The Mahindra Thar gets a refreshed dashboard and added kit to make it more capable off-road.
What is it like to drive?
With no major changes underneath, the Thar still drives like it used to. The 2.5-litre engine, putting out 105bhp, has enough grunt to pull you over most obstacles, evident by its performance on Mahindra’s off-road track. The addition of the differential lock has made it marginally more capable as the Thar conquers a lot more than before. The Eaton-manufactured differential lock, also used in the export Mahindra Getaways, helps send power to one wheel when the other one is airborne or stuck. However, a centre-diff lock would have added to its capability as the locking differential was of little help while climbing a mucky incline or wading through a slush pit. That said, the course laid-out for us at Mahindra’s off-road academy was not a cakewalk, and our test car shod with Maxxis Bighorn off-road tyres, along with careful driving ensured we didn’t get out of the car even once to push it. But if it were the standard road-biased Bridgestone tyres going through those obstacles, we would have been stuck for a long time. That explains the role of the right tyres while going off-road.
We wish the tiny four-wheel drive lever could have changed places as it is still in the same awkward position and takes some effort to slot in. Also, the five-speed manual gearbox is still not light or easy to use and has an inconsistent feel while slotting into gears.
Should I buy one?
The Thar has always been a functional 4X4 built for real off-roading. Its ability to negotiate rough terrain is genuine, and being tough and durable, it's perfect for the job. An iconic vehicle which has loads of character is now a touch more comfortable to sit in and use as everyday transport. The inclusion of the locking rear differential also makes it a bit more capable. It may not be as practical as a regular SUV, nor is it cheap at Rs 8.03 lakh and Mahindra hasn't really improved it as much as it could have. But as things stand today, the only other serious off-roaders under Rs 10 lakh are the Maruti Gypsy which is nowhere as comfortable on the road and is not available off-the-shelf, and the Force Gurkha which is available only through select dealerships and costs about Rs 40,000 more. So, for those looking for a tough off-roader to use on a daily basis and are willing to accept a few compromises, the Thar is still the best option out there.
SELVIN JOSE