In the past, Mahindra produced a rugged open-top version of the CJ3 known as the Classic and more recently had a version of the CJ5 or MM540 called the Legend. In the Thar though, M&M, for the first time, has incorporated modern mechanical bits. So while you get the wide stance, bulging bonnet and drooping front fenders, underneath it all, the Thar is practically a Scorpio.

STYLE FILE

Exterior skin panels and the rear floor have been taken from the MM540 and some bits are from the Bolero. To give the exteriors that custom look, the Thar boasts of chunky tyres, flared wheel arches and that favourite among SUV owners — a chrome bull bar. Undoubtedly, the Thar looks very attractive. And it’s a hybrid too. The engineers found plonking the MM540’s body on the Scorpio difficult. So they sorted it out by using a Bolero rear end — chassis, suspension and all.

INSIDE STORY

The interiors are a sharp contrast from the Thar’s modern motor. The cut-to-size Bolero dashboard is minimalist while the non-adjustable steering is too close to the dashboard. There are basic window-winders and the manual-selector lever for the FWD is placed low, near the pedals. The manual seat adjust is crude and though you get a heater, air-con is not standard. Parallel rear bench seats rule out comfortable long distance travel for more than two people.

UNDER THE HOOD

It would not have been easy for Mahindra to hitch a modern common-rail motor with its massive hi-tech system, onto an old girl like the MM540. So they decided to go for the CRDe unit, despite it being 60kg heavier. Its flatter torque curve from start-up was a big advantage. Using the Scorpio’s ladder chassis helped to integrate the independent suspension, power steering and various other systems of the car. The CRDe motor is, however, not as well insulated as in the Scorpio, Xylo or even the Bolero; and the old style MM540 body allows the clatter of the diesel and the fan to seep through.

DRIVER’S DEAL

This rugged Mahindra’s off-road skills have hit an all-new level with a strengthened chassis and a powerful diesel motor. The 25.18kgm of torque on tap gives it more than adequate pulling power over steep inclines. Once you engage the low range, it feels unstoppable on firm ground. Power delivery is linear and instant and the Thar ascends steep inclines like they are flat. The 200mm-ground clearance gives it the ability to pass over most obstructions and navigation through rough trails is hassle-free, thanks to the power steering. The Thar’s Borg Warner transfer case (chain-driven) features a four-wheel low and a four-wheel high mode for off-roading.

The Thar doesn’t disappoint on the tarmac either. It manages three-digit speeds without breaking into a sweat and cruises comfortably. A speed of 138kph can be attained after a bit of patience, but the Thar doesn’t feel stable at high speeds. Its imprecise steering means you have to make constant corrections on the wheel.

Its suspension ensures that the Thar rides pretty well with only some amount of bouncing over broken surfaces. What’s great though, is that you can power over any rough patch in sight. The linear power delivery makes it pretty driveable in the city and with close to zero turbo-lag, the Thar shoots into gaps without hesitation. And the power steering combined with the commanding view from the driver’s seat helps this Mahindra make its way through traffic with ease.

The 100kph mark comes up in 17.05 seconds and thanks to the torquey engine, in-gear times are impressive too. But the five-speed gearbox takes some time to get used to. The brakes have a nice bite to them and give the Thar good stopping power.

FINAL VERDICT

Mahindra’s Thar is not practical enough to be used everyday. The build is crude and refinement in general is poor — a shame. With its price tag, it isn’t great value; but then it isn’t exorbitant either — remember the Thar is nearly a Scorpio. Targeted at the niche market looking for a proper off-roader, the Thar will also service that small section pretty well.

It has a good diesel engine, feels like it’s built to military specifications and should be easy to fix just about anywhere in India. Yes, the Thar is a much-improved version of the dedicated off-roaders from Mahindra’s stables. However, M&M should have put in more effort to engineer it according to modern standards.

spec check

mahindra thar crde

Price: Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Engine: 4-cyls in-line, 2498cc, DOHC, diesel/ front, longitudinal, FWD

Power: 105bhp at 3800rpm

Torque: 25.18kgm at 1800-2000rpm

Gearbox: 5-speed manual

Suspension (F/R): Independent, MacPherson struts/ leaf springs

Brakes (F/R): Ventilated discs/ drums