Mahindra and Mahindra, India’s No-1 sports utility vehicle manufacturer gave a perfect Christmas gift for Indian off roading enthusiasts. The gift is a perfect 4×4 off roader the THAR CRDe, Mahindra  Thar was already launched in  South Africa and Europe. Thar is based on Mahindra’s MM 540D, which has strong demand in pre owned car market. Mahindra Thar CRDe is powered by a 2.5 litre  engine produces 105PS power at peak  and 247Nm maximum  torque at very low RPM (1800-2000 rpm). The mechanicals of Mahindra Thar off roader is a mix of it’s siblings, ie  Scorpio and Bolero.

Thar’s 2.5 litre CRDe  engine is coupled to a 5 Speed – Manual gearbox. A Borg Warner – Manual Shift unit will do transmission duty in 4WD variant of  Mahindra Thar. Indian metropolitan cities will get Thar with CRDe engine while rural India will have DI engines. Mahindra Thar will have both 2WD and 4WD configurations. Mahindra Thar will have 200mm ground clearance which will be more enough to perform it’s off roading duties. The Thar can accommodate seven people and have wheel base of 2430 mm.

A pair of independent front suspension with Torsion & Stabiliser bar set up is employed in front while the rear has a set of semi elliptical leaf springs with tension sides shot penned. Company has launched launched Thar in seven cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Mangalore, Cochin and Jaipur) currently, remaining cities will get Thar by Jan 2011. The BS III variant, Mahindra Thar DI will be priced at Rs 4.47 lakh, ex-showroom Jaipur and the BS IV Thar CRDe is priced at Rs 5.99 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. The prices look attractive and we think our off roading community will make Mahindra and Mahindra’s plant busy producing Thar for them.

Thar will come with host of customisation options like bull bars, roll-over bar, protector grills, fog lamps, alloys, canopies, seat covers, central locking.

For more details go through company press release.

Mumbai, December 21, 2010: Mahindra & Mahindra, India’s market leader in utility vehicles today introduced its legendary 4X4 off roader the Thar CRDe, in India. The much awaited 4×4 off-roader is being launched in India and is targeted at the offroading enthusiasts, retro look seekers & people wanting to make a unique style statement. The Thar aims to play a significant role in shaping the lifestyle vehicle segment both in urban and rural India. Consumers today are looking for a different lifestyle, as they seek adventure and a fun experience which the Thar will offer. With the retro look back in vogue, the Thar is all set to chart a new terrain in the Indian automobile industry.

Speaking at the launch Mr. Rajesh Jejurikar, Chief Executive, Automotive Division, Mahindra &Mahindra Ltd, said, “Having realized the potential of this emerging segment of offroad enthusiasts and lifestyle seekers, we have launched the Thar in India. The Thar is an extension of our legacy and what Mahindra stands for. Popular amongst generations of off-road enthusiasts, style seekers and even war-veterans, not many vehicles share the same legendary past and iconic status of theMahindra Thar.”

Mr Rajan Wadhera, Chief Executive, TPDS, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “The Thar is a manual 4×4 machine coupled with a powerful CRDe engine 77 kw (105 BHP) & drive by wire technology which is capable of providing it variable speeds and acceleration. To handle this excess power, THAR CRDe’s tough rigid ladder frame chassis has been optimised to enable crisp handling. Modern suspension layout of IFS and abuse resistant rear leaf springs delivers a great balance between ride and handling which is unheard of in this segment before. Light & responsive Integral power steering gives delightful manoeuvrability to the Thar”.

Initially set up to manufacture general-purpose utility vehicles, Mahindra & Mahindra’s heritage began with assembly of the iconic Mahindra CJ 340 in India. The company later branched out into manufacture of utility and light commercial vehicles. It grew rapidly from being a manufacturer of army vehicles and tractors to an automobile major with a growing global appetite. Today, with changing lifestyles and evolving consumer needs, M&M is all set to redefine the Indian offroading category with its unique retro look offering, the Thar CRDe. The Thar CRDe is a true blue, stylish off roader, which is an evolved version of the Mahindra CJ340, the MM 540, the Classic and the Legend. A typical Mahindra breed, the Thar CRDe, is now faster, stronger and more powerful and reflects the company’s legendary tough and rugged DNA. Priced at Rs. 5.99 lacs (ex showroom Delhi, BS IV variant), the Thar CRDe attempts to evoke nostalgia of a time when off-roading was simply about pure adrenaline. The powerful CRDe engine delivers on power and fuel economy.

The cabin can seat seven people, while two rear bench seats can be folded to create a massive luggage area. It is available in a BS IV variant with power steering as a standard fitment, giving it a comfortable drive. The customization options and accessorized vehicles are also available for booking. The Thar will be launched in Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Mangalore and Jaipur by end December and the rest of India by January 2011. The Thar is also available with a DI engine as a base variant. The Thar DI will be positioned as a lifestyle vehicle for the rural market with both 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive options. The BS III variant will be priced at Rs 4.47 lacs, ex showroom Jaipur.

We are still waiting to see Mahindra Thar in flesh. Have you ever seen one..? If so share your experience.

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