[The Wolf]

Note from Mod : The Thar's full test & review has been uploaded at this link.

Note from Mod : Please continue in the Thar MDI Driven Thread. This discussion is closed.

Well well well...looks like the wait is finally coming to an end. As soon as I received some info that the "Thar" has indeed landed in a particular Bangalore showroom there I was, in a jiffy, trying to capture as many angles as possible! I did not get to drive so Id cover only the stationary bit in my deliberatons below.

I'd let the pics do the talking but here's a quick review:
Variant in context: Mahindra Thar 4x2 with Di Turbo and 5 speed gearbox
Color: Off white

Observations
1. Looks like Mahindra has indeed taken into consideration what folks like us are really looking for! A Mahindra MM550 look alike with a Di Turbo mill. Great ground clearance, clean under chassis, solid feel to everything down under.
2. Decent interiors, Major like dash board and over all feel except the accelerator pedal which is off a Bolero.
3. Tail gate, doors, soft top- made to last kinda feel, especially the soft top material- really good. However Id prefer a full black as against this grey'ish one.
4. Body roll seems to be well in control as the side to side movement when pushed hard has minimal effect. The suspension feels acceptably stiff with 5-6 leafs both in the rear and front sitting almost flat but with a 15deg angle at the shackles.
5. Paint finish not upto my expectation, could've been way better.
6. Rear axle- Semi floating with 3.73 ratio- I am not impressed.
7. Bolero Di type steering and brake system- good!
8. JK Tyre Brute 185/85/R16 tyres- couldve been better!
9. Stationary seats, way too close to the steering, even for someone like me who's just 5feet 6inches it wasnt very comfy to find the steering so close to my knees! Very bad.
10. Fenders and overall build quality- good.
11. Semi Openable wind shield (dont know what to call it)- thankfully there!
12. Engine bay and composition- very clean layout, better than that of the Major which feels a bit hurried! Bosch pump, TVS-LUCAS alternator. Tired and tested.
13. Nothing more to add, rest is all MM550.

[wbd8779]

I dont understand the Sticker on the windshield says BS3 , and the Thar is supposed to come with the Scorpios engine and not the DI Turbo

[wbd8779]

My Edit Limit Expired . This is not the Thar , This is the reincarnation of the MM 440/540 series . From the uploaded pics the front leaf spring suspension is clearly visible.

[AWD]

So, the launch seems near. Two versions are sure then, if one is 4x2 with DI engine, other ought to be 4x4 with CRDI engine.
The one featured is a stripped down version, hope the loaded one has a P.S. among other 4x4 essential goodies.

[rajeev k]

Is this the much touted Thar?

An anticlimax. Every inch the old MM. See the tail lamp and the front park lamp assy.

The instument cluster backdrop resembles the first gen TATA Sumo and the present Ape Truk plus.

[svsantosh]

Not the thar, but this will ignite the jeep passion in many guys...

Front suspension - OKJB

Once the 4WD is available in this, I will sell my current jeep and car and go for it surely.

----edit----

why is the jeep nameless/no decal? Why not call it the MM560

[Red Liner]

This is NOT the THAR. Its the 540/550 re-launch.

[The Wolf]

For the benefit of all, the vehicle had "Thar" badge on it. This one Im guessing will be called the Thar MDI and the one with the crde engine will be called Thar crde or something like that.

LOL I like the way everyones going "This is not Thar, this is not Thar"!!! So cute

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by The Wolf

LOL I like the way everyones going "This is not Thar, this is not Thar"!!! So cute

That's because they are right. This is not the Thar we discussed since last year. The actual Thar will come with BS4 CDRe engine, IFS and 4x4.

What we see here is something quickly put together by upgrading the MDI engine to BS3 to replace the phased out Major. It was supposed to be MM550 with MDI engine. Slapping the Thar badge on it must have been a last minute marketing decision. They are diluting the brand name even before Thar has been launched.

Check this post from August: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/2047929-post401.html

[Mpower]

@SVS exactly! How come no badge Front, Side or Back?

[The Wolf]

Originally Posted by Samurai

That's because they are right. This is not the Thar we discussed since last year.

I know it baba, I have been extremely active on Thar threads but the vehicle in this thread is indeed a "Thar", a variant at that. I swear

[gsferrari]

I heard that the Major was going to be replaced by the MM550 NGCS chassis with low-end semi-floating axles and 2wd. This fits that description just about perfectly.

Only thing to confirm is if this really has the NGCS chassis underneath. IN which case this is a great buy for someone who wants solid axles in front and rear for off-roading. Buy one of these, drop in mil-spec axles and a 4wd transfer case, gearbox. You have modern body, engine and tried and tested drivetrain and the NGCS chassis!

Should be cheap as well!

[thedreamcatcher]

Thankfully they did not badge it the THAR

That would have broken a lot of hearts

This one has potential, and is far from perfect. Too many things that are dissapointing, and especially for someone like me who may never be able to ponder driving it comfortably, owing to my 6 ft 3 inch, height and the fixed seats

But as I said, good potential none the less

[starter]

Thank you so much for sharing this Wolf!! Any news on the availability of 4WD?
Really great news. It feels so good to see a new 540/550/Thar in the showroom.
@Behram/Spike: If you are reading this, Thank You.
Cheers,
Deepak

[trammway]

What is the price tag this vehicle holds?