Mahindra has launched a face-lifted version of its Thar jeep that has incorporated a number of styling and comfort enhancements. In an attempt to refresh its jeep not just on the grounds of appearance, Mahindra has also made it more convenient for occupants while also making it more capable off-road with the incorporation of a manually locking rear differential. On the face of it, the refreshed Mahindra Thar gets a new and bigger front bumper, new clear lens head lamps, more flared wheel arches, new side steps, new rear bumper and a revised canopy that is easier to attach and detatch. There is also a new modular hard top roof as an option alongside alloy wheels and more.The underpinnings of the updated Mahindra Thar remain the same as the original model with a ladder frame chassis, coil springs up front and leaf springs at the rear. The rear shackles though have been strengthened to deal with more weight and the front hook has been strengthened too. Under, the hood the new Mahindra Thar continues to be powered by the earlier model’s 2,498cc, four cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine that develops 105PS of max power @ 3,800 rpm and 247Nm of peak torque between 1,800 rpm and 2,000 rpm.
The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The four-wheel drive transfer case too is the same Borgwarner unit, now featuring a rear differential lock. Mahindra claims that the vehicle has been made more refined thanks to a new catalytic converter. Inside the new Thar is where Mahindra has really pushed the envelope for the jeep by making it better suited as a lifestyle vehicle. The Thar now gets new seats that are more supportive, the dashboard is now finished in a dual tone colour theme of black and beige, there are new and more premium air vents and HVAC switchgear as well. The instrument cluster is all-new. The steering wheel and gear knobs have been borrowed from the Bolero. And there are new door pads as well. The HVAC system now has a demister for the windshield as well. Down below, the floor console now has cup holders to improve practicality. The rear seats are now shorter in length in order for the front seats to be able to recline backwards more.
President & Chief Executive, (Automotive) Mahindra, spoke at the launch of the new Mahindra Thar CRDe, by saying, “Since its launch, the Thar has been the face of our tough and rugged DNA, a continuation of our legacy and what Mahindra stands for. Today as we launch the new avatar of this ever popular off-roader, the effort has been to enhance the appeal of a brand that is already a cult. Increasingly consumers are looking for a different lifestyle as they seek an adventure and fun experience and the Thar is the perfect companion for such thrill seekers. I am confident that in its new avatar, the Thar CRDe will not only continue to be ever popular among off-road enthusiasts but significantly widen its appeal amongst a whole new set of consumers.” The Thar has become a favourite amongst off-road enthusiasts in the country. With its 200mm of ground clearance, 44 degree approach and 27 degree departure angle, the Thar even in stock form is a formidable off-roader that is more than capable of dealing with our regular cross country roads or rather the lack of them
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