Mahindra Thar

The poor man’s Jeep Wrangler is offered with two engine options - a 2.5-litre m2DICR engine and a 2.5-litre CRDe. The former of the two produces 63PS/195Nm and is available with two- or four-wheel drive systems. The latter is tuned to generate 107PS/247Nm and is the one to opt for. Both engines come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, whereas the 4WD variants feature a low-range gearbox as well. It is this off-roading tech and the availability of a mechanical differential lock that makes the Thar simply one of the best vehicles to go serious off-roading in. There is no automatic as off now. Maybe that will come into the equation with the new-gen Thar which, by the way, is being developed. Mahindra hasn’t bothered to reveal the mileage figures no matter how bad we want it.

Mahindra couldn’t possibly create a vast variant list because the Thar doesn’t have enough features. Hence, there are three variants on offer - m2DICR 2WD, m2DICR 4WD and 4WD CRDe. The only recommended variant is the most expensive one, which comes with the more powerful engine and 4WD. The m2DICR variants don’t have enough oomph under the hood and miss out on basic features like AC, door trims with armrests, windshield demister, cupholders and an accessory socket.

One of the most impressive things about the Thar includes how it demands attention wherever it goes. And that comes courtesy of its old school, no-nonsense looks. The front looks menacing, with that in-your-face seven slat metal grille, flanked by round headlamps and the brawny bonnet silhouette. The plastic bumpers, huge wheel arches, excellent approach and departure angles for tyres, up to 200mm of ground clearance, the soft-top roof, the rear mounted spare wheel and the exposed door hinges all come together to exude rugged simplicity. In short, no matter what you are in, if a Thar goes by, you will give it a second glance.

This is where the Thar feels less than adequate in today’s time and age. The front seats point in the correct direction but the ones at the rear are two benches, facing each other. The dual-tone dashboard tries to liven up the cabin but the fit and finish is far from perfect. As far as safety tech is concerned, there isn’t any; neither ABS, nor airbags. There is no music system either but Mahindra proudly highlights the provision of a 2-din one. Wow! Frankly, expecting a company-fitted music system is a bit optimistic because the Thar doesn’t even have power windows.

Force Gurkha: The Gurkha has always been in the Thar’s shadow. That said, it does offer a more versatile package, with options like a five-door setup, hard- and soft-top roof and seats facing the front. However, the force in the Force Gurkha’s offering diminishes with its 85PS/230Nm, 2.6-litre diesel mill and the fact that its least expensive variant is dearer than the range-topper of the Thar.