Mahindra Thar – when you need to conquer the rough and tough

Rough terrain is common in some places in Limpopo and the only means to discover the unseen beauty of the province is by 4×4 or at least a proper bakkie or Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with a high ground clearance.
But those are pricy vehicles and out of league for the middle income class residents. Mahindra recently introduced the new Thar, the Willys Jeep look-alike which comes at an affordable price and powerful engine to take you places beyond the ordinary.
The new Thar comes with an enhanced exterior with new front and rear bumpers, new muscular wheel arches, new clear lens headlamps and redesigned side footsteps and canopy. Mahindra’s relationship with the Willys Jeep dates back to the 1940s when the company began building the vehicle under license in India. It wasn’t until 2010 that the company rebranded the vehicle and called it the Mahindra Thar.
The new Thar is an even more compelling proposition with features like a mechanical locking rear differential, new bumpers, rugged tubular side footsteps and redesigned canopy which raised the bar on its timeless and iconic look.
The interior features a new dual-tone dashboard, wider seats, new steering wheel and door trims with arm rests, redesigned air vents, new floor console with cup holders, new windshield demister, new gear knob, 12 volt charging point and lockable glove box.
When it comes to taking on rough terrain the Thar is eager to perform and with an industry-first of mechanical locking rear differential technology that engages automatically without driver intervention the Thar provides enhanced off-road capability.

Coupled with a 2,5 CRDe diesel engine the Thar offers enough power to conquer any obstacle. It also boosts off-road features such as a 44° approach angle and 27° departure angle, four wheel drive with high and low ratios and a high ground clearance of 200 mm.
The Thar is CRDe reflects the company’s legendary tough and rugged DNA like no other model and is the most favoured recreational 4×4 vehicle among enthusiasts. The Thar is central to Mahindra Adventure off-road events and is also the lead training vehicle at India’s only off-road training academy located in Igatpuri.
Over the years the Thar has played a significant role in shaping the lifestyle vehicle segment in India. Its powerful engine delivers both power and fuel economy.
For a test drive or more information visit Mahindra Polokwane at 106 Landdros Maré Street or call them on 015 287 9660.

Story & Photos by: RC Myburgh
>>rc.observer@gmail.com

Featured Photo: The Mahindra Thar is rugged with muscular wheel arches, ready to conquer any rough terrain.