Jeep and Mahindra have a complicated
relationship, and it probably won’t get any better following the debut of the
all-new Thar. Looking like a Jeep Wrangler knockoff, the Thar has a seven slot
grille which is flanked by circular headlights. That’s very Jeep-like, but the
SUV features a bulky front bumper and squished fenders with black plastic
flares.
Moving further back, there’s angled
bodywork, square taillights and three different tops. Customers can choose between a fixed soft
top, a hard top and a “convertible” roof. Mahindra didn’t say much about the
interior, but it borrows heavily from the previous-generation Wrangler – even
using circular air vents in similar locations. Drivers will also find a 7-inch
touchscreen infotainment system, faux carbon fiber trim and a TFT display in
the instrument cluster. Customers also choose between four and six person
seating configurations.
Under the hood, two different engines are
available including a 2.0-liter TGDi petrol that produces up to 150 hp and 320 Nm of torque. Customers can also opt for a
2.2-liter mHawk diesel which cranks out 130 hp and 300 Nm or 320 Nm of torque [The company gave conflicting specs].
The engine can be paired to six-speed automatic and manual transmissions.
They’re backed up by a standard four-wheel drive system.
While the Thar retains it body-on-frame
construction, it adopts an all-new suspension that promises “better off-roading
capability, as well as superior on-road handling and drive quality.” The
company didn’t go into many specifics, but said the model has an independent
front and rear multi-link setup.
Speaking off off-roading, the Thar has
approach, departure and breakover angles of 41.8 °, 36.8° and 27 °,
respectively. The company also says the SUV has 226 mm of ground
clearance and a water fording ability of 650 mm. The Thar will be
launched in India on October 2nd, and we can expect to learn more in the coming
months.
