Engage 4x4 India Issue #008: Exploring why the Mahindra Thar is a pop culture icon in Punjab!
The Mahindra Thar has always been the archetype of an SUV, possessing superb road presence, go-anywhere capability and it continues to be immensely desirable. We have spoken about these characteristics of the Thar in depth, but what we haven’t touched upon is the impact that the Thar has had on culture and lifestyle. Until now. In this issue of Engage 4x4, we speak about how the Thar has transformed the pop culture in Punjab. In addition, we drive the Thar RWD that gets a new diesel engine and promises to make more sense to the city-slicker. We also take a closer look at the holy grail of endurance races, the Dakar Rally. All that and a lot more.
Mahindra Scorpio-N crash test
The Mahindra Scorpio-N is one of the most impressive SUVs that we have driven in a while and the bestseller now has another feather in its cap, thank to a 5 Star crash test rating from Global NCAP.
Mahindra Thar MY2023
Mahindra has given the Thar a few subtle updates for 2023, and these include tweaks to the styling as well as the creature comforts on offer. This is not the most comprehensive update, but the small improvements only make the Thar an even better package than it was before.
Mahindra Thar RWD first drive review
The Mahindra Thar now gets a RWD-only variant that will be sold alongside the Thar 4x4 and it aims to cater to the needs of the city-slicker better. While it being offered with the same mStallion petrol engine as the 4x4, the Thar RWD is powered by a new 1.5-litre diesel engine that delivers 117bhp of power and the Thar RWD is also priced more aggressively.
Thar in pop culture
Why is the Mahindra Thar such a quintessential way of life in Punjab? From its rugged origins to becoming a symbol of success, the Mahindra Thar has gone on to play an impactful role in Punjab’s pop culture scene and the rugged 4x4 has even been embraced by musicians and artists, making appearances in music videos as well. Our cover story tells you how does an icon like the Thar fit in this whole subculture.
Road trip round the world
Hafiz Baker, an overlanding enthusiast from Kerala took his Mahindra Thar on a road trip across the globe, and we tell you about the fascinating exploits from his journey.
Mahindra Adventure Authentic Sikkim
Mahindra Adventure’s latest escape took a convoy of Scorpio-Ns to the state of Sikkim in the northeast, and this adventurous drive packed in spectacular sights.
Mahindra Australia
Mahindra might be an Indian manufacturer, but is one that has a global presence, especially with the popularity of its rugged off-road vehicles in global markets such as Australia. Since 2007, Mahindra has been selling the PikUp avatar of the Scorpio SUV in Australia and the Indian manufacturer has quite the fandom in the land down under
Mahindra Adventure in Rallying
Looking back at Mahindra Adventure’s storied history in rallying, and the massively successful reign included souped-up Thars and the XUVs
Timeless Mahindra
Mahindra's rich motorsport history even includes an outing in Brazil!
New Year Escape
What is the perfect way to bring in the New Year? Go dune bashing in Rajasthan with your 4x4! The New Year Escape by Rajasthan Motorsports is possibly the coolest way to spend your New Year’s eve.
Getting stuck
Vinod Nookala from Mahindra Adventure tells us how one can get stuck when off-roading, and crucially, how to extricate yourself when you do
Amping up your AWD
Manish Sarser from Mahindra Adventure provides insights on how to get the best out of an AWD-equipped vehicle
Dakar Rally
Taking a look at the most gruelling rally and off-road spectacle on earth – the Dakar Rally.
AVO UK suspension by Arka Motorsports
Our long-term Mahindra Thar gets a suspension upgrade from Arka Motorsports and we put the system through its paces.