Mahindra reveals new Thar SUV

Mahindra’s Thar has seen service with the Indian armed forces since the 1950s and, we are pleased to say, the new Thar doesn’t stray too far from those roots while adding a range of comfort and convenience options for enthusiastic off-roaders. The Thar has a body-on-frame construction, off-road capable suspension setup and a brake-locking differential. It also boasts a water-wading depth of 650mm.

This new Thar is a significant step up from the previous version. Mahindra has considered its audience for this vehicle and believes customers are now more playful and outdoorsy.

Clearly, it still resembles the Wrangler, but the design team have personalised the Thar. At the front, the bonnet slopes down, and the wheelarches slope down towards the front bumper (which houses the fog lamps). The headlights are still round, but the daytime running lights are in the front of the wheelarches. The chunky aesthetic of the redesigned front clearly signals the purpose of this small off-roader.

The black cladding around the wheelarches connects nicely with the sill and makes the vehicle look more planted. This iteration of Thar comes with a hardtop or convertible roof option. At the rear, the tailgate is split, the window folds up. The rear also features hexagonal-shaped lamps, an eye catching and modern addition.

Inside the change is more apparent - the IP has embraced three dimensional moulded forms. The hexagonal theme seen on the rear lamps is echoed in the shapes around the 18cm touchscreen and the the passenger grab handle. The circular and prominent air vents, which have silver detailing, also seem to echo the iconic round headlights. Faux carbon-fibre detailing can be seen around the aircon vents and the centre bexel. The floor material is apparently washable and the interior does signal that it can be easily cleaned. There are nice branding touches too with the Thar lettering debossed into to a door panel. Speakers are mounted in the roof and the IP is kept clean and utilitarian, with chunky switches.

Mahindra also seem to have focused on providing an 18cm touchscreen infotainment system with android auto and apple car play, which also has an off-road statiistcs display in the infotainment system.

The new Thar comes in six colours, Red Rage, Mystic Copper, Napoli Black, Aquamarine, Galaxy Grey and Rocky Beige. We look forward to bringing you more news on Mahindra’s new off-roader on CDN.