[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by headers

Maybe not to be discussed on this thread, but the TATA Safari is not a bench mark for handling SIRJI.

Exactly, thats my point, its a long wheelbase vehicle, so it should handle well according to Arka.

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Exactly, thats my point, its a long wheelbase vehicle, so it should handle well according to Arka.

May not handle well but definitely a comfortable vehicle for the family isn't it?

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

May not handle well but definitely a comfortable vehicle for the family isn't it?

Yes it is, but thats not because of the long wheelbase only. The soft suspension also plays a part.
MY point was that long wheelbase is not the only factor. Long wheelbase ensures lot of space. ride quality, and handling depend more on the suspension setup. For example, there are hatchbacks with short wheelbase which handle better than long wheelbase sedans, and are equally competent in the ride quality front.

[SPIKE ARRESTOR]

Originally Posted by ex670c

Comfort = Longer Wheel Base above 100"

Not necessary, take the example of a safari.

Originally Posted by Samurai

Therefore, wheelbase alone doesn't decide comfort. With the right suspension setup and good roads, wheelbase can be mostly ignored as far as comfort is concerned.

Rightly said.

Originally Posted by tsk1979

As for wheel base, its just a contributing factor, not the "deciding" factor. Handing and ride quality depend on a lot of factors, and wheelbase is not really a "necessary factor".

Again well said, it would be nice if someone could enunciate those "deciding factors". A lot has been said regarding wheelbases, can anyone explain how is the wheelbase decided for a vehicle (forces at work)?

Spike

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Yes it is, but thats not because of the long wheelbase only. The soft suspension also plays a part.
MY point was that long wheelbase is not the only factor. Long wheelbase ensures lot of space. ride quality, and handling depend more on the suspension setup. For example, there are hatchbacks with short wheelbase which handle better than long wheelbase sedans, and are equally competent in the ride quality front.

Yes ride quality and handling is dependent on a lot of things. Even the CoG has a big role to play in the handling.

Coming back to Arka'S POINT, short wheelbase is leads to cramped interior space which will not make a very comfortable family vehicle. But a longer wheelbase will provide more space. All other things are not so simple.

Originally Posted by SPIKE ARRESTOR

A lot has been said regarding wheelbases, can anyone explain how is the wheelbase decided for a vehicle (forces at work)?

Spike

Saar, you are the technical person here. Why don't you educate us? I'm always looking for some gyan

[Samurai]

I think we are going too off-topic here. Whenever I said family friendly, I meant lockable cabin and AC. Expecting ride comfort beyond reason in an offroad vehicle might rob it's offroad ability.

Therefore, let's not worry about the effect of wheelbase on comfort or handling, this is not the thread for it. If a vehicle doesn't have lockable cabin and AC, it is not family friendly. Let's move on.

[headers]

Originally Posted by SPIKE ARRESTOR

A lot has been said regarding wheelbases, can anyone explain how is the wheelbase decided for a vehicle (forces at work)?

Spike: I will look into my parts bin only :

1. Take a vehicle model that has minimal road returns.

2. Call my engine department and ask them to give me one of their rugged old proven, but new tech BS4 engine.

3. Call my axle as well as suspension department and ask to strip the vehicle for a new project.

4. Put the new BS4 engine in the chassis. Maybe cut the length a little bit to suit a more comfortable body shape such as the "YEEPS".

5. Tell the axle/suspension department, that the new project vehicle should do 100 kph with ease ON ROAD. They come up with a brilliant idea of IFS up front from the model "yourpio" which has been selling successfully till date.

6. The Chassis department fine tunes the idea taking cues further from another rural best seller "yourlero". They reduce weight by removing doors, PW, CL etc etc.

7. A new project vehicle is born with 4wd, IFS, high speed cruiseability and a bullet proof engine. The Wheelbase has been decided!

Originally Posted by Samurai

Expecting ride comfort beyond reason in an offroad vehicle might rob it's offroad ability.
Therefore, let's not worry about the effect of wheelbase on comfort or handling, this is not the thread for it.

All wheelbases have their advantages as well as disadvantages - Maybe a separate thread could be started to discuss that!

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by headers

Spike: I will look into my parts bin only :

Man this is funny

Originally Posted by headers

"YEEPS".

"yourpio" "yourlero".

But this definitely takes the cake

Btw what will be the new project vehicle called? Don't tell me it will be "YAAR"

[Parm]

so last few pages suggest that MM is going the invader way with THAR, when we compare the price vs equipment being provided on the vehicle?

[offroad_maniac]

Originally Posted by adc

Also good to see that link and one person has very definite concerns. Posting his comments from that site - I will be worried about each and every point that he makes more than anything else.

"A few things of concern though, the general safety did'nt impress me much.
Steering wheel way to close to dash, my nuckles rubbed when turning full locks.
4x4 lever was way down in the foot well, you have to take ur eyes off the obstacle to engage. Engaging is very difficult, and u also GRATE ur knuckles on the centre console. "

May be Steering wheel is really too close to dash, more closer is the 4WD Lever.
Can imagine what will be the case with LHD Thar driver while changing 4WD modes?
These things needs to address.

Above quoted comments are from a South African forum where a White RHD Thar was kept on display(Pic is already posted). It was attractive, but those comments are not a good sign.

Some comments from M&M pls...

[star_aqua]

Originally Posted by offroad_maniac

May be Steering wheel is really too close to dash, more closer is the 4WD Lever.
Can imagine what will be the case with LHD Thar driver while changing 4WD modes?
These things needs to address.

They procure GB and design the gear lever to suit the vehicle. if it is not a direct shift, then you should really appreciate the design done by M&M. 550 XDB guys can tell how good it is.

[offroad_maniac]

Originally Posted by star_aqua

They procure GB and design the gear lever to suit the vehicle. if it is not a direct shift, then you should really appreciate the design done by M&M. 550 XDB guys can tell how good it is.

(Only the 4wd shifter is in question here....)

Yes. Its definitely better than 4wd Knob, its just that it can be irritating if your hands/ fingers are rubbing against the console.
Again, I have not yet experienced it by myself.

OK M&M..
Whats the update for us, "The Indians"?

[ex670c]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Exactly, thats my point, its a long wheelbase vehicle, so it should handle well according to Arka.

Well Stick the same suspension in a SWB Safari and see which handles better.

[vikrantj]

I must have lost it while reading this thread but when is Thar going to be launched in India ?

--Vikrant

[offroad_maniac]

Originally Posted by vikrantj

I must have lost it while reading this thread but when is Thar going to be launched in India ?

--Vikrant

That question is already answered here. read "Santa is coming early this time... Christmas will be early this year" & something like that..
Actual date & other details will be revealed once this thread gets 2000 post old..

till then .