On-Road Score

Mahindra Thar 3 door diesel manual. There's something raw and real about the Thar. It's not just a car it's an experience. I love the 3 door version with the diesel engine and manual gearbox because it feels old-school in the best way. You're connected to the machine shifting gears by hand, feeling the torque of the diesel engine, and hearing that solid clunk when the 4x4 is engaged. The Thar is built to take on anything. Whether it's bad roads, slush, sand, or steep trails it just keeps going without breaking a sweat. Driving it makes you feel like you can conquer anything. It's not trying to be soft or fancy it's honest, capable, and full of character. What I also like is how it's evolved. The new Thar is way more comfortable than the older one it has better seats, a touchscreen, and safety features but it still keeps that rugged charm. The design is boxy and bold, and it always turns heads wherever it goes. And the best part? It brings people together. Whether you're going on a road trip, camping with friends, or just cruising on a Sunday, the Thar always makes the journey more fun and memorable. For me,

Mahindra Thar (second-generation stands out to me not just as a vehicle, but as an embodiment of character, adventure, and transformation. It beautifully bridges the gap between rugged, old-school off-roading heritage and modern-day practicality. What makes the Thar especially compelling is how Mahindra has evolved it from being a niche enthusiast's toy into a more refined, lifestyle-oriented SUV without compromising on its core DNA. From a design standpoint, the new Thar retains its iconic stance and presence while adding premium touches and improved ergonomics. Under the hood, both the petrol and diesel powertrains offer solid performance, and the availability of automatic transmissions has broadened its appeal. What I admire most is its versatility. It can be a daily driver in the city (thanks to better road manners and safety features like ESP and airbags), but it's equally at home climbing rocky trails, wading through streams, or exploring rural backroads. The fact that it offers 4x4 capability as standard across variants reflects Mahindra's commitment to authenticity.

Among all the cars currently on sale in India, my personal favourite is the Mahindra Thar (2nd Generation, 4x4 variant). While there are more technologically advanced or luxurious vehicles in the market, the Thar stands out to me for what it represents: a true-blue, go-anywhere lifestyle vehicle that stays rooted in ruggedness, simplicity, and character. Having had the privilege of owning and working on an ex-army Mahindra MM550, I deeply appreciate Mahindra's efforts in evolving the Thar without diluting its core DNA. What draws me most to the new Thar is the balance it strikes between modern comfort and traditional off-road capabilities. It retains its ladder-frame chassis, low-range transfer case, and mechanical robustness— qualities that are becoming increasingly rare in today's market of soft-roaders and compact SUVs. Yet, Mahindra has added modern touches like a touchscreen infotainment system, factory-fitted hardtop, and improved ride comfort, making it far more livable for daily use. From a design perspective, it retains a classic charm while adopting a contemporary stance. Whether it's for weekend trails, long highway drives, or just the joy of driving a vehicle th

I believe it strikes a perfect balance between off-road capability, modern creature comforts, and aspirational value. The new Thar retains its rugged DNA and iconic design while offering significant improvements in terms of safety, refinement, and technology. Whether you're driving through city traffic, taking a weekend trip to the mountains, or simply appreciating the stance of the vehicle, the Thar commands attention and respect. It represents the evolution of Indian automotive engineering from being utilitarian-focused to matching international lifestyle standards. The availability of both petrol and diesel options, coupled with automatic and manual transmissions, also reflects how Mahindra has considered a wider audience. I respect the way it has broadened the appeal of off-road vehicles in India.

I currently own the second gen Mahindra Thar , I have a long list of pros, but i will share the top 5 1. True off roader: Thar handles tough terrain with ease, making it perfect for adventurous getaways i am able to experience it capability on 15km off road trail to Sandhakphu 2. Iconic design : It's rugged and boxy design stands out on the road 3. Powerful engine options: both petrol and diesel variants offer solid performance with smooth power delivery, I own the petrol version which produces 320 Nm of torque more than enough for both highways and trails 4. Commanding seating Position: clear view of the bonnet and the road ahead 5. Road Presence: I have no words for this wherever the machine goes it turns heads