Jeepers, does this look familiar? Kiwis will get to evaluate the new Mahindra Thar, just revealed in home market India.

“IT’S not only a vehicle – it’s a beast.”

If that soundbite from the promotional video featured here today comes across as fighting talk … well, it’s intentional.

Rhetoric in tune with somewhat, erm, ‘familiar’ styling for the Mahindra Thar reminds this is a maker hellbent on being noticed. Potentially at any cost. Including, perhaps, in legal fees? Who can say. 

Kiwis won’t have to wait long before they get to judge this model’s ‘jeep-ness’ for themselves.

Mahindra’s New Zealand distributor has confirmed intent to add the Thar to their lineup, the push beginning – coronavirus lockdowns notwithstanding – with an example displaying at the Big Boys Toys show in Auckland in mid-November, a preamble to it releasing for sale … well, some time after that.

The exact launch timing is not the only matter to be sorted. Price and specifications for our market are still being worked through as well, a spokesman says.

However, the primary target has been identified and, for all its Wrangler-esqueness (not a word but, hey, it works), Mahindra assuredly isn’t hunting Jeeps.

Instead has sights on another off-road hero, one firmly stuck in the budget end of the mud-flinging sector – the $25,990 Suzuki Jimny. Whether that’s the measuring stick for the higher-end AX model or entry LX is unclear.

Exactly how closely will this second-generation shape up against the country’s favourite small SUV?

Go Thar and you’re getting a machine that’s also in dual-range part-time four-wheel-drive but is a bit bigger and around 540kg heavier, though it also offers a longer wheelbase, a roomier cabin (with four or six seat layouts depending on trim) and comes with a diesel engine, an option Suzuki doesn’t have. With the Mahindra, too, there’s a mechanical locking rear diff, front swaybar disconnect and larger fuel tank. It also provisions in soft top or hard top formats.

Some of these features represent as upgrades over the old one. Thar arranges with two engines in India, both four-cylinders and both new.

Thar sits on a ladder-frame chassis, has front-axle disconnect, differential on both ends via brakes, and a mechanical rear locking differential. The off-roading angles are a 41.8 degree approach, 36.8 degree departure and 27 degree breakover.

When equipped with 18-inch wheels and 225/65 tyres as an option to the entry 245/75 R16 set the ground clearance is 226mm and 650mm wading depth.

The Jimny has a 37 degree approach, 28 degree rampover and 49 degree departure angle, ground clearance of 210mm and wading depth of 300mm. Kerb masses are 1650kg versus 1090kg, Thar’s GVM has to be announced.

Thar’s revision brings a fresh grille, LED round headlamps and driving lights, new fog lamps and new taillights. Seat coverings are cloth or vinyl and it has a height-adjustable driver’s seat, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, driver’s display with LCD display, multi-function steering wheel with controls for voice, audio and cruise functions, and roof-mounted speakers.

Tyre direction monitoring, electronic stability, hill hold assist, and hill descent control are features. India-market models have only dual airbags and basic electronic safety aids, but it’s expected export vehicles will achieve more safety inclusions.