Took delivery of Thar 1.5L RWD Diesel MT in Deep Forest Green colour on 21 December 2024 from Dee Emm, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon. Intend to keep it in stock form and meant for my wife’s local usage mostly.
Always had the fascination for this shade of green which resembles the one used by our revered armed forces and black and white were too common so went ahead with this unique colour to bring in some exclusivity. Driving a car of this kind has always been a dream since childhood days and I was awestruck with the MM Classic and Gypsy in the 90s and even now I look forward to the opportunity of sighting an Army Gypsy, which are generally very well maintained.
Complimentary accessories included rear view camera, hand rest (front and rear), rain visor, mat and mud flaps. Have requested for scuff plates on doors which were not readily available.
Sharing some initial observations (in no particular order) based on my limited driving thus far in the city. Some points may already have been covered so pardon me for any repetitions.
Some positive feedback to begin with:
1. Commanding view with end of bonnet visible from the driver’s seat and great road presence makes it very convenient to drive in the city. I think it sits higher than Fortuner.
2. Power on tap is adequate and there does not appear to be any lag.
3. Gearbox is extremely smooth.
4. Clutch throw is long but is very light making it convenient for city driving.
5. Horn is good and effective.
6. Feels like you are driving a big car though it is not and the sub 4 metre dimensions help in parking.
7. Though it’s winter and difficult to comment on the performance of AC during peak summer but the little that I have used, the AC appeared to be a chiller and was very effective.
8. DRLs are bright and nice. Headlights appeared to be adequate for city driving. Will comment once I have used it on the highways though.
9. Doors close with a reassuring thud and bonnet also has good weight which possibly is the reason for the safety ratings.
10. Front seats provide good back support and there is enough leg space for 2 passengers in the rear seats.
11. Pleasantly surprised with the tread on the Ceat A/T 18 inch Tyres which look good and the ride also is average (considering it’s a Jeep).
12. The touch screen is good and responsive and quality of display connected with the rear view camera is also good and accurate. Haven’t used Apple CarPlay as yet though and will share feedback once I have used the Google maps on it and music.
13. The auto start-stop feature is very helpful in traffic. I am using it for the first time and find it really good.
14. The noise insulation inside the cabin is very well done and one hardly realises it’s a diesel motor and that too a Jeep. No shuddering of the gear too, which is great.
Some not so good observations with the caveat that one cannot be complaining about it as Thar is mostly about the exterior looks and by going ahead with the purchase you are aware of what you are signing up for. That’s true for anyone who is buying it.
1. Brake is adequate but made me feel nervous in the first few Kms considering I am used to all discs in Abarth Punto and Toyota Fortuner, where the bite is very sharp. It’s just about getting used to the Jeep thing though
My wife had the same observation and in fact asked if the brake is working properly.
2. Interiors have come a long way since the 1st generation but still there is a lot to be achieved when one compares it with the hatchbacks which are half its price.
3. Fit and finish has improved by leaps and bounds but still cannot match many cars which costs much lesser than it.
4. Ingress and egress even to the front seats is inconvenient and one has to literally climb up the car. Senior citizens will find it very difficult. Grab handles (like the Fortuner and Endeavour) are a must and is the next accessory I will be installing during the 1st service.
5. Ingress and egress to the rear seats is also not easy, though the kids find it adventurous.
6. Lack of dead pedal is a big miss for long journeys.
7. Boot space is best for a weekend getaway and not more. Even my Abarth Punto stores more luggage and being spoilt by the Fortuner’s boot after folding the 3rd row, Thar’s boot appears to be a joke.
8. The rear tyre looks sporty but impacts rear visibility to some extent, which according to me is poor. The rear view camera and rear parking sensors help to a lot extent.
9. Quality of music from the system is acceptable, though not great.
For all the above reasons, the Thar is best suited for small families or individuals or else if it is 2nd or 3rd car or a lifestyle only vehicle. Having said that, love the looks and in spite of the number of Thars and now even the Thar Roxxs that you see on the road, it continues to bring a smile on the face of the one driving/ riding along and also anyone who sees it on the road. It’s definitely a looker and worth all the attention it grabs and smiles it brings!
Leaving you all with a few pictures!