Off-roading is an experience in itself, you'll never know what it feels like until you undertake one yourself! The Mahindra Thar is one such machine from the Indian manufacturer's line that has been tuned to tackle unexpected road block during your journey. The car is available in three variants – DI 4x2, DI 4x4, and the CRDe 4x4 with AC. Thar is the first four wheel drive from Mahindra to be powered by BS IV CRDe engine and get a soft-top.
The design reminisces of those good old Jeep days. The side indicators have found spot on wheel arches, this has been done to retain the old school charm, moreover this is also cost effective. Classic round headlights adorn the front fascia. Tyres are now broader and are well seated over a set of alloys. The rectangular front frame can be dropped onto the bonnet during your jungle safari trips! The Mahindra Thar is a three door off-roader, two doors at the front and one at the rear.
The Mahindra Thar is powered by a 2.5-litre diesel engine that generates an impressive 105 bhp with 247 Nm of torque. The car's engine is mated to a five-speed gear-box. The 4x4 variant gets a Borg Warner manual shift with low reduction gear. The car boasts about a Drive by wire technology, which supposedly helps in driving a quicker and better controlled throttle response. Surprisingly Mahindra Thar does not come with a power-steering, but the steering wheel is big enough to ease the efforts required while making a turn. The car gets disc brakes in the front with nine-inch boosters and drum brakes at the rear wheels.
The Mahindra Thar also shares a lot of resemblance from their once-upon-a-time partner the American Jeeps. The interiors in Thar is not exactly luxurious or impressive, but the off-roader compensated with comfortable seating arrangement. The rear seats have been placed longitudinally to accommodate more passengers. The instrument cluster is basic and decent, with the only new addition on the dashboard being blower and heater function, from the air-conditioning panel.
This four wheeled drive Thar from Mahindra has a cult following. This car is popular among off-roading fanatics, who have just two other options in the entry-level segment namely the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy and Force Gurkha.
