are forward-facing bench seats that get adjustable headrests as well.

The Thar features both a petrol as well as a diesel engine option for the first time. The petrol unit is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that develops 150PS and 300Nm (320Nm with AT) while the diesel is a 2.2-litre unit that puts out 130PS/300Nm. Both engines get a 6-speed manual as standard while a 6-speed automatic transmission is a part of the options list with both the engines. A 4x4 system is natural for a Thar, so it is standard equipment for all powertrain combinations. It’s a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 transfer case. 

Another area where the new Thar has seen a massive improvement is with its suspension setup which utilises an independent front suspension with a multi-link unit at the rear. It’s predecessor used a semi-elliptical leaf spring unit. 

The new Mahindra Thar is likely to be priced in the range of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 14 lakh. While its primary rivals may be the Force Gurkha and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Jimny, it will also take on similarly priced compact SUVs like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Nissan Kicks.

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