Mahindra Thar

Our detailed real-world fuel efficiency test of the three-door Mahindra Thar was conducted in Mumbai, a city known for heavy stop-start traffic. Compared to this, driving conditions in Delhi NCR generally involve more flowing traffic, which can result in slightly better efficiency figures.

As an additional reference point, we can look at the Mahindra Scorpio N, which uses the same engines as the Thar Roxx, albeit in a higher state of tune. In our real-world tests, the petrol automatic Scorpio N returned 7.9 kpl in the city and 9.4 kpl on the highway. The diesel automatic managed 8.6 kpl in the city and 11.7 kpl on the highway. 

As these figures show, the difference in fuel efficiency between petrol and diesel automatics is not significant enough to justify choosing the diesel variant, especially given your limited running and predominantly city-based usage.

As for manual versus automatic efficiency, especially in the case of the Thar Roxx, it is highly unlikely that the torque converter automatic will match the efficiency of the manual. This is due to the basic nature of the transmission. Torque converters use a fluid coupling instead of a direct mechanical link, which leads to energy losses during acceleration and low-speed driving. In contrast, a manual gearbox offers a direct mechanical connection once the clutch is engaged, resulting in lower losses.

Other automatic transmissions, such as dual clutch units and CVTs, are inherently more efficient than torque converters. DCTs use mechanical clutches for faster and more direct power transfer. CVTs are able to keep the engine operating in its most efficient rev range for most driving conditions. As a result, these transmissions can deliver fuel efficiency figures closer to manuals, something that is unlikely with a torque converter automatic. 

Finally, considering you are based in Delhi, where diesel regulations remain uncertain, the petrol variant of the Thar Roxx would be the more sensible and stress-free choice.

That's a very varied set of cars in your shortlist, and it would be hard to pinpoint one without knowing your specific requirements. The Mahindra Thar is a good option if you want a rugged SUV to take on bad roads. If you really like the image, if not its not better than the others as a daily driver, as the ride over medium bumps and patchy city streets is very busy.  Also, the refinement, too, will not be as nice as the Honda City in particular. 

The Tata Curvv will be more refined than the Mahindra Thar and will feel more premium inside, too. Plus, it will have sufficient ground clearance for most bad roads in and about the city. So this is a good buy if very rough roads are not something you encounter. 

The Honda City would be best if you like to drive, as the handling of a sedan will feel better than the Thar and the Curvv. Also, we assume you live in an area with reasonably good roads. 

The Mahindra Thar will easily fall within your Rs 20 lakh budget - it is a rugged off-roader with plenty of ground clearance and strong engine performance. If this is going to be the primary car in your household, you could opt for the Mahindra Thar Roxx MX5 diesel-MT 4x4 variant instead. It will be more convenient when you want to ferry more than one passenger, due to its 5-door arrangement. 

However, if you want something that's a lot more polished, refined and car-like than the Thar/Thar Roxx. Also, if you're willing to sacrifice performance, you could consider the AWD variants of the Maruti Victoris or Toyota Hyryder.

Without knowing your budget, it's hard to guide you to the right vehicle. We have listed the options for you to consider - 

Maruti Suzuki Jimny - Great off-road and efficient enough for a 4x4. However, small size means a tight cabin, and performance is dull

Mahindra Thar 4x4 - Very capable off-road and good engine. Two door layout is inconvenient for rear seat passengers

Mahindra Scorpio N 4x4 - Capable off-road, strong diesel engine, seating for 7 passengers

Mahindra Thar Roxx - Excellent off-road, strong diesel engine, great image

Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD - Decent off-road ability, engine scores well for efficiency. Power and performance is unexciting 

The Tata Sierra's that we reviewed were well put together for the most part, with just a few niggles around. However, Tata Motors is known to have many issues with its cars, especially in the initial period. Thus, if you are in doubt about the quality, we would suggest you wait for a few months. 

As for the other options, we would rule out the Mahindra Thar as it is tilted more towards performance. Also, it will not meet your requirement of a balance of power and efficiency. 

What would meet this requirement would be the diesel Kia Seltos. 

The Mahindra Thar is one of those special products that tug at the heartstrings, so we can understand why the boy in you wants it. 

The Mahindra Thar Roxx, which is a 5-door, has a far better suspension than the 3-door. The practicality of a spacious back seat, is the one to go for if you want to use it as a daily driver. 

It is tough and can withstand a lot of beating and high mileage without a sweat, but it may not be completely niggle-free like your Honda City probably is. 

Also, bear in mind that you may tire of the Thar, which has a bumpy ride and controls that are heavier than the user-friendly Honda City you are used to. Yours is a case of heart over head, so go ahead and satisfy that boy in you :)