Mahindra updates the Thar SUV based on customer feedback

Mahindra & Mahindra has updated the Thar, with revisions that buyers have wanted on the SUV right from the word go. Taking user feedback regarding the dowdy interiors seriously, Mahindra has made an attempt to make the Thar's insides more refined. The off roader also gets functional changes that are expected to do their bit in improving the overall refinement.

The main cosmetic change on the inside of the off roader involves the AC switches, which are now replaced with units borrowed from the Bolero MUV. The poor quality inner door handles, which have exhibited the tendency of breaking at the slightest force, have been replaced by units that are said to be stronger. 

The rear, side-facing bench seats sit 6 mm lower, and the new design is aimed at improving head room for passengers at the rear. Also, the canopy roof gets 4 screws for easy mounting and dismounting. The screw-type design replaces the pins that used to hold the front canopy in place previously. The pins were also cumbersome to use while taking off and putting on the canopy over the front cabin. 

In terms of functional changes, the revised 2013 Mahindra Thar gets fixed flanges for the front hubs. These hubs mean that the front drive shafts will be always engaged. The previous set up involving auto locking hubs on the front axle is given the boot and this might not go down well with off roaders who prefer the older set up. 

The other functional change on the Thar involves the fitment of a crossbar between the A and B pillars of the off roader. This crossbar is designed to stop the B-pillar flexing, which used to result in the B-pillar hitting the doors on bumpy sections. The 2.5 liter NEF CRDe turbo diesel engine good for 105 Bhp-250 Nm is retained as it is and so is the 5 speed manual gearbox. 

The Thar CRDe retains the manually operated Borg Warner 4 wheel drive function. Notably, Mahindra did recall early examples of the Thar to fix smoke entering the cabin and fuel pipe issues. Of their own accord, many Thar owners are upgrading their brakes to better units found on the Bolero/Scorpio. 

While an AutocarIndia report states that the changes on the Thar do not result in a price increase, it is unclear as to whether the direct injection diesel engined BS3 version of the Thar gets the changes effected on the CRDe version. The Thar is a seven seater and the CRDe version is AC-ready.