The Indian Mahindra has drawn the curtain on a completely new generation of the Thar. An off-roader that – just like before – makes no secret of what it is inspired by.
The current Mahindra Thar has been running since 2010 and according to Mahindra it is therefore high time to start all over again. Which means; this Thar for the new decade may be new, but it still goes back to familiar lines. The off-roader is clearly inspired by the Jeep Wrangler. That was the previous one too, but with this new Thar Mahindra is neatly in step with the American revealed 2.5 years ago. In terms of appearance then, because for the rest of course there is a substantially different car.
The Thar keeps it all a lot more modest. In the front of the four-wheel drive adventurer, for example, we find a 152 hp and 320 Nm strong 2.0-liter T-GDI petrol engine or a 132 hp and 300 Nm strong 2.2-liter diesel engine. They release their powers on the wheels via a six-speed automatic or a manual six-speed gearbox. Undoubtedly enough to be able to use it in the somewhat more difficult terrain, but it is certainly not a real brute. The interior is also relatively simple. It is all minimalist and functional and actually especially the 7-inch infotainment screen still provides some jeu.
The previous Thar
One thing is certain; it is a huge leap forward from the previous Thar. That was an even simpler off-road vehicle with again clearly the Jeep creations as a great example. Mahindra has a hand of it anyway, because with the Roxor it has had a Jeep CJ clone for many years. In itself, Jeep Mahindra is doing quite well in that respect, as it does not see the Indian manufacturer as a direct competitor in this area, but it did come to a collision. When Mahindra came up with the plan two years ago to offer the Roxor as a kit in the US, Jeep thought it was getting a bit too much.
Anyway; the Indians can drive around for next to nothing in a car that still strongly resembles a much more expensive car. The new Thar is said to have a starting price of between € 11,000 and € 13,000. The new Thar will be launched there in October.