New Mahindra Thar looks classier than ever

The 2015 Mahindra Thar is now refreshingly desirable with modern day interiors making it easier to live with as an everyday vehicle.

Identifying a new customer base of urban dwelling off-roaders, Mahindra was keen to deliver the needs of individuals that did not want to let go of their creature comforts.

So, in the latest update planned for the Thar, the automaker decided to tweak things a bit in order to appeal to a larger audience without compromising on the vehicle's core value.

So, after a few tweaks outside, a host of changes inside the cabin and the addition of a rear differential lock, Mahindra introduced the 2015 Thar facelift and invited MotorBeam to put the facelifted model to test at its off-roading academy in Igatpuri, Nashik.

Does the legend get any better? Read on to find out.

Mahindra has very decisively retained the classic lines on the 2015 Thar facelift that continues to look classier than ever.

However, in a bid to comply with the new CMV regulations for safety, the bumper has been updated and integrates with the body shell and gets wider front fenders.

The headlights are upgraded to clear lens units for better illumination while there are new extended wheel arches and black finished footsteps at the sides.

The canopy has been given a slight kink at the rear that lends an agile look to the Thar. Changes are minimal at the rear, while the optional new alloy wheels look extremely appealing.

The much needed update has brought a new beige and black dashboard on the 2015 Thar facelift and gets a lockable glovebox, new circular AC vents, controls for the air-con unit and a demister.

The three-pod instrument cluster is all-new and displays a host of information including the 4-Wheel Drive and 4Low mode individually. Also new are the 3-spoke steering wheel, gearshift knob and 4x4 lever.

Seat cushioning has been improved and you get new convenience bits like cup holders and a 12V socket. That said, pushing the long gearshift knob into second does make your hand collide with the handbrake lever, an ergonomic issue we faced.

Power on the Thar facelift comes from the same 2.5-litre CRDe diesel engine producing 105 HP and 247 Nm of torque.

Lack of power has hardly ever been a problem on the Thar and the torque kicking in at 1800 RPM makes sure you face minimal lag.

We drove the Thar through mud, sludge, gravel, 4 feet deep water bodies and it bore it all without breaking a sweat. The 200 mm ground clearance ensured that the underbelly was unscathed.

Talking about the new rear differential lock, the system is a neat addition to the Thar facelift and senses which tyre has maximum contact with the surface and sends more power to that tyre.

What also helps further are the 44-degree approach and 27-degree departure angles on the off-roader.

The 5-speed gearbox does a good job but isn’t a smooth shifter, while the clutch pedal is long and heavy. In terms of dynamics, the Thar isn’t the most feedback rich vehicle there is but does feel stable at speed.

The power steering is responsive and the light weight makes manoeuvring convenient at low speeds. The ride quality is still stiff on the facelifted model courtesy of the suspension setup but is needed to take on rough terrains.

Our test vehicle was equipped with Maxxis BigHorn Mud Terrain (M/T) tyres that provide ample of grip with the deep treads doing the trick.

The stock Thar gets Bridgestone Dueler Highway tyres. All said, safety features still remain absent on the off-roader which continues to be disappointing.

The 2015 Mahindra Thar has turned more urban inside the cabin while the classic lines continue to look extremely appealing with the latest update.

NVH levels are better this time with improved refinement from the engine. What makes the package even better though is the new rear differential lock that has given this off-roader enhanced capabilities off tarmac.

At almost Rs 10 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), the Thar makes for a compelling buy for anyone who wants a ruggedly built vehicle that gains some serious attention.