We’ve tested the 2.0-litre mStallion engine on the Thar and found it refined, vibration-free and punchy. In this RWD avatar there are no changes to the power output of the four-cylinder, which is still 150hp and 320Nm, and the six-speed torque converter (which is currently the only gearbox choice) hasn’t been changed in any way either. That means power delivery remains smooth and linear, with a good dose of grunt right off the bat.
Even the NVH stays well under control when wrung out hard, and the TGDi feels like a really modern engine. Despite being a petrol engine, the low-end torque delivery is more than adequate, and for highway cruising speeds the engine would comfortably rev below 2000 rpm. Even in city traffic, the petrol engine gives no reason to complain.
Then the automatic transmission is quite responsive too, but you can feel it working the clogs, whether it’s on kickdown or upshifts. On the downside, fuel efficiency was a crack in the armor of the Thar petrol. To compensate for the lower fuel efficiency, the auto start-stop function was provided. We weren’t able to do our regular fuel efficiency run this time but the MID showed an average of 10km/h throughout the day where we spend most of our hours in the city, the highway runs back and forth from our filming location a little bumpy road traffic.
That brings us to the potential beyond the paved roads. When civilization ends, the Thar RWD might still wander on, undeterred. The off-road angles and articulation remain unchanged. And there’s hardly a trail the Thar 4×4 couldn’t conquer before it switched to the 4H or 4L ratio. So the rear-wheel drive Thar can still cross rivers, drive over scree and gravel and through the wilderness. But die-hard off-road fanatics would certainly despise the idea of a rear-wheel drive Thar. In fact, it would take the skill of battle-hardened off-roaders to solve this thar 2WD where the 4×4 version would slip.
As for the ride, the ladder frame construction makes the Thar a tough contender on any road surface you throw in its way. However, we know that this version of Thar is meant to be used on paved roads rather than the beaten track, the ride isn’t designed for that. It still bounces and bounces in the usual bodywork SUV manner and won’t be as comfortable as it should be for your trip to the club or your office commute.
But with a stern determination, you can flat out flat out down any crater-riddled road you venture on. With no axle up front, the steering is a little less heavy than the 4×4 version, but it’s still on the beefy side for a city slicker, and not progressive either. It has good highway stability but offers arm workouts when maneuvering in the urban jungle.
