[Aroy]

Originally Posted by harikrishnanm

Me and three friends are planning on an India trip covering 7000 Kms over a month or so. Would the Thar be a good option to do this trip. Most of the roads are "not too great" since we want to really explore the interiors of our country. Not too much of off-road though, but there is a lot of hilly terrain, bad roads and such.

For the THAR, I'm sure this is a song. Am worried about the ride and its effect on the passengers. I'm thinking of getting the ARC leaf springs, and get the seats replaced with something more ergonomic (say Scorpio or Honda City seats in the front and the existing front seats move back). The tryes would also have an A/T tag.

Thoughts ? Advice ?

MODS: Please move to an appropriate thread if this is not the right one. Thanks.

For expeditions Thar is good for two persons only.

For 4 persons and luggage, I think that Thar is a bit too small. Scorpio 4x4 would be more appropriate. In case, if you can do without the ABS and Airbags (any way Thar does not have them), Scorpio LX 4x4 with steel wheels is the best option.

For rough roads steel wheels in my opinion are better than alloys as they can take a lot of beating.

With hard top and lockable cabin, you will not have to off load every piece of luggage at every halt.

You will need only 2 rows of front facing seats and leave the third row at home, that will give you plenty of luggage space. Add two 20L cans for fuel and another one for water and you have a decent expedition vehicle

[headers]

Originally Posted by Aroy

For expeditions Thar is good for two persons only.

For 4 persons and luggage, I think that Thar is a bit too small. Scorpio 4x4 would be more appropriate. In case, if you can do without the ABS and Airbags (any way Thar does not have them), Scorpio LX 4x4 with steel wheels is the best option.

OT: But how does the TATA safari 4x4 compare with the Scorpio Lx4x4 as a expedition vehicle?

The TS is obviously more comfortable than the MS, both have similar powertrain and specs etc. Hence this question.

[Off Roadie]

The Safari is much more comfy but the Scorpio is easier to manoeuvre due to it's smaller dimensions plus with 4 bucket seats each passenger gets a lot of freedom.

[cpbopanna]

Originally Posted by Off Roadie

The Safari is much more comfy but the Scorpio is easier to manoeuvre due to it's smaller dimensions plus with 4 bucket seats each passenger gets a lot of freedom.

Go in for a diesel SX4, good ground clearance, excellent seating for 4, big boot, can take on any road that a Safari or Scorpio can (except hard core off-roads), can cruise at high speeds all day long and last and not the least, NO HEADACHES!

[rakchow]

Found a Thar in Worli. Mumbai with the Italian Hardtop.(already posted in GTO's Armadillo hard top thread)
Posting here for better visibilty.
Quality was exemplary.

The Winch was Bushranger i think and was used(apparent from irregular winding). The vehicle had recaros, front and back and chrom hood latches and internal grill (Which i loved to the core).
I believe CpBopanna has written to the italian supplier and is figuring out a deal to import the HT. Fingers crossed

[ashishy]

Originally Posted by rakchow

Found a Thar in Worli. Mumbai with the Italian Hardtop.(already posted in GTO's Armadillo hard top thread)
Posting here for better visibilty.
Quality was exemplary.

I'm assuming from the sticker that it is done by Mahindra Customization.

[fiat_tarun]

Originally Posted by rakchow

Found a Thar in Worli. Mumbai with the Italian Hardtop.(already posted in GTO's Armadillo hard top thread)
Posting here for better visibilty.
Quality was exemplary.

If i'm right, this Thar is parked in M&M's Worli office parking ? I too saw this when I was there last month for a meeting and I must say it looked really good. Very very nice hardtop.

[DHABHAR.BEHRAM]

Dear Rakchow / Fiat Tarun - that's a very special Thar for a very special person. . There is another one also, how come you saw only one? .

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

[cpbopanna]

Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM

Dear Rakchow / Fiat Tarun - that's a very special Thar for a very special person. . There is another one also, how come you saw only one? .

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

Dear Mr. Dhabhar

Who might the special persons be?

Also, can you please opine if it makes sense to import the hard-tops into India? I am in touch wit the Italian supplier, who has finally quoted 1,300 Euro per piece, ex-works in Italy, (bulk shipment) and we can fit 15/20 hard-tops into a container!

Regards

Bopanna

[DHABHAR.BEHRAM]

Originally Posted by cpbopanna

Dear Mr. Dhabhar - Who might the special persons be? Also, can you please opine if it makes sense to import the hard-tops into India? I am in touch wit the Italian supplier, who has finally quoted 1,300 Euro per piece, ex-works in Italy, (bulk shipment) and we can fit 15/20 hard-tops into a container! Regards Bopanna

Dear Mr.cpbopanna - who? Your guess is as good as mine. Let's leave it at that, please. . (I wish it was me!).

By the way, did you see the wheel rims? The inset for front / rear wheel rims is different. Like this, there are many other things in the Europe vehicle, which have not landed in domestic! . Let's hope for the best.

The cost of the hard top seems to be on the higher side, maybe needs some negotiation. Try your luck! I fail to understand one thing, I had completed 70% of the same thing in Nasik. By now, the product should have hit the showroom for you to buy. I wish I knew these answers!

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

[rakchow]

The rims were indeed looking good.Yes DB sir,I saw the vehicle in mahindra corp office. I met some really high level people(no names). one fine gentleman is actually in charge of Xuv500 from its inception.

[niks_devil666]

What is the typical mileage thar owners are getting , in a.city , b.highway and c.mixed driving conditions ?

[novice29]

Is there a 12V Socket available as standard? Just wanted to know how can we charge a GPS device or mobile phone.

[harikrishnanm]

Originally Posted by cpbopanna

Go in for a diesel SX4, good ground clearance, excellent seating for 4, big boot, can take on any road that a Safari or Scorpio can (except hard core off-roads), can cruise at high speeds all day long and last and not the least, NO HEADACHES!

Thanks for all those responses folks. It puts things into perspective.
I have a Scoprio VLX Automatic and an SX4 petrol currently. The head says one of these. The heart screams THAR!!!!.

But yes, there are issues raised that need consideration. I hope Ill be able to get over them; possibly the Italian hard top is just the recipe. I guess the theme with the THAR is that "one just has to find a way"

The captain seats are not an option but a necessity. Will probably go in for the Innova seats or try getting Scorpio or Honda seats for the front and move the stock front seats to the rear.

Hard top is something that I can live without. I tried the A/C with the soft top on the demo THAR at India Garage, Bangalore. Manageable. Anyway we plan to do this trip in Feb 2013. So weather might be more forgiving.

Any idea where to get BFG A/T tyres for the THAR in Bangalore ? The stock H/T does not inspire or instill a lot of confidence on the THAR.

Luggage space is a challenge. Possibly create a lockable luggage box for the rear and mount the seats on that ? I guess we need to innovate here.

[headers]

Originally Posted by harikrishnanm

I have a Scoprio VLX Automatic and an SX4 petrol currently. The head says one of these. The heart screams THAR!!!!.

Use your head - The heart will thank you later