7 Things We Didn’t Like About The New Mahindra Thar 2022
7 Things We Didn't Like About The New Mahindra Thar 2020
Mahindra Launched its much awaited Next-Gen Thar 2020 on this Independence Day. The event was online streamed and it did create a lot of buzz. The new Thar is completely based on new platform and gets more powerful 2.2L Diesel & 2.0L Petrol engines. The design looks more muscular and attracts plenty of eyeballs. The second generation Thar does gets plenty of features, however, there are still some basic things it misses out on. We’ve listed top 5 issues and features which are important for any SUV above INR 10 lakhs.
1. Unremovable Hardtop
Mahindra launched new Thar with Hard and Soft top version. The soft top can be removed, however, the Hardtop can’t. Though Thar is inspired by Jeep’s Wrangler but unlike Wrangler were you can remove Hardtop with few latches, Thar misses out on these options. Also, if Hardtop was planned to be unremovable, it would’ve been great if Mahindra had provided Metallic Hardtop. Given the temperature in India, the metallic Hardtop also makes sense because it is more Heat resistant and minimizes outside noise.
2. No Remote Fuel Lid Opener
How does it feel that way you pay more than INR 10 lakhs and your car doesn’t come with Remote fuel lid opener. The Thar fans might argue that it brings a classic feeling, but come on even the cars priced between 5-8 lakhs get this feature. Imagine how it would feel to get down from massive SUV just to open a fuel lid for refuelling. Remote fuel lid opener would’ve provided more convenience.
3. No Centre Armrest
Yes, Mahindra Thar doesn’t gets centre armrest neither at the front nor at the rear. For a car that is priced between 10-15 lakhs, it’s hard to believe. For an SUV that is branded as lifestyle vehicle and doesn’t offers armrest is highly disappointing. The big wheel arches at the rear would’ve further reduced the cost of armrest at the rear however, Mahindra engineers might not have noticed. Maybe Mentos would’ve helped.
4. Poor Rear Cabin Ventilation
So we already mentioned that Hardtop can’t be removed so one could expect at least windows or the glass panel should’ve slider for any fresh air. However, Mahindra has disappointed here at as well. With no Rear AC vents, passengers at the rear will suffer from heat, given that Hardtops are usually not a good heat resistant as compared to metallic ones.
The big windows at the rear are unfortunately can’t be opened or slide for any fresh air. With no centre/side armrest at the rear with poor ventilation, it would be a nightmare for any passenger for long drives.
5. Poorly Designed Boot Space
Thar gets a poorly designed boot space with seats, which can’t be folded completely. The rear seats can fold forward but after that you’re left with a boot that is not completely flat. With seats allowed to fold fully, it would’ve provided flat boot which is a lot more convenient.
6. Overall Fit and Finish
The new Thar is certainly way better than the old one, however, it doesn’t make it perfect either. There are plenty of ergonomic issues on the inside due to bad quality of fit and finish. At the rear, the wheel arches could’ve been covered with good quality plastic. The wirings are visible between the panels which could be nightmare if any kid pulls it.
7. Features it Misses Out On
The second generation Mahindra Thar is loaded with new features which were missing on old one, however, there are some essential features which could’ve been great. The new Thar doesn’t come with Projector headlamps or LED headlamps, LED fog lamps which are a big disappointment. It also misses out on Cruise Control, Automatic Climate Control, Rear Wiper, Rear AC Vents, Electrically adjustable ORVMs and Dead pedal. These all features are offered in all the cars that are priced between the bracket 10-15 lakhs. Even the higher variant misses out on these features.
Though Mahindra Thar is much improved compared to its older version, however, does it mean it can be your first family car? We don’t think it can be your first car given that it has plenty of ergonomic issues especially at the rear. Thar still is more of an lifestyle vehicle with much better performance and slightly better ergonomics, but certainly not a complete family SUV unlike Jeep’s Wrangler.
If you’re keen to checkout all the details about new Mahindra Thar then do check out our detailed article: New Mahindra Thar 2020
Image Source- CarDekho, Mahindra Auto
