Global NCAP has slammed another model sold for the Indian market into its test walls. This time it was the Mahindra Thor’s turn to be shattered. The little Wrangler-esque comes off a lot better than you might think.
Global NCAP, the umbrella organization behind Euro NCAP, among others, has been concerned for years about the poor scores that specific Indian models score during its safety tests. With the Safer Cars For India campaign, Global NCAP has been asking for the attention of, among others, the car manufacturers themselves for years to improve the safety features of the models sold in India. A score of 0 stars during NCAP testing, that should no longer happen in 2020. Suzuki recently proved that it was possible with the S-Presso. The Indian manufacturer Mahindra shows with the Thar that it can also be done differently.
The base version of the Mahindra Thar shattered by Global NCAP takes four NCAP stars in both adult occupant and young occupant safety. The fact that an airbag for the driver and front passenger is standard is certainly not a matter of course for a car sold in India. Although there was also some comment on the Thar from the Global NCAP, the absence of ESC would have caused unpredictable driving behavior, the Global NCAP is delighted. The organization said in a statement that it is ‘hopeful’ that an Indian manufacturer pays so much attention to the safety of young occupants in its car.
Thar
Looking at the Thar like this, you might not immediately think that the car would score well in the Global NCAP ramming sessions. The Indian Wrangler-like, however, is no longer the thin little cart that you may have on your retina. That first-generation Thar was almost a direct copy of the Jeep CJ / Wrangler, something that FCA Automobiles did not really like when Mahindra tried to sell the Thar in the United States as well. A facelifted muzzle was supposed to give the Thar a more individual face at the beginning of this year, but the real change came with the generation change later this year. The new Thar still shows strong similarities with the car it was inspired by. Incidentally, Mahindra is by no means the only manufacturer to have a Wrangler-like model on the menu. The Brazilian Troller, which operates under the wing of Ford, has a similar off-roader with the Troller.