New Mahindra Thar Puts Its INSPIRATION Jeep Wrangler To Shame - Here's How

Mahindra Thar is currently on sale in its second-gen avatar. While the last-gen model looked a lot like the Jeep-licensed Mahindra products from the past, the new-gen model draws inspiration from the latest-gen Jeep Wrangler. However, Mahindra has managed to keep it as distinctive as possible, and so is the case with its safety rating. The new-gen Mahindra Thar was recently put to test by Global NCAP under safer cars for India campaign. The offroader performed really well on the testbed and bagged a 4-star crash test rating for adult occupant safety and child occupant safety. Its inspiration - Jeep Wrangler, however, was awarded a 1-star rating by Euro NCAP.

The new-gen Thar is a ladder-frame SUV. Therefore, a 4-star crash test rating for such a vehicle is considered as a big achievement. According to Global NCAP, Thar’s body shell is rated as stable and can withstand further loading. The footwell area, however, is rated as unstable. Thanks to ISOFIX anchorages and top tethers for child seats, Thar managed to score a 4-star crash test rating for child occupant safety. Moreover, the new-gen Thar comes equipped with dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belts with pre-tensioners, ABS with EBD, high-speed notifications, and rear parking sensors as standard fitment across the range.

In comparison, the Jeep Wrangler performed poorly on Euro NCAP’s testbed. During the test, A-pillars and the trans-fascia beam of the Wrangler were highly damaged. Hence, the body shell and footwell area of the Wrangler was rated as unstable. However, the Wrangler comes fitted with more active & passive safety systems than the Thar. It gets front airbags, side curtain airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, seat belt reminders for all passengers, speed assistance system and more.

Talking of the prices, the all-new Thar is retailed at a starting price of Rs. 9.80 lakh, whereas the Jeep Wrangler is priced at Rs. 68.94 lakh. Interestingly, the Thar has managed to score better numbers at the testbed, though, it is cheaper than the Wrangler by almost Rs. 50 lakh. The new-gen Thar is offered with two engine options – 150 Hp 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol and 130 Hp 2.2L mHawk turbo-diesel. It can be had mated to either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed AT. Also, it comes standard with a 4x4 layout, low-ratio gearbox, and a mechanically-locking rear differential.