Mahindra Thar [2020-2025]

Mahindra's petrol 150bhp/320Nm 2.0-litre mStallion engine is a work of art; smooth, silent, and powerful. The total absence of NVH when it crawls off the mark to go about the daily runabout tasks will astound you. This motor employs a six-speed torque converter transmission, which, while not particularly smooth, gets the job done.

This is by far the most tempting feature that draws most prospective buyers to Mahindra dealerships. However, unlike its predecessor, the new Thar does not appear to be an afterthought. Everything needed to make it look its best is included in the original packaging. This also means you don't have to go right from the dealership to the aftermarket folks for a makeover, unless you have some pretty unusual gear. Aside from that, no matter which way you look at the rough Thar, it's love at first or every sight. Even the ladies swoon over it!

If you're used to the earlier Thar, the new one's cabin layout and polish will take you by surprise. A stunning combination of a functional design and sophisticated features. Nonetheless, its quality standards fall short of those of similarly priced SUVs like the Creta and others. Although the sight out of the front and side glass areas, as well as the large door mirrors, is acceptable, the spare wheel limits the view out of the back glass, and the lack of a rearview camera is felt keenly.

Jeep fans will like the rexine door restraints, a fuel lid that only opens by moving the key in, hood fasteners, and enough of Thar badging to remind them of what they drive. The 18-inch alloy wheels, a moulded side footstep, a six-speaker touchscreen infotainment system, tilt-adjustable steering with multifunction controls, electric door mirrors and windows, and cruise control round out the package. It has tyre pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors, ESP, ABS with EBD, twin airbags, and a roll cage for protection.