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Thar Petrol AT 4x4: Key pointers after close to 2 months of ownership

17th July 2024, 15:04 by Rahul Nagaraj

We were ready to go ahead with the Jimny, but once we saw live versions of both SUVs on the road - realization hit!

BHPian asingh1977 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

So it has been almost a month and half since we purchased the Thar. Wanted to put in some pointers and observations, for the Thar Petrol AT HT 4x4 option we picked:

3 door SUV -- really:

Since the time of the Mahindra Classic, and then the original Thar a "jeep" has been an aspirational vehicle for me. The initial two offerings had a lot of short-comings, specially in terms of safety and daily family usage for urban settings. Then came the Thar 2020, and it just ticked all the boxes. Living in Gurgaon it is either an SUV or only an SUV. With the bad roads and SUVs adding an aesthetic fashion sense, we were on the lookout for another SUV. (Already had a 5 year old Creta). Did not want to go the Seltos way, since it is too similar in nature and design language to the Creta. TATA, is a no go, due to bad service, and just not comfortable with the brand as of now. We tried the Jimny before the Thar and were ready to go ahead. Once we saw live versions on the road, realization hit: that it is just too small to be classified as an "indian SUV", if you know what I mean. Also it seemed over priced, metal to money. Still love that Japanese rocket, and would pick it up if we need to change cars again, immense practicality, 4 doors, and 4x4 kit.

Reluctantly we decided to take the test drive of a Thar. Any model available. A new Dee Emm showroom had opened close to our abode. Called up the center, and requested for an at-home test drive. Surprisingly, next morning the sales personnel turned up with a Diesel 4x4 automatic. (I was in the mind to purchase the RWD, honestly). Having practically no experience with automatic transmissions, I took the jeep out for a drive. Was slightly hesitant with a h-u-g-e bonnet in front, which seemed to have a mind of its own. Immediately I realized: the steering is so weird. Just weird. It totally felt like from the 80s in design, finish, and did not spring back. Once on the main road, the sales guy told me to pedal it, "bhiya race do". That is when it hit me! What brute force has been mated to the motor. The car picks up, and just continues to do so. Linear. I did not even think there was a turbo there. Once you get comfortable with a huge bonnet, and slow steering adaption to the wheels, the Thar is a breeze to drive. We were quite impressed. My wife drove after me, and took the jeep back to our house parking. Her views were same as mine! I quickly coined it: a modern classic Oh yes!

It would be the 4x4 Red, Petrol Auto HT. Smile.

Booked and bespoked:

We went ahead with the booking, and decided on the following accessories:

1. Rear-view camera: There is absolutely no visibility when backing up.
2. OEM seat covers: Did not like the gray native color option. Also seemed too soft for an off road appeal.
3. Radiator guard: Seemed logical, in place of what was given by the factory. i.e. more secure and robust.
4. Steering leather grip: The original steering is too old school, and felt over plastic.
5. Arm rest with storage: Found it awkward driving without a place to rest the left arm.
6. Back seat arm rests with storage and live USB connectors: Just to add more storage to the limited space available.
7. Stepney Wheel cover: For security and ease of parking on road.

Augmentations added as post delivery purchases (all from Amazon, links in bold):
1. Rubber key cover -- to save from water and accidental drops
2. Mats -- the showroom ones did not have red accents/stitching
3. Back seat hooks -- for hanging bags and caps
4. Long USB cable -- the phone holder area is too dark, I like the phone to be visible

The dealership told us that Petrol AT 4x4 variants have minimal waiting periods, and we should get the jeep soon. Well we did. In 10 days. I was quite surprised. Was advised to go ahead with the payments, and get the VIN allocated.

Delivery / Initial Impact:

The delivery time was pre-set, and all pending formalities were completed. In between we also bid adieu to our 13 year old i20 (54K running) to make way for a the new red. We reached the showroom, and the Thar was hidden with the customary cloth, so could not tell much. I just lost patience and asked the sales guy to remove it. That is when the shock hit. Seeing a demo vehicle, seeing a new vehicle on the road, BUT nothing beats seeing your own vehicle for the first time, fresh off the assembly line. The red just popped like crazy, and the most striking feature. Those huge wheels. People not well versed with the Jeep (or teamBHP), honestly gape at the wheels when close up. Signed all the paper work, did the photos, and took possession of the new metal. Loved it. Since we were taxed for time, fueled up the tank, and parked it home. Realized within a few km of driving, that the mStallion is a gem of an engine. Straight and well timed power delivery. The automatic is smooth, and the ease of driving 2T equipment is hardly felt. The Thar honestly is not that much of an attention magnetic in Gurgaon -- since so many are around. But still at times people stare (specially pedestrians, with a smile), and people really make way. Like they yield. No need for honking or acting aggressive, cars part their lane, and also pause to let the Thar cross if they are about to make a turn from the median. I have always been a meek driver, and drive quite sedate. It is shocking to see the look on people faces, when a Thar stops to let them pass, or gives side. Part of life!

After some weeks of taking it to office (what a 4x4 waste), these are my happy-moments:

1. King of the road: The high perched seating takes a while to get used to. Literally 90% of roof-tops can be seen. Totally commanding, and confidence inspiring. Gives better control of the vehicle and external environment variables get dialed in perfect, as soon as one gets in to the Thar.
2. Chariot mount: Getting into the Thar for the driver is, well: a fun task. There is no grab handle. Since I am quite lean I manage it easy. I like to step on the foot board, while holding onto the top of the open door. And literally climb-on. It just feels so old-school, historic, and maybe the closest I will get to being a knight (or a Highlander).
3. Full visibility: A lot has been mentioned about this on TBHP, so not to say much. Basically: flatland. On a side note, it is quite easy to reverse, looking back from the side window. The Thar is a small vehicle in terms of length, so the back corner is easy to judge, when reversing onto a pillar side, or adjacent car. Simple.
4. Automatic: After 20 years of manual gears, the AT is such a breeze. This is the prime reason the THAR AT is so popular with urban dwellers. Like 50% of the road worries are over with an automatic. The gearbox on the Thar is smooth, and changes at appropriate times. The surge is immediate, if one peddles down, and is propelled forward immediately. Knock-downs are timed, if you let go of the throttle. Well rounded gearbox, and engine combination.
5. Jeep: Enough DNA has been retained to call it one. How many choose this. Only a select view. Just love the feeling. Somehow people who rode these "general purpose" vehicles as children/youngsters (tea estates, hill stations, rural transport, armed forces, school ambulances) will feel a pining or long-lost-hope when they see the Thar. It certainly has an attraction and pull. Sweet but hard to describe!

Overall the Thar meshes well in the urban jungle, and is not out of place. OK, not in its jungle element, but can prove its worth in the city.

The Long drive:

We planned a trip to Corbett National Park, to my home state. Sans Garhwal, but into the heartland of Kumaon via UP. Overall impressions would be:

Bounce and roll: The vehicle is quite bouncy over speed breakers and bumps or holes. No damage will come to the under body, but people will be thrown around, specially at the back. One cannot gun over road undulations, but need to articulate and manage the nose of the jeep. I was comfortable taking it to 100 km/per hour, but did not push it beyond that. The jeep runs planted, but any small bump causes minuscule swerves, which can be unsettling. Highway proficient drivers will not have issues with this. I am an urban driver. So will not push my luck!
Brakes: Quite scary, till you get used to them. Feel mushy, and the Thar takes a while to stop. One has to pre-judge traffic and anticipate when to slow down, or stop. Again it is just getting used to driving heavy machinery, with a bit sub-par brakes. Better brakes (or maybe 4 discs) could have been provided.
Seating: I guess it is just for 2 adults, and 2 youngsters. Adults in the back will really not be happy. Ingress is also not easy for the well built!
Highway manners: The Thar is a decent mile muncher. After 900 km, I am getting around 10.5 km/liter. Which I think is decent enough. One can drive the jeep all day for long journey's and should not be uncomfortable. The high top driving stance takes a while to get used to. The drive is fluid enough and overtakes are fast, if timed well. Just remember the braking is a bit latent. But the road presence is wide, and vehicles provide passing lanes immediately. One can drive confident, and no need to feel wary or scared of the stupidity which happens on Indian roads.

Parting shot:

I am extremely happy with the decision we made for the Thar. It is a unique vehicle, and nothing on Indian roads is remotely even close. Have no qualms about the build quality and body form-factor. One knows what they are signing up for, purchasing a three door, high chassis mounted car. Also from the bottom of my heart. Would want to thank this forum and all the members providing insights, reviews, and experiences. It goes a long way. If not for teamBHP, we would never have purchased the Thar. Never. The essence of 20+ years of threads/posts here on teambhp related to the Mahindra Thar/CJ & MM series (and god bless Behram ji), bears the fruit of this post. Thanks again to all members and forum staff.

It just brings a smile to my face, when I park, and turn back once, while walking away!