New Mahindra Thar Gets Stuck Off Road, Rescued by Toyota Fortuner

Since its launch last year, the second-generation Mahindra Thar has been of the most in-demand vehicles in India. Demand has been so high that the automaker had to increase production by 50% within the first few months of the Thar going on sale. Currently, the 4x4’s waiting period stretches to over 9 months and may get longer due to the shortage of supplies to manufacture the vehicle. The 2020 Thar is an all-new model, based on a completely different platform and comes with new, more powerful powertrain options. Its predecessor has become a legendary hardcore off-roader, and while the new one carries on that legacy it also comes with modern features and creature comforts that make it a viable daily driver. Today we came across this video where a 2020 Thar gets stuck in a ditch.

The video has been uploaded by SHRI vlogs on YouTube in which we can various vehicles that have come for this off-roading session. There are a couple of second-generation Mahindra Thars, a Toyota Fortuner, and there are several Maruti Gypsies, modified to different extents. The group is off-roading in a muddy and ditch filled area. One of the Gypsy starts off by slowly driving down a steep section to a very tight spot, with a massive ditch on the left side. After some instructions from the spotter, the 4x4 drives towards the steep section with momentum and clears it.

On one of the obstacles, a 2020 Mahindra Thar gets stuck while on the way down. The bottom of the section had a pit, which led to the Thar’s bumper hitting the ground and getting stuck. After trying to free itself, the Thar failed and assistance was required, which came in the form of the Toyota Fortuner. The Thar’s rear is attached to the Fortuner using ropes, then the Thar driver engages reverse while the Fortuner starts pulling it from the ditch. After some initial wheelspin due to low traction, the Fortuner pulls out the Thar quite easily.

Prices for the new Mahindra Thar range between Rs 12.10 lakh – Rs 14.15 lakh, ex-showroom. Mahindra has discontinued the launch base variants as there wasn’t enough demand. The new Thar comes with 2 engine options, a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, and a 2-litre turbo-petrol. The oil-burner makes 130 PS/320 Nm of peak figures while the petrol makes 150 PS/320 Nm of max figures. Transmission options for both the powertrains are a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic with a low range box. You also get a transfer case and a mechanically locking centre differential for proper off-roading.