Mahindra Thar Diesel

Mahindra Thar is a capable SUV with aggressive styling, refined and powerful engine. Under the hood, it gets a 2.5-litre diesel engine that belt out 105bhp and 247Nm. The power is transmitted via a five-speed manual transmission gearbox to either rear wheels or all four-wheels, depending upon the variant being chosen.

Mahindra Thar is available in three trim levels spread across two engine and one manual transmission options. The model is available in three different variants. These include the DI 4x2, DI 4x4 and the CRDe 4x4. The CRDe variant gets 4WD as standard. Mahindra Thar is accessible in 5 different colours - Diamond White, Fiery Black, Mist Silver, Red Rage and Rocky Beige.

Mahindra Thar exteriors show how rugged the SUV looks from outside. A redesigned canopy which can be removed is set atop. In terms of looks, there is a clear difference between the two variants. The CRDe variant with all new additions looks dapper, while on the other hand the DI trim sticks to mundane styling. At the front, DI variant gets a classic grille, round shaped head lamps and large air-dams. While the CRDe trims come with an assertive bumper, muscular wheel arches, reworked canopy and tubular side footsteps. Side-steps are fitted permitting effortless entry inside the cabin. This is the only feature that is available on both the trims. 

Mahindra Thar has wheelbase measuring 2430mm offers comfortable cabin space, though there isn't enough knee space at rear. It also has a reworked dashboard which is enveloped in two tone colour theme. Inside the cabin the DI variant misses out on additional features available in the CRDe trim such as new black-beige dashboard, sporty 3-pod instrument cluster, revamped centre bezel, revised AC vents, new lockable glove box, floor console with cup holders, steering wheel, gear knob, wider seats, new door trims and windshield demister trim. Also, the multi-directional AC vents are embedded only on the CRDe.

Power is generated by the 2.5 litre diesel motor capable of churning out maximum power of 105 BHP at 3800 RPM along with top torque of 247 NM between 1800 to 2000 RPM. Mahindra Thar transmission is a conventional five-speed manual transmission linked to the powerful diesel motor. One of the prominent changes is the locking differential that brings a considerable change in the performance of the UV as an off-roader. Of the two variants, CRDe gets a four wheel drive system while the DI grade comes with a two-wheel drive system.

Performance is one of the strengths of the UV, known as a capable off-roader. Thar is now claimed to deliver much better performance. Handling is also considerably appreciable. The ARAI rated fuel economy for the DI variant is 16km/l and for CRDe variant it is around 16.55km/l. The CRDe trim gets P 235/70 R16 tubeless tyres. The 4WD version of DI features 6.00-16 NDMS tyres and the 2WD version gets 185/85 R16 tyres.

Comfort features are common in both variants which includes lockable glove box and side-facing foldable rear seats. Other features such as air conditioner with heater, wider front seats, door trims with arm rests, independent front suspension, windshield demister, floor console with cup holders, 3-pod instrument cluster and 12V power outlet are missing in DI variant. Up front disc brakes are engaged and rear comes fitted with drum brakes, these provide stopping power when required. Safety equipments are scanty which includes anti-locking hubs, digital immobilizer among few others. Braking power is derived from disc brakes in front axle and drum units in rear axle.