Not only is the new Mahindra Thar a much better SUV on the road, its still a hardcore off-roader and gets several improvements on that front too. So here’s all that makes the new Thar a much better off-roader.
The new second-gen Mahindra Thar has created quite a buzz and honestly, it deserves all the attention it is getting. For the first time, the Mahindra Thar is more than just an off-roader and a regular SUV for that matter. It has gained a new petrol engine, an automatic transmission, a touchscreen infotainment system and a few more other essential goodies as well. But while enough has already been talked about the Thar’s improved on-road dynamics, it still remains a hard-core off-roader and that is still what a large part of its buying audience will look at. So here’s all the off-road goodies that the new Mahindra Thar gets and those that make it even more capable off the road.
First, the off-road specs
The new Mahindra Thar comes with improved breakover and departure angles. The new Thar has a departure angle of 36.8 degrees which is a massive 9.8 degrees improvement over its predecessor. Meanwhile, the breakover angle too has been massively improved by 12 degrees, now standing at 27 degrees. The ground clearance of the new Thar stands at 226mm, again a huge improvement of 26mm over its predecessor. All this will help the Thar much more in situations where the SUV is rock crawling or having to go over steep inclines or declines.
The approach angle of the new Thar has however dropped marginally by 2.2 degrees, now standing at 41.8 degrees. The new Thar has a water wading depth of 650mm which is plenty deep. It will wade through most of Mumbai’s flooded roads in the monsoons quite easily indeed.
Suspension Setup
The second-gen Mahindra Thar has ditched its old-school leaf spring suspension from its predecessor and adopts new multi-link suspension at the rear and independent double wishbone front suspension. The advantages of this new suspension setup are many, ranging from better approach and departure angles, longer suspension travel and better wheel articulation, better flexing and can better handle abrupt forces like sudden landings. Moreover, the benefits with regard to on-road dynamics are on a separate level.
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Low Range Transfer Case and Locking Differentials
The second-gen Thar continues with its shift-on-the-fly low-range transfer case and it has three modes on offer – 2H, 4H, 4L. The 4×4 system on the Thar also includes a mechanically locking differential at the rear which helps to distribute power to the wheels which has the maximum traction in slippery conditions. What’s completely new on the second-gen Thar is a electronically controlled brake locking differential, which essentially acts as a traction control in low grip conditions, braking wheels which do not have grip and sending power to where its needed most.
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Other off-road goodies
As mentioned before, the new Mahindra Thar is a thoroughly modern SUV and it gets features like hill-hold and hill descent control. Such features were unimaginable on the previous-gen Thar. The hill-hold feature helps the SUV stay stationery on an inclined surface while the hill descent feature eases downhill excursions. The Thar also gets ESP with rollover mitigation and an electric driveline disconnect which helps in better transition from 2WD to 4WD modes. These are nifty features that make a world of a difference and makes the Thar much more capable than it has ever been.
