[Jaguar]

Originally Posted by newbie_thar

2- Does anyone have any experience with Auto Style in Banglore? How good are they?

I have got some work done from them including some Bimbra accessories like the armrest. Pretty satisfied with the service. I know several others in the Thar Bangalore group who have a similar experience with Auto Style.

[ravishankr89]

Hi fellow petrol heads.

My 1st post on Team BHP. Thank you guys for letting me into this community.
I got my Thar P MT HT Grey 10days ago. Its my only car and i plan to keep it like that. Will try my best to give you guys an honest review as there is very little info on the manual petrol version of the Thar online. I have done only 1000kms so far and just got my complimentary service done today.

I got some OEM accessories fitted;
- Big Deflector - Rs.1760
- Rear Camera kit - Rs.4100
- Front Parking sensors - Rs.3250
- SS scuff plate - Rs.630
- Front & Rea Mud flaps - Rs.865
- Underbody anti rust black - Rs.4425

I drove straight to an after market accessories shop in Goa. Got the below accessories fitted;
- Napa tan seat covers - Rs.13500
- Front & Rear Arm rests from Bimbra - Rs.19000
- Half roof carrier from Bimbra - Rs.14500
- Leg Padding from Bimbra - Rs.3400
- 4D floor mats - Rs.6800
- Door Rain Visor - Rs.1600

A day after i got the fittings done, I drove Goa to Bombay. It was a 600km (approx) drive. I was doing about 80-100lmph on the speedo. It took me about 9.5hrs with two stops.

Initial impressions are as below;
Looks & Exteriors:
This is the thar's strong point. Its a head turner. Everybody looks in admiration. Most vehicles on the road just let you go looking at the sheer size of the vehicle. I am going for a more rugged kind of look for my thar and have many mods planned in the near future. The grille is a bit of a let down so plan to change it soon. I love the look with the roof carrier on it. Adds to its raw nature. I got the MRF wanderer tyres on my vehicle which look a much better than the ceat ones in my opinion. The ugly blue soap coating on the white writing is hard to remove and takes a bit of work. It took me about 4-5hrs to get it off. Once it comes off, the white writing looks very sporty. Personally, i wish the blue covering would come off easily. Mine is a 2022 august model so my bumpers are fully black unlike the older one with the grey garnish.



Engine & Manual gearbox:
The petrol engine is deadly. The power is superb. The car reacts the way you expect it to. It moves when you want it to thanks to the turbo. 150bhp with 300nm of torque makes this car quite agile and powerful. It never lets you down. Gear shifting is easy though a bit on the harder side. The clutch is super soft and feels like a clutch of a hatchback. On idling the engine is so so quiet, you can barely tell if the car is on. The engine is that refined. In the cabin, the engine noise is negligible. On the FE aspect i tested it on the 600kms drive from goa to bombay. On the highway, the AFE showed 10.2. I used cruise control on 90kmph a lot and was mostly between 80-100kmph. The first 250 off kms were a lot of ghats and bad roads so my mileage then was around 9.7 and then on the highway it rose to 10.2. Currently, i am driving it in bombay traffic and its dropped to 9.5. I will be most happy if my mileage in the city touches 10. Since my usage is limited, i didn't go for the diesel. My car will be parked more than used so petrol made sense and FE won't matter that much in the long run. I love the power on the petrol manual thar and I have always preferred a manual gearbox as it feels more in control for me. Its a lot more fun to drive a manual and somehow the manual feels right for a SUV like thar which a proper driver's car. Its all heart and that should be enjoyed through a manual gearbox.

Interiors & Features:
All black interiors are my favorite. Specially on a car like the Thar. The plastic quality isn't bad. The overall cabin does look modern yet simplistic. I decided to get Tan and black seat covers to make it look sportier.
Noticed a few things that i haven't read about during my thar research which i thought deserved a mention;
- When i engage the reverse gear, the volume of the media player reduces so you can focus better. I love this touch.
- Front parking sensors always show the distance to the obstruction but the beeping audio can be turned on/off when required. Love this too.
- My 2022 model has the dummy keys below the infotainment all used up unlike the older version. The hill descent control, traction control used to be on the right side of the steering before. Its now been moved to the left side on the dummy switches which is a better place. Surprisingly, i have not seen this on any other new 2022 thars at the showroom during the delivery. Happy nevertheless.
- I've got a new feature on my vehicle which is an auto start/stop button. So the car goes off when the car comes to standstill and i release the clutch. As soon as i press the clutch again it automatically comes on again. I'm not sure how much fuel this will save but its a nice feature to have in a manual car. The infotainment system doesn't go off when the engine goes off and on. I really like that. The AC does go off for a split second. Don't mind that.
- TPMS unit of measurement is shown in kpa unit by default but it can be changed to psi in the settings.
- The new 2022 model loses out on two things. I am unhappy about losing the lumbar support knobs. I feel like it would have helped a lot during long drives considering the car lacks thigh support. The seats are not deep enough for a tall guy like me (I'm 6.2). It also loses the 2nd USB port in the front. It didn't bother me much coz my arm rests which i put later had 4 more so its fine for me.
- The steering has to be turned more than other vehicles you will be used to and the turning radius will take some getting used to. The seating position is so high and commanding that the car feels much bigger than it actually is. While this is great, it took me some time to understand the size and the place it needs to squeeze in.
- Rear view through the mirror. you can only see the roof of most cars as the thar is much higher and the mounted spare wheel covers a lot. I mostly use the side mirrors while driving.
- I noticed fogging on the outside of all windows. I have applied an anti fog spray on the inside windows. The windshield did fog up quite a bit when it was raining. Need to crack how to use it in a way where the temp balance is good and the fogging can reduce during the monsoon.
- Headspace and Leg space seems ample for me and someone sitting behind me as well. The leg padding from Bimbra on the side of the center console is a must in my opinion. Mahindra should have padded this as the foot well is a bit cramped so drivers will definitely rest their calf/knees on the side of the center console.
- Noise levels and tire sounds creeping into the cabin are pretty low. Doesn't bother me at all. The hard top is fine. No leakages. Just a small tik-tik sound of something being lose was there on the front left side but that got fixed at the 1st service.
- The petrol tank lid is manual and needs a key. I find this part annoying. May be I'll get used to it. Time will tell.



Infotainment:
The infotainment system has a lot of features. People complain about the car not having many features but I have moved from a swift to the thar so i feel the feature list is long and more than sufficient for me. Like they say, what you don't know about cannot hurt you. True for me. What i dislike is the fact that the infotainment always starts on the radio mode and sometimes the volume is at zero too. Its a bit irritating and the volume level is inconsistent. Wish I could decide the mode in which it should start. The other issue is that the Bluetooth doesn't always connect. Sometimes it doesn't connect until the key is removed and put back in. I noticed that its happening a lot lesser than it did initially. I also would have liked to rearrange the icons on the home menu to my preference. Navigation should have been on the first page itself but you have to scroll to get it.

Handling:
This is where i feel Mahindra could have done better. Body roll is noticable. Keeping in mind that it is an off roader, i feel the on road manners could have been better and not so bouncy. Turning at higher speeds doesn't give me the confidence from a stability point of view. Speed wise, I felt quite comfortable till 110kmph. Honestly, i haven't pushed it beyond 110 yet or done any heavy breaking as such to judge better. Normal highway breaking, i didn't find anything off. Wish the suspension was better tuned to give the driver that confidence on the highway coz the reality is that even to get to the off-roading places, one has to do quite a bit of highway driving usually.

Mods Planned & Advice Needed:
- I plan on adding some napa tan accenting on the two doors so i can rest my hand on the doors comfortably and the arm rests too so they're softer to feel.
- Front grille - A seven slot matte black grille from Bimbra (model U with side flaps to cover the gap). Is FRP better or ABS? I tried to find out online but didn't get a clear answer. Bimbra has a FRP one that they claim is better than ABS coz ABS will break soon.
- The AC vents to the AMG style vents. They just look and feel much better. Not a fan of the lights in it. I believe it can be switched off.
- Bonnet shocker. The bonnet is super heavy and the shocker might make it easier and safer to operate.
- Grab handles from Bimbra. It will definitely make ingress and egress easier. Not sure if i should do it for the driver's side too. What do you guys think? This involves drilling into the A pillar so I'm a bit skeptical.
- I generally hate chrome. I plan on changing all the chrome badging to matte black.
- Radiator and Fuel tank protector. Is steel ok to put or does it have to be aluminium? I was leaning towards steel as it is considerably cheaper.
- How important is the stepney lock? Should it be put on priority as I'm hearing about the spare wheels being stolen or can it wait. I lived in a gated community but the security is not the strongest at night but never heard of any robberies yet.

Overall, so far I am enjoying this beast of a machine and look forward to creating many wonderful memories with it. If you guys have any advice for me with regards to the Thar maintenance, please do let me know.

[Slipstream11]

I have recently observed that once I insert the key and switch the key position from ACC to a crank position, the engine does not crank, it simply draws a blank.

I have to switch back, remove the key and insert it back again. And then it just works fine - engine cranks.

I have observed this a few times in the last couple of days.

Any idea what's wrong and what could be the issue?

[sandeepmdas]

Originally Posted by ravishankr89

Hi fellow petrol heads.

My 1st post on Team BHP. Thank you guys for letting me into this community.
I got my Thar P MT HT Grey 10days ago.
- Front Parking sensors - Rs.3250

Congratulations for your new ride and your membership..!

I'm not a Thar owner, so I am not trying to answer any of your questions. In fact, I have some questions about the front parking sensors.

- is this an always-on solution or can you turn it off?
- integrated with the head unit or standalone?

TIA. Drive safe.

[strawmUnkey]

We have 2 Thars at home. First one was bought in Feb 2021, and the second one in July 2022.


The newer Thar is missing the following items despite before Rs.4 lakhs more expensive(on-road)

1. Seat Lumbar support adjustment
2. Second USB port for charging
3. Spare key


Some things I found to be different:
1. Dual tone front & rear bumpers are now monotone. Simple unpainted black.
2. AC knobs now have a tire tread pattern.
3. Ceat Czar AT replaced with CEAT Crossdrive AT tires

[udy]

Originally Posted by Jaguar

I have got some work done from them including some Bimbra accessories like the armrest. Pretty satisfied with the service. I know several others in the Thar Bangalore group who have a similar experience with Auto Style.

Can you please lead me to this group, if it is online and if it is ok? I have my Thar coming soon and have a few questions about availability of certain mods in Bangalore. Would be helpful rather than spamming this thread. Thank you in advance.

On a side note to the OP who asked about AutoStyle, I have been a customer of AutoStyle/ AutoFusion/ Touqeer for more than 14 years now and can only say the best things about them.

Just as an FYI, I have not used them for anything Thar related yet though, but do intend to use them extensively for many mods I have planned for. All our previous cars were done up by them and have been quite happy with their service always.

[ravishankr89]

Originally Posted by sandeepmdas

Congratulations for your new ride and your membership..!

I'm not a Thar owner, so I am not trying to answer any of your questions. In fact, I have some questions about the front parking sensors.

- is this an always-on solution or can you turn it off?
- integrated with the head unit or standalone?

TIA. Drive safe.

Hey! Thanks a lot.
it's a standalone small device with lights on it that's attached on the right side corner of the dashboard. There are two sensors on the front bumper. On the left and right side. So it only helps with the corners. Not the flat on front side. The sensor display and lighrs is always on so the tell you when you get closer to any obstacle. There is a small switch on the top which allows you to switch on/off only the beeping sound of the sensor. So only the beeping sound that it makes can be switched on/off. I find it very useful even in everyday driving but with the beeping sound switched off. Usually turn the beeping sound on only while parking in tight spots. Let me know if you want to a pic for better understanding. Tried my best to explain it in words haha

Originally Posted by xtremeshock

Hey Guys,

Modifications: Changed the bumper and grill (Bimbra) with sump guard, head lamps G wagon style - hand rest both rear and front, a/c vent - g-wagon style, Rear tail lamps LED, Black treatment, leather wrapped the steering, foot rest, side support, Bimbra ingress holders.

- The blacked out rims looks super cool!
How much did it cost to get it painted? (if you don't mind telling us). I want to get my rims painted matte black. Any idea if it would affect warranty?
- the G wagon AC vents. What's your review? And price?

Originally Posted by sandeepmdas

According to them:
- the two colors were discontinued simply because of a lack of demand, especially for Mystic Copper. Roughly one out of 30 bookings only.

- the soft-top variant receives bookings even less than that of Mystic Copper, but it is very unlikely to be discontinued. This variant is the one that receives the most attention in the showroom. This sometimes include families who come to take delivery of their XUV700 L model.
:

I'd initially booked the Rockey beige colour. 15 days back my sales manager called me to inform me that rockey beige and mystic copper colours have been discontinued officially. He said that I could still get it if I wanted but it may take longer as they have been discontinued. I'd already waited 8 months and he told me had a ready grey colour so I went for it. So yes, the 2 colours have been discontinued officially. Pity that rockey beige wasn't a preferred colour among buyers. It looks so damn good on the thar in my opinion.

[Jaguar]

Originally Posted by udy

Can you please lead me to this group, if it is online and if it is ok? I have my Thar coming soon and have a few questions about availability of certain mods in Bangalore. Would be helpful rather than spamming this thread. Thank you in advance.

PM me your contact number. But please continue your posts here because it will be useful for the wider audience.

[Venkatesh]

Did Mahindra update the Thar with new logo and new buttons?

https://youtu.be/jU8xsFGMn14

[udy]

I am on a similar dilemma as to the Tyre upgrade. Want to maintain the stock wheel size, but upgrade to 285/60 profile. Am confused between BF Goodrich KO2 or Maxxis Bravo 980 ATs.

I heard that BF Goodrich makes the ride bumpier on normal roads due to its 10ply profile and Maxxis would be the best option if Highway driving is involved as it is 6/8 ply (not very sure).

My use would be 30% on Highways/ Good Roads and 70% on Bad/No Roads. Off Roading would just be a small percentage of it and wanted to check with all those who have upgraded to 285/60 BF Goodrich or Maxxis as to what would be their suggestion based on the above usage pattern. Just as an FYI, budget wont be a constraint and only the practicality matters in regards to this. Thank you in advance for all the help.

Originally Posted by MithunSathianat

Experts, need your suggestions on tyre's/ rims as I am planning to upgrade the stock set up.
I do lot of off-road trails, but doesn't want to put MT tyre's as I use my Thar on-road as well.
The stock set up is 255/65/R18

Option 1

285/60/R18
Available option is BF Goodrich KO2. Its expensive, but I can use the stock alloys and save the cost of new rims.
Another option is Maxxis Bravo 980 AT

[ravishankr89]

Originally Posted by vellatechie

I have always driven manual, for almost 15yrs now. How good or bad is Thar MT compared to AT? Would like to know from people who have driven both extensively.

I am planning to take used car route for Thar. I am getting 7mo old Petrol MT HT for 14.80 and Petrol AT HT for 16.

I drive a Thar P M HT. I test all version in petrol and diesel hardtop before buying. While the automatic gearbox is really well made and super smooth, for me the fun of driving a car like the thar lies in the manual gearbox. I must say I'm very happy with driving a manual. The steering is quite easy. Might feel slightly harder than other lighter cars but it's still drivable with one hand and I think that says a lot. Yes it does require more rotations to do a full U turn but it's quite light. The clutch is very soft. Feels like any other car. The petrol engine is deadly. Its very agile and moves as per your needs. Never lags or no delays in power delivery. Lot of power and torque is tempting. 150bhp with 300nm of torque are great figures for its size. In the city I'm getting about 9-10kmpl and on the highway I get about 10.5kmpl. I just finished my 1000km service so it may improve. I have driven a little over 1000kms so far and I'm loving every bit of the petrol manual. If you really enjoy driving then you will love the petrol manual. If you don't and want an easy convenient drive then go for the petrol automatic but keep in mind your mileage Wil be 6-7kmpl in all probability. I have a long in detail review written on my new thar if you wanna go through that.

[MithunSathianat]

Originally Posted by udy

I am on a similar dilemma as to the Tyre upgrade. Want to maintain the stock wheel size, but upgrade to 285/60 profile. Am confused between BF Goodrich KO2 or Maxxis Bravo 980 ATs.

There are no much reviews from owners using 285/60. For on-road usage it may be ok but my concern is whether it would affect the articulation during offroad. Also, wanted to know
1. If it would rub against any suspension components or front fender during full turns.
2. If any tightness in steering due to the extra load

[.anshuman]

Originally Posted by MithunSathianat

Also, wanted to know
1. If it would rub against any suspension components or front fender during full turns.

Even the stock tyres on stock rims on most cars brush on the inner side at full lock. So 285/60 18 will require negative offset and wider rims, stock rims aren't wide enough to take 285.

285 on stock rims result in worse ride quality, due to sideways rocking due to wide tyre on narrow rim. It can be jugaad fitted with spacer.

Mahindra dealers are proactively noting down upsized tyres(like Toyota and Isuzu) and I have heard case where they denied drivetrain/suspension warranties.

285 does not change articulation. New Thar anyways has limited articulation and relies heavily on MLD & traction control for offroad grip, outright physical grip on uneven ground is severely limited.

[ankushbansal]

Hello all,

I have a CPD for my Thar MT ( D) hard top this month. Considering flashing videos of 5 Door Thar, should i wait for its launch or go for the current 3 door version.

I am a family of four with kids 6 yr and 10 yr.... & occasional ( one or two) long distance trips in a year

[MithunSathianat]

Originally Posted by .anshuman

Even the stock tyres on stock rims on most cars brush on the inner side at full lock. So 285/60 18 will require negative offset and wider rims, stock rims aren't wide enough to take 285.

285 does not change articulation. New Thar anyways has limited articulation and relies heavily on MLD & traction control for off-road grip, outright physical grip on uneven ground is severely limited.

Thank you Anshuman for your comments.
In this case, then I shall plan to downsize the rims to 17 or 16 inches, may be 8j ones.
In your opinion, which out of the below would make more sense?
275/70/16
265/75/16
275/65/17
265/70/17

Good quality spacers are rare to find. Please suggest if you have any pointers.
Are you aware of any lift kit for new Thar? I know Dr.Nano is developing one and the same is under test.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYSTDGI356w