Mahindra and Mahindra hark back on the old times by launching a new off-roader, called the Thar. Will it live up to the reputation built by its ancestors? Ravi Chandnani tries to find out
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
Ages ago – at least it looks like ages now – there was a mighty off-roader called the ‘Jeep’, which was capable of tackling what can be termed a car’s worst nightmares with utmost ease. It was made to achieve just one goal: forge ahead regardless of the terrain! Mahindra and Mahindra can be considered as one of the companies that introduced the concept of off-roading to the ordinary man. The classic off-roaders like the 1949 Willys Overland Jeep, which was built in India by Mahindra, can be considered as the big grand daddy of off-roading. At that time the Jeep was aimed at the rural people, who always wanted a tough and sturdy machine to tackle the rough country terrain. The Jeep and the models that followed it were successful with civilians as well as the armed forces. Sadly, however, as the road conditions in both the urban and rural areas started to improve, people began turning towards cars that were more comfortable and easier to drive. Nevertheless, there were enthusiasts and loyalists who were still interested in such vehicles. The last true-blue desi off-roader came in the form of the MM 540 and the CL 340, which promoted two things: solid off-roading and a rebellious lifestyle. These off-roaders were popular among the youngsters and people who wanted a strong and sturdy vehicle. These machines were also popular lifestyle toys. Unfortunately, the increasingly strict emission norms and standards forced these beasts out of production. However, the need for a lifestyle off-roader still exists and I think that is the raison d’être of Mahindra’s latest 4X4 offering, the Thar.
Named after the great Indian desert in Rajasthan, the Thar is easily reminiscent of the days when many such ‘Jeeps’ ruled the roost (and the roads). Mahindra are promoting the Thar as a modern lifestyle vehicle with a classic design. It is based on the MM 540 and retains many of the elements that remind one of the 540. However, the Thar uses a new 2.5-litre CRDe engine that comes from the Scorpio and a four-wheel drive transmission, which is supplied by Borg-Warner. It develops 105 PS of power and 247 Nm of torque, which is quite okay for an off-roader that weighs more than 1.5 tonnes. On-road performance is not a priority in respect of the Thar as it is mainly meant to be driven off the road. However, we tested the car on tarmac for the sake of the curious bunch and the figures generated were not so impressive. The 0-100 km/h sprint took 18.41 seconds and the overall top speed was 134 km/h. Justly so, for even the Mahindra advert proclaims, ‘Thar hates tar’. So, we can say that its on-road performance is poor. However, it does not disappoint once it goes off the road.
It takes, shall we say, non-brittle nerves to drive a vehicle that does not have a roof, not even a canvas one, and just a roll cage that is fitted with a couple of bolts here and there. Anyway, the true test of the Thar started once we went off the road. The independent front suspension is good for off-roading, but the leaf springs and solid axle set-up at the rear shake up and rattle everything in the cabin. Handling bumps and small obstacles may be easy for the Thar, but, you, the driver, have to be strong enough to handle the shock waves that are transferred to the cabin all the time while off-roading. Power is no issue as the 2.5-litre CRDe engine is quite capable of delivering ample power when needed. The handling of the Thar is also all right. The fuel consumption is fairly okay at 17 km to a litre on the highway and just 10 km to a litre within the city.
The tyres on the test vehicle were not proper off-road ones, though their grip was quite satisfactory. It would be better if Mahindra offered proper off-road tyres as an option.
However, the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels of the Thar are rather bad. The engine might feel refined compared to the overall vehicle, but, being an open vehicle with no roof, you can hear every single note the engine produces, which can be irritating after driving it for some time. As for the vibrations and harshness, the less said the better, for our V-Box test unit fell off the windscreen because of the vibrations. The brakes were devoid of the strong bite that essentially inspires confidence in the driver. Mahindra may consider improving them as brakes are a crucial component in a vehicle.
The design, on the other hand, is one thing that will work for the Thar sales. Being based on the MM 540 and having almost the same aesthetic appeal, the Thar is actually able to make heads turn. However, a cursory glance at its interior and you are bound to be disappointed. It may be meant to be basic, but the quality of the fit-and-finish is very poor. The switchgear near the steering is so close to the dashboard that every time you want to switch the wipers on, you have to grope around, which can distract you while driving. The Thar that we got for testing had a broken internal door handle on the front passenger seat, so if we wanted to get out, we had to roll down the window and open the door from the outside. Clearly, the overall fit-and-finish of this car needs serious improvement if Mahindra intend to sell it as a lifestyle vehicle.
In the end I would say that Mahindra have rekindled nostalgia with the Thar. Unfortunately, many bits and pieces still leave much to be desired, such as the interior which is made of low-quality plastic and does not make you feel comfortable. The engine has good power and torque, but the suspension set-up at the back has not been configured well and can be quite uncomfortable. The missing roof can (and does) make you sweat a lot during the hot afternoons. Besides, leaving the Thar in a public parking leaves you worried. A soft-top roof can be made standard instead of an optional item.
The price of the CRDe model ranges from Rs 5.97 lakh to Rs 6.28 lakh (ex-showroom), which, I feel, is steep considering the fact that the vehicle has neither a standard roof nor an air-conditioner. Overall, we would say that the Thar is an average off-roader and not a lifestyle vehicle. Until Mahindra take steps to rectify the aforesaid shortcomings, it is likely to remain a good option only for the people who like their vehicle raw.
CAPTIONS
1] The broken door handle is the evidence of poor interior quality
2] The 4X4 shifter is placed such that fingers tend to get stuck while shifting
3] The wiper on/off switch also needs slim fingers in order to operate it smoothly
4] The engine is a powerful unit, however, it lacks somes refinement needed to enjoy the drive
5] The dashboard is made from low quality plastics and the fit and finish are also compromised with
BLURB
The design, on the other hand, is one thing that will work for the Thar sales
