Mahindra & Mahindra surely knows how to please its customers. Much before M&M launched the Bolero, Scorpio and Xylo, there was the short chassis Mahindra Classic 4X4 jeep, MM540, MM550 and Mahindra CJ 340 and a few other jeep variants that it retailed. These brutes were the only true-blooded diesel offroaders available in this part of the world back then.
Since then many sand dunes have been conquered, loads of slush and mud splashed, a lot of sweat, tears, and blood has flown in the off-roading scene. Mahindra, which has been organising Mahindra Great Escape and other motor sports to promote “Jeepism” and off-roading here in India, has actually captured the imagination of an average offroader.
Offroading now becomes serious business in India once Mahindra launches the Mahindra Thar on 21st December 2010. If so, this would make a nice Christmas present for all those wannabe offroaders and Jeepers out there. If you remember, the Mahindra Thar was actually showcased at the 10th Auto Expo 2010 held at New Delhi.
This rugged offroader has already hit the Phoren shores and India finally is ready to have its own rugged and modern off-roader after a long time. Let’s begin with the specs that the brute would be equipped with for the Indian market. The Thar will be fitted with a 2.5 L CRDe engine that already does duty in the Mahindra Bolero. That means the power output should read a peak power of 105 bhp @3800 rpm and a torque of 247 Nm@1800-2000 rpm mated to a 5-speed Borg Warner manual transmission with a 2 speed reduction ratios High 1.0:1 and Low 2.48:1. For the wheels, it gets high traction 16” tyres. With the help of leaf springs at the rear and independent suspension with torsion and stabilizer bars, ensure unlimited off-roading.
There are three variants in the offering i.e. Mahindra Thar DI 4X2 BS3 Mahindra Thar DI 4X4 BS3 and Mahindra Thar DI 4X4. The Mahindra Thar will come in four colours Arctic White, Mist Silver, Black and Toreador Red. The one thing we all had our eyes set on was the price at which the Thar comes in.
Mahindra Thar DI 4X2 BS3 – Rs. 4,42,000/-
Mahindra Thar DI 4X4 BS3 – Rs. 4,90,590/-
Mahindra Thar DI 4X4 BS4 – Rs. 6,17,933/- (all prices ex-showroom, Hyderabad). The Mahindra Thar has to be seen to believe when it will be officially launched on 21st December 2010. Watch this space for more on the Mahindra Thar.
For more details on the Mahindra Thar, visit mahindrathar.com
