THE HISTORY OF A KING
The Mahindra Thar has become synonymous with rugged off-road performance and adventure. Its story is one of continuous evolution, driven by a commitment to innovation while maintaining the essence of an iconic design. From its roots as a utilitarian vehicle in post-independence India to the modern, lifestyle-oriented off-roader it has become, the Mahindra Thar’s journey is fascinating.
THE EARLY YEARS: ORIGINS OF THE THAR
The origins of the Mahindra Thar can be traced back to the 1940s, with the establishment of Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) in 1945. The company began its operations by assembling CKD (completely knocked down) kits of Willys Jeeps for the Indian market. These vehicles, widely used during World War II, were known for their off-road capabilities and durability. The Indian Army was one of the first major customers for Mahindra’s Jeep variants.
By the 1950s and 1960s, Mahindra started to establish itself as the go-to manufacturer of rugged off-road vehicles in India, adapting the Willys design to suit Indian terrains and needs. The early Mahindra Jeep, especially the CJ-3B, became popular in rural areas, government sectors, and with off-road enthusiasts.
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MAHINDRA THAR: 2010
The Mahindra Thar, as we know it today, was first introduced in 2010. The name “Thar” was chosen in homage to the Thar Desert, one of the most challenging terrains in India. Designed to embody the spirit of adventure and ruggedness, the Thar combined the classic elements of Mahindra’s off-road DNA with modern advancements to make it appealing to a new generation of enthusiasts.
The first generation of the Thar was built on the Mahindra Scorpio’s platform, featuring solid axles with leaf springs at the rear and independent suspension at the front, making it a formidable off-road machine. It came with two engine options: a 2.6-liter direct-injection diesel engine and a more refined 2.5-liter CRDe (Common Rail Diesel Engine). The latter was more powerful and compliant with emission norms, marking a shift towards modernization.
This iteration of the Thar was rugged, simple, and practical. However, it lacked many creature comforts that the new generation of buyers demanded. The vehicle primarily catered to hardcore off-road enthusiasts, with its primary selling points being its 4×4 capabilities, reliability, and nostalgia for classic Jeep-style vehicles.
IMPROVEMENTS AND UPDATES: 2015 FACELIFT
In 2015, Mahindra gave the Thar its first major update. While the exterior design largely retained the iconic look, the facelift brought about subtle improvements in both aesthetics and functionality. The Thar CRDe(Common Rail Diesel Engine) model received updated front and rear bumpers, wheel arches, and a redesigned canopy.
The interiors saw more significant changes, with improved ergonomics and comfort levels. The dashboard was revamped, offering a more modern layout, and the seats were upgraded for better support and comfort. The inclusion of a new instrument cluster, AC vents, and a lockable glovebox provided a more refined feel, making the Thar more suitable for urban use without compromising its off-road credentials.
Mechanically, the 2015 facelift retained the powerful 2.5-liter CRDe engine, delivering 105 BHP and 247 Nm of torque, ensuring the Thar’s reputation as a capable off-roader remained intact. It also featured a mechanical differential lock, making it more adept at handling extreme terrains.
THE ALL-NEW MAHINDRA THAR: 2020
The most significant transformation in the Thar’s history came in 2020 with the launch of the all-new Mahindra Thar. This second-generation Thar marked a complete overhaul in design, comfort, technology, and safety while preserving the rugged character that made it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.
THE NEW THAR WAS AVAILABLE IN TWO TRIMS: AX for the adventure-oriented buyer and LX for the lifestyle customer. This diversification reflected Mahindra’s strategy to make the Thar more appealing to a broader audience.
The exterior design retained the boxy, classic Jeep-like appearance but was more modern and refined. The vehicle grew in dimensions, offering a wider stance and better road presence. LED DRLs, alloy wheels, and a hardtop roof option added to its visual appeal.
Inside, the 2020 Thar represented a major leap forward in terms of comfort and technology. The cabin was more spacious, offering forward-facing rear seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, and improved materials throughout. Mahindra also made significant improvements in safety by equipping the Thar with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill start assist, and roll-over mitigation, among other features.
Under the hood, Mahindra offered two engine options for the new Thar: a 2.0-liter mStallion turbo-petrol engine producing 150 BHP and 320 Nm of torque and a 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine with 130 BHP and 300 Nm of torque. Both engines could be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. The Thar also featured a shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system, ensuring that its off-road prowess was not compromised.
The 2020 Thar was not just a capable off-roader but also a vehicle that could comfortably handle city commutes, thanks to its improved refinement and driving dynamics.
CONTINUED INNOVATIONS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
Since the launch of the 2020 Thar, Mahindra has continued to refine the vehicle. The company has introduced more variants, catering to both off-road enthusiasts and urban dwellers who appreciate its unique style. There are also rumors of an electric version of the Thar, in line with Mahindra’s push towards electric mobility.
As Mahindra continues to develop the Thar, future iterations are expected to feature more advanced technologies, improved safety features, and potentially hybrid or electric powertrains.
However, the core philosophy behind the Thar is unlikely to change: it will remain a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle that evokes a sense of adventure and nostalgia while embracing modernity.
CONCLUSION
The Mahindra Thar’s journey from a basic, utilitarian off-roader to a versatile, lifestyle-oriented vehicle reflects both Mahindra’s adaptability and the evolving demands of consumers. What started as a derivative of the Willys Jeep has evolved into a modern-day icon, loved by adventurers, urbanites, and off-roaders alike.
With every update, Mahindra has managed to strike a balance between retaining the Thar’s rugged off-road capabilities and improving comfort, safety, and technology. As Mahindra pushes forward with innovations and greener technologies, the Thar is poised to remain a key player in the off-road and lifestyle vehicle segments for years to come, proving that some legends only get better with time.
For booking or other information you can visit the official website
URL – https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/thar/THRN.html
For any complaint/quarry Mahindra’s contact details
Talk to Mahindra
1800 209 6006 (Toll free no.)
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Team Autosports India
