Mahindra Thar 2015-2019 DI 4X2 PS

India's home grown utility vehicle maker, Mahindra and Mahindra has launched the facelifted version of its fearsome SUV, Thar. It is introduced with a few exterior and interior updates, while engine specifications remain to be the same. Among its trims, Mahindra Thar DI 4X2 PS is its mid range trim. It can accommodate seven passengers and all its seats provide ample leg space along with shoulder room. The interiors are made of high quality plastic material that gives it an appealing look. The company has given this a lockable grove box, where we can keep a few things at hand. Not only this, it is equipped with a lot of utility based aspects, which gives a lot of convenience during the journey. For planning longer journeys, the company has given it a large fuel tank, which can store about 45 litres of diesel in it. The company is offering it with a standard warranty of three years or unlimited kilometers. At the same time, the customers can also avail an extended warranty at an additional cost paid to authorized dealer.

Exteriors:

The company has done up the exteriors of this variant with utmost care. To begin with the frontage, it is designed with a bold radiator grille that is fitted with a few black colored horizontal slats. It is surrounded by a round shaped headlight cluster. Just below this, it has a muscular bumper, which is accompanied by a nudge guard for preventing the vehicle from minor damages. Its air intake section cools the powerful engine quickly and flanked by a couple of bright reflectors. The bonnet is flat and has a couple of character lines on it. The windscreen is pretty wide and made up of toughened glass. It is equipped with a pair of intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, it is quite smooth and flowing with just a single door. The flared up wheel arches have been fitted with a set of 16-inch wheels, which have been covered with stylish wheel caps. These rims are further covered with sturdy tubeless radial tyres and they have a superior grip on any terrain. Its rear end gets a large tail gate for easier entry and exit of the passengers and it is also fitted with a spare wheel. The bright tail lamp cluster is quite clear and radiant. It is powered by halogen based reverse and brake lights. The black colored bumper is accompanied by a skid plate and it is equipped with a couple of bright reflectors along with a courtesy lamp.

Interiors:

The internal cabin is quite nicely designed and has been equipped with a lot of refined aspects for the convenience of the passengers. In terms of seating, the cabin is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are quite wide and provide excellent space for all the passengers. The seats are covered with premium quality upholstery and give a very urbane feel to the interiors. Its cabin is designed in dual tone color scheme and plastic surfaces seem to be smooth. The smooth dashboard is dark in color and equipped with quite a few features. The list of these aspects includes a four spoke steering wheel, an instrument cluster with several functions and glove box for storing a few things at hand. It has a power steering system, which is quite responsive and makes it easy to handle even on peak traffic conditions.

Engine and Performance:

This base variant is fitted with a 2.5-litre MDI 3200TCL diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2523cc. It is rather efficient and one of the best suited engine on the Indian road, which has been proven by various vehicles from its fleet. This motor is compliant with Bharat Stage III emission standard. It has the ability of churning out a maximum power of 63bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 182.5Nm between 1500 to 1800rpm. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using a double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This power plant is integrated with a direct injection fuel supply system that helps in delivering a decent mileage of about 13.5Kmpl and 17 Kmpl within the city and highways respectively. This diesel mill is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which distributes the engine power to its rear wheels. It enables the SUV to attain a top speed in the range of 130 to 140 Kmph. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 17 seconds from a standstill.

Braking and Handling:

This variant is bestowed with a hydraulic service brakes with tandem master cylinder that are quite reliable. The drive by wire technology aids in quicker and controlled throttle response. At the same time, the LSPV (load sensing proportioning valve) brakes aid in preventing wheel lock up and loss of control. Its front and rear wheels are fitted with a robust set of disc brakes with twin pot caliper and drum brakes respectively. The company has used a torsion bar type of mechanism for front axle with stabilizer bar, while the rear one is assembled with a semi elliptical leaf spring type of system. These axles are assisted by hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers and anti roll bar, which will help it to deal with all the jerks caused on uneven roads. It has a rack and pinion based power assisted steering system, which is quite responsive and reduces the efforts of driver even during heavy traffic conditions. This tilt adjustable steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.25 meters.

Comfort Features:

It is incorporated with a wide array of comfort features, which includes cup and bottle holders, power steering with tilt adjustable function, sleek digital clock with topper pad, side and rear foot steps and a few other such aspects. Its proficient suspension mechanism help in giving a jerk free driving experience even on bumpy roads. It is always been known for its superb off-roading capabilities. For keeping the driver up to date, it is bestowed with an advanced instrument panel that is has number of essential functions like inside and outside temperature, instant mileage, date, time and so on.

Safety Features:

When it comes to its safety aspects, the company has made sure that vehicle comes equipped with numerous vital and essential safety features. It has MM body shell with modified inner fenders that reduces the impact of collision. The advanced digital engine immobilizer safeguards this vehicle from any unauthorized entry and theft. Then there are also seat belts, a day and night internal rear view mirror, centrally located fuel tank, a full size spare wheel with all other required tools and a high mounted stop lamp.

Pros:

1. Rugged exterior appearance steals the attention of car aficionados.
2. Ownership cost is affordable in comparison to its competitors.

Cons:

1. Several safety and comfort features can be added.
2. Seating arrangement is a tad uncomfortable.