Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top

Buying a new car in India is always a big decision, isn't it? You juggle so many things: how much it will cost, how safe it is for your family, what the monthly expenses like fuel and service will be, and of course, all the cool new features. Finding a vehicle that ticks all these boxes, especially one that stands out from the crowd, can be a real hunt. But what if we told you there's a car that's not just a car, but an adventure waiting to happen, without compromising on those crucial factors? Today, we're taking a deep dive into one of India's most talked-about lifestyle SUVs, the new Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top. Let's see if this rugged beauty is the right fit for your garage and your lifestyle.

Main Highlights of the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top

Engine Specifications

The Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top offers powerful engine choices that are ready for any challenge, whether you're cruising on highways or tackling rough terrains.

• 2.0L mStallion 150 TGDi Petrol: This turbocharged petrol engine delivers a robust 150 bhp of power and 300 Nm (manual) or 320 Nm (automatic) of torque. It's lively and refined, perfect for both city drives and open roads.
• 2.2L mHawk 130 Diesel: For diesel lovers, this engine offers 130 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque. It's known for its strong low-end grunt, which is excellent for off-roading and long-distance cruising with good fuel efficiency.

Design Overview

The Thar LX Hard Top perfectly blends its iconic, rugged heritage with modern aesthetics and comfort.

• Exterior Design: It instantly catches your eye with its classic, muscular stance, wide fenders, and signature vertical slat grille. The factory-fitted hard top adds to its practicality and all-weather usability, making it look sleek while also being very secure. Large alloy wheels, round headlights, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel complete its adventurous look.
• Interior Design:

  Inside, the Thar LX Hard Top strikes a balance between rugged utility and contemporary comfort. The cabin feels well-built and is designed to be water-resistant, which is a big plus for an off-roader. You get comfortable front seats and side-facing rear seats, though a front-facing option is now available for some variants. The overall layout is practical, with easy-to-reach controls.

Key Features

The LX trim is the top-of-the-line for the 3-door Thar and comes packed with features to enhance your driving experience:

• 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Adventure Statistics Display (Shows pitch, roll, compass, etc.)
• Cruise Control
• Steering-mounted Audio and Phone Controls
• Electrically Operated ORVMs (Outside Rear-View Mirrors)
• Manual AC (Air Conditioning)
• Colour Multi-Information Display (MID) in the instrument cluster
• Water-resistant interior with washable floor
• Removable Hard Top

What is the Ground Clearance of the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top?

The Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top boasts an impressive ground clearance of 226 mm (on 18-inch wheels), making it capable of tackling deeply rutted roads and challenging off-road trails without scraping its underbelly.

What is the Boot Space of the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top?

With the side-facing rear seats in place, the boot space is quite limited, around 152 litres. However, the rear seats can be folded or removed to create significantly more cargo room when needed.

What are the Dimensions of the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top?

• Length: 3985 mm
• Width: 1855 mm
• Height:
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

The Thar LX Hard Top offers serious capability with both engine choices paired with suitable transmission and drivetrain options:

• Transmission: Both the petrol and diesel engines are available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
• Drivetrain: The LX variants typically come with a robust 4x4 drivetrain featuring a low-range transfer case, which is essential for serious off-roading. There are also Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) options available in lower variants of the Thar, offering a more accessible entry point.

Safety Features

Mahindra has equipped the Thar LX Hard Top with a good set of safety features to protect its occupants:

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Roll-over Mitigation
• Hill Hold Control
• Hill Descent Control
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Safety Rating

The Mahindra Thar has undergone safety assessments, giving prospective buyers peace of mind.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Safety	Child Occupant Safety
Global NCAP	4 Stars	4 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Yet to be rated	Yet to be rated

Note: The Global NCAP rating is for the 3-door Mahindra Thar as tested in 2020. Bharat NCAP tests are for newer models and the 3-door Thar is yet to be tested under this new protocol.

Rivals of the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top

In the Indian market, the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top competes with other capable off-road focused SUVs:

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny (5-door)
• Force Gurkha (3-door and 5-door)
• To some extent, other compact SUVs for overall lifestyle appeal, though not direct off-road rivals.

How is the Car? Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top Pros & Cons

Advantages (Pros)

• Unmatched Road Presence: Its iconic design truly stands out, turning heads everywhere.
• Serious Off-Road Capability: With 4x4, low-range transfer case, excellent ground clearance, and approach/departure angles, it's a true go-anywhere vehicle.
• Powerful Engine Options: Both petrol and diesel engines are refined and offer strong performance.
• Comfortable Ride (for an off-roader): Compared to its predecessor, the current Thar offers a much more compliant ride quality.
• Practical Hard Top: Offers better security, noise insulation, and weather protection than a soft top.
• Good Safety Rating: A 4-star Global NCAP rating instills confidence.
• Lifestyle Vehicle: More than just transport, it's a statement and opens up new avenues for adventure.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Limited Rear Seat Comfort and Access: The side-facing rear seats (in the 3-door) are not ideal for adults on long journeys, and access can be tricky.
• Small Boot Space: With all seats in use, luggage capacity is minimal.
• Not the Most Fuel Efficient: Given its rugged build and powerful engines, mileage might not be a top priority for some buyers.
• Wide Turning Radius: Can be a bit challenging to maneuver in tight city spaces.
• Noisy at High Speeds: While improved, some wind and road noise can filter into the cabin at higher speeds due to its boxy design.
• Price Point: While competitive for its segment, it might feel a bit premium for some looking for a daily driver only.

Conclusion: Is the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top For You?

The Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top is more than just an SUV; it's a lifestyle statement. If your idea of driving involves exploring beyond paved roads, seeking adventure, and owning a vehicle with immense character, then the Thar LX Hard Top could be your perfect companion. It offers a unique blend of iconic design, robust performance, impressive off-road capability, and a decent set of modern features and safety for its class.

While it might have some compromises in terms of rear-seat practicality and boot space for daily family use, its strengths as an adventure vehicle are undeniable. If you're looking for a vehicle that can truly take you places, turn heads, and offer a thrilling driving experience, then the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top deserves a serious look. Make sure to take a test drive to feel its raw appeal and see if it aligns with your adventurous spirit.