Mr. Abhinav Thakur, the proud owner of the first Mahindra Thar RWD delivered in Chandigarh on 11th, has shared his detailed ownership experience. His review is also the first from the tri-city region and offers a complete insight into the vehicle’s on-road performance, features, road presence, and real-world practicality. He purchased the Mahindra Thar RWD A5 L variant, with rear-wheel-drive configuration, at an approximate ex-showroom price of ₹18.5 lakh, while the on-road price came close to Rs. 21 lakh in Chandigarh, including RTO charges.

Road Presence and Buying Experience

The owner mentions that Mahindra’s dealership experience was surprisingly smooth and transparent. Despite high demand, there were no false promises — he was clearly told whether the vehicle was available or not. His vehicle was booked on the 3rd and delivered by the 11th — an impressive turnaround in the current automotive market.

On the road, the Thar RWD gets massive attention. The owner says people often stop and ask how he managed to get the delivery so early. According to him, the bold design alone makes heads turn, and Mahindra deserves credit for making it accessible sooner than expected.

Driving Experience and Engine Performance

The owner is highly impressed with the drive quality. He says the engine refinement and reliability are excellent and that the driving feel is close to vehicles priced much higher. He noted that although the engine is still in the break-in phase, he’s getting a mileage of around 10-11 kmpl, and expects improvements after the first service. On highways, the Thar RWD has returned a mileage of around 13 kmpl under controlled conditions.

He appreciated the smooth power delivery of the RWD setup and stated that Mahindra has managed to tune it in a way that doesn’t make him miss 4×4 for most daily drives. The 150 bhp engine with 300+ Nm torque is powerful enough to give a commanding drive feel, and even though the 4×4 version gets more power, he finds the RWD more than adequate.

Interior Experience and Comfort

The white interior theme stood out for the owner. He noted that while off-road enthusiasts may worry about the cabin getting dirty quickly, the white finish adds to the roominess and airiness of the cabin, reducing any claustrophobic feeling. He mentioned it’s easy to clean with just water and a cloth, and Mahindra has now also introduced a Mocha Brown interior for the 4×4 variant to cater to off-road buyers.

The infotainment system, though not as advanced as in the A7 variants, is still packed with essential features. The owner especially liked the off-road adventure stats, drive modes like Zip, Zoom, Snow, Mud, and Sand, and the ability to monitor torque, acceleration, and tyre pressure in real time — even on the RWD variant.

Rear Seat and Boot Space Usability

One of the highlights of the Thar RWD, according to the owner, is the improved rear seat access and comfort, thanks to the 5-door setup. He pointed out that even older family members could enter and exit easily, and the rear seats offer decent under-thigh support, making long journeys of 5–6 hours very comfortable.

The owner also appreciated the boot space of 644 litres, claiming it to be a huge improvement over the earlier Thar. He could easily fit 4–5 full-size luggage bags, and mentioned that if packed wisely, the visibility from the rear view remains intact.

Positive

• Strong engine performance with smooth power delivery
• Quick delivery and transparent dealership experience
• Excellent road presence; people consistently stop and ask about the car
• Improved interior space and boot practicality
• White interior gives an airy feel and is easy to maintain
• Easy ingress/egress for elderly passengers
• Real-time off-road telemetry and drive modes available even on RWD
• Great balance between daily drivability and rugged appeal
• Boot space is best-in-class for this type of SUV
• Suspension setup handles city, highway, and rough terrain comfortably

Negative

• White interiors may get dirty faster during off-roading
• Wider size makes tight urban driving a bit challenging
• Lack of 4×4 limits hardcore off-road capabilities
• Sound system is average compared to higher trims
• Some plastic elements in cabin feel basic

Verdict

Mr. Abhinav Thakur believes the Mahindra Thar RWD A5L offers exceptional value for those who want a rugged-looking SUV with road presence but don’t necessarily need a 4×4. The car delivers strong performance, a spacious cabin, improved boot space, and impressive drive modes even in the RWD layout. With clean design choices and a family-friendly layout, it is well suited for urban use, highway drives, and occasional adventures.

He concludes that the Thar RWD strikes a practical middle ground, making it a great choice for buyers who want the Thar experience without stretching to the full 4×4 variant.

Source: Girish Khanna