Ritesh Madhok
THE GOAN | PANAJI
The Mahindra Thar has never been about being the most sensible SUV in the parking lot. It is about character, capability and the freedom to go where conventional SUVs hesitate. The Thar OG keeps that formula intact, but Mahindra has worked extensively underneath the familiar three-door body. Starting at Rs 10.32 lakh, it gets a new platform, revised suspension, more power, refinement and added off-road hardware. We drove the top-spec ZXT 2.2-litre diesel automatic with four-wheel drive, both on the road and over challenging terrain, to see whether the OG has become easier to live with without losing its old-school charm.
Exteriors
Mahindra has been careful not to mess with a winning formula. The upright stance, short overhangs, squared-off wheel arches and familiar roof silhouette remain instantly recognisable. Changes are focused around the details. There is a new five-slat grille, LED projector headlamps with C-shaped DRLs, LED fog lamps with cornering functionality and redesigned bumpers. The rear gets new LED tail-lamps, while the ZXT rides on 19-inch alloys. The wider track gives it a planted stance, without looking like a shrunken Thar Roxx.
Interiors and Features
The cabin is more mature than the original 2020 Thar. The dashboard layout is familiar, but equipment and overall ambience have moved up several notches. Our ZXT featured Truffle Brown leatherette upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, rear AC vents, rear USB charging, keyless entry and push-button start. The second row remains compact, but reclining backrests and a centre armrest with cupholders improve usability. Space is acceptable, although the limited boot remains a compromise. The driving position is upright and commanding, while electric steering makes manoeuvring easier. NVH levels have also improved, making the Thar less agricultural during everyday driving.
Specifications
The Thar OG is available with three engines. The 1.5-litre diesel produces 117bhp and 300Nm with rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel develops 152bhp and 330Nm, while the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol produces 162bhp and 330Nm. The larger engines can be specified with four-wheel drive.
Our ZXT combines the 2.2-litre diesel with a six-speed torque-converter automatic and 4x4. Ground clearance is 232mm, with a 40-degree approach angle, 36-degree departure angle, 26.4-degree ramp-over angle and 650mm water-wading capability.
Drive On and Off Road
On the road, the biggest change is not outright performance but the way the Thar manages its weight and movements. The diesel has strong low-end torque and the automatic works smoothly, keeping the engine in its useful band. Acceleration is brisk, and highway overtaking feels effortless. The steering is lighter and more manageable in traffic, while revised suspension takes the edge off broken surfaces. The M_Glyde 4G platform, Pentalink rear suspension with Watts Link and DAVINCI damping make a noticeable difference. On our ZXT, Frequency Dependent Damping adds more composure when the road gets rough. It is still a tall, body-on-frame SUV, so body movement has not disappeared, but it feels more controlled. Off-road is where the Thar OG remains completely in its element. Low range, 4H and 2H provide the familiar hardware, while Mud, Sand and Snow modes add assistance. The electronic locking differential is particularly useful when traction becomes uneven. On climbs, axle twisters, muddy sections and descents, the Thar's ground clearance, wheel articulation and torque allow it to tackle obstacles with little drama. The driver now has more tools before relying on momentum or aggressive throttle inputs.
Competition
The Thar OG occupies a fairly unique space. The Force Gurkha is its most direct three-door off-road rival, while the Maruti Suzuki Jimny is smaller and lighter. The five-door Thar Roxx offers substantially more cabin and luggage space, but is a different proposition. For buyers wanting a compact, three-door 4x4, the OG has a clearly defined field of rivals.
Safety
Safety equipment has also received attention. Depending on the variant, the Thar OG gets up to six airbags, including Mahindra's HPTS side-protection airbags, along with all-disc brakes, front parking sensors, ESP and tyre-pressure monitoring. The stronger platform is welcome for an SUV used away from paved roads. Equipment varies between variants, so the chosen trim matters.
Verdict
The Thar OG is not trying to become a family SUV. It remains a three-door, enthusiast-focused machine, but this update makes it considerably more polished without diluting its core character. The stronger platform, better suspension, lighter steering, improved NVH, extra safety equipment and electronic differential lock add substance rather than simply cosmetic appeal. After driving the top-spec diesel automatic on road and off it, the Thar OG feels like a proper evolution of the original formula. It is still not the easiest SUV for rear-seat access or luggage carrying, but if your priority is presence, mechanical character and genuine off-road ability in a compact package, the Thar OG continues to make a strong case.
