Automobile Desk :- Mahindra & Mahindra has officially launched the new facelift avatar of its most popular SUV Mahindra Thar in the market. The company has named this new model 'Thar OG'. Not only is the new Thar looking more attractive and modern than ever before, but extensive changes are also being seen in its platform, suspension, engine tuning and safety features. This vehicle mainly gives direct challenge to lifestyle SUV cars like Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Force Gurkha. Mahindra Thar has had quite an illustrious history in the Indian market; This vehicle, which was first introduced in October 2010, was introduced in a very modern style in the second-generation avatar in the year 2020 and now this new update is going to prove to be a big gift for its fans.
In terms of design, Thar OG has been given many new elements which give it a distinct identity on the road. A newly designed grille has been installed at the front of the SUV on which Thar's simple branding is present. Additionally, the new LED headlamps come with attractive C-shaped DRLs, while the new LED fog lamps with cornering function will provide better visibility when cornering at night. The front and rear bumpers have been given a new touch, along with new 19-inch alloy wheels and updated LED tail-lamps. OG badging has been given on the rear of the car. Apart from the old colors, now customers will also be able to buy it in two new body colors – Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue.
Talking about the cabin of the vehicle, the premium feel has been enhanced while maintaining the basic layout. The interior now features Truffle Brown leather upholstery, and an armrest with cup holders for second-row passengers. Mahindra has paid special attention to ensure that outside noise does not enter the cabin during the journey, hence its NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels have been controlled to a greater extent than before.
The 3-door Thar has been significantly strengthened on the safety front. Now 6 airbags have been given as standard in Thar OG. To prevent side accidents, the company has provided special HPTS airbag technology, which provides protection to the head, chest, pelvis and shoulders. To improve braking performance, disc brakes on all four wheels and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) are being offered as standard on all variants. Features like traction control, rollover mitigation and hill-hold also increase the safety manifold.
Technically, the new model is built on Mahindra's advanced M_Glyde 4G platform. It uses new Pentalink rear suspension, Watts link and DAVINCI dampers (Frequency Dependent Damping), which provides an excellent balance between off-roading and highway ride. For off-road lovers, it has been provided with electronic locking differential as well as different terrain modes for mud, sand and snow. Also, the old hydraulic steering has been replaced with a new electric power steering, which will make parking in tight spaces and driving in heavy traffic much easier.
Talking about powertrain, three engine options are given in Thar OG. Its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine now generates 162hp power and 330Nm torque. The 2.2-litre diesel engine produces 152hp power and 330Nm torque, while the 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 117hp power and 300Nm torque. In this, the option of 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox is made available in both RWD (rear-wheel drive) and 4WD (four-wheel drive) variants.
