Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar is a vehicle built for real off-roading. Its ability to negotiate rough terrain is genuine but the Thar is not an ideal everyday vehicle. The Thar is at the tail end of its life and is now available with a sole diesel engine option. The next-gen Thar is in the works and promises to be a more rounded vehicle.

The Mahindra Thar is a vehicle built for real off-roading. Its ability to negotiate rough terrain is genuine but the ...

The Mahindra Thar is a vehicle built for real off-roading. Its ability to negotiate rough terrain is genuine but the Thar is not an ideal everyday vehicle. The Thar is at the tail end of its life and is now available with a sole diesel engine option. The next-gen Thar is in the works and promises to be a more rounded vehicle.

The Mahindra Thar’s shape has timeless appeal but the cabin is basic; if you want creature comforts, you’d better look elsewhere. Quality is basic, the ergonomics are off and the side-facing rear seats are uncomfortable. The soft-top also tends to flap about and doesn’t offer much by way of security.
The Thar's 105hp. 2.2-litre CRDe diesel unit feels reasonably peppy. Still, the Thar is not an easy SUV to drive in town and also tends to bounce about on its leaf-spring rear suspension. Where the Thar is in its element is in the rough. It’ll tackles obstacles with ease and the four-wheel drive and lockable rear differential make it incredibly capable.

The Mahindra Thar’s shape has timeless appeal but the cabin is basic; if you want creature comforts, you’d better loo...

The Mahindra Thar’s shape has timeless appeal but the cabin is basic; if you want creature comforts, you’d better look elsewhere. Quality is basic, the ergonomics are off and the side-facing rear seats are uncomfortable. The soft-top also tends to flap about and doesn’t offer much by way of security.
The Thar's 105hp. 2.2-litre CRDe diesel unit feels reasonably peppy. Still, the Thar is not an easy SUV to drive in town and also tends to bounce about on its leaf-spring rear suspension. Where the Thar is in its element is in the rough. It’ll tackles obstacles with ease and the four-wheel drive and lockable rear differential make it incredibly capable.

There’s no denying the Thar is expensive for what it is. But if you want a hardcore off-roader, it’s still among the best options you can have. There’s little choice in terms of variants but the Thar CRDe ABS is the one to buy for the added safety of anti-lock brakes. You don’t get airbags, however, and comfort features are also limited to air conditioning. The commemorative Thar 700 adds in alloy wheels and leatherette seats for a reasonable premium.

There’s no denying the Thar is expensive for what it is. But if you want a hardcore off-roader, it’s still among the ...

There’s no denying the Thar is expensive for what it is. But if you want a hardcore off-roader, it’s still among the best options you can have. There’s little choice in terms of variants but the Thar CRDe ABS is the one to buy for the added safety of anti-lock brakes. You don’t get airbags, however, and comfort features are also limited to air conditioning. The commemorative Thar 700 adds in alloy wheels and leatherette seats for a reasonable premium.