Thinking about buying a Mahindra Thar 2020 for everyday driving? Many find its rugged appeal tempting, but is it truly practical for daily commutes and city life? This post will delve into the pros and cons of using a Mahindra Thar 2020 as your daily driver, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle. We’ll examine its suitability for various daily needs and address common concerns. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether a Mahindra Thar 2020 is a good choice for your daily use.

On-Road Performance and Handling

This section examines the Mahindra Thar 2020’s performance and handling characteristics relevant to daily driving in various conditions.

• Steering and Maneuverability: The Thar’s steering is quite direct, providing good feedback, but it can feel heavy at low speeds, potentially challenging in congested city traffic. This might require more effort and concentration compared to a regular city car.
• Suspension and Ride Comfort: Known for its off-road capability, the Thar’s suspension is firm. This translates to a bumpy ride on uneven city roads and a noticeable impact from potholes and speed breakers. Passengers might find long commutes uncomfortable.
• Engine Power and Acceleration: The engine performs adequately, though acceleration is not sporty. While sufficient for highway driving, it can feel slightly sluggish in city traffic when overtaking or merging onto busy roads.

Practicality and Daily Use Considerations

This section addresses the Mahindra Thar 2020’s practical aspects relevant to daily use, including space, storage, and comfort features.

Space and Storage

The Thar’s relatively compact size may limit interior space. Rear-seat passengers may feel cramped, especially on longer journeys. Storage space is also restricted, particularly for larger items.

• Passenger Capacity: Four passengers can technically fit, but comfort is compromised in the rear. For frequent family commutes, it may be unsuitable.
• Cargo Space: The boot space is small, limiting its utility for daily errands or grocery shopping. Consider your typical daily needs before purchasing.

Comfort Features and Amenities

While the Thar 2020 has improved amenities compared to previous models, it still lacks some features commonly found in daily-use vehicles.

• Air Conditioning: The AC is functional, but its effectiveness may vary depending on external temperatures. This is particularly noticeable during hotter months.
• Infotainment System: The infotainment system offers basic features but may lack the advanced capabilities or user-friendliness of many modern cars. Consider this if you value advanced tech features.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

This section analyzes the Mahindra Thar 2020’s fuel efficiency and associated running costs, critical factors for daily use.

Fuel Consumption

Fuel efficiency is typically not a strong point for the Thar 2020, especially in city driving. Expect relatively higher fuel consumption compared to compact cars or hatchbacks, leading to increased running costs.

• City Mileage: Real-world city mileage figures are significantly lower than the claimed figures. The rugged nature of the car and its weight contribute to this.
• Highway Mileage: Highway mileage improves somewhat but remains below average compared to similar-sized vehicles. This means more frequent fuel stops on longer journeys.

Maintenance and Repair

The Mahindra Thar 2020, being an off-road vehicle, might require specialized maintenance and repairs, potentially incurring higher costs compared to regular cars.

• Spare Parts: While readily available in most areas, the spare parts for the Thar may be slightly more expensive than those for more common vehicles.
• Service Costs: Servicing may also be more costly, depending on your location and the service provider.

Is the Mahindra Thar 2020 Right for You?

Ultimately, the suitability of the Mahindra Thar 2020 for daily use depends entirely on individual needs and preferences. A comparison chart would be useful here. Insert a comparison chart here comparing the Thar to a city car and a compact SUV on parameters like fuel efficiency, comfort, maintenance cost, and space.

For instance, a young single professional who frequently travels on rough roads and values ruggedness might find the Thar perfectly adequate. However, a family with young children needing significant cargo space and passenger room would likely find it unsuitable. A retired couple might find it too challenging for daily errands in urban areas due to its size and firm suspension.

Consider your daily commute conditions, passenger needs, storage requirements, and budget. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. For example, if your daily drive primarily consists of city commutes, and you frequently carry several passengers or need ample cargo space, the Thar might not be the best option. On the other hand, if you live in an area with unpredictable road conditions and need a rugged vehicle for occasional off-road adventures, it could be a good fit.

Debunking Common Myths

Let’s address some common misconceptions about the Mahindra Thar 2020.

• Myth 1: The Thar is too uncomfortable for daily driving. While the ride can be bumpy, the 2020 model offers improved comfort compared to previous generations. However, it is still not comparable to a dedicated city car.
• Myth 2: The Thar is too expensive to maintain. Maintenance costs are relatively higher compared to regular city cars, but not excessively so. Regular servicing and preventative maintenance can help manage these costs.
• Myth 3: The Thar is impractical for city use. This is partly true. Its size and off-road-oriented design make it less maneuverable and efficient in dense city traffic, requiring more attention and skill compared to city cars.

FAQ

Is the Mahindra Thar 2020 suitable for long drives?

While possible, long drives in a Mahindra Thar 2020 can be tiring due to the firm suspension and limited comfort features. It’s best suited for shorter trips, unless you prioritize ruggedness over comfort.

How is the Mahindra Thar 2020’s fuel economy?

The fuel economy is not exceptionally good, especially in city driving. You should expect lower fuel efficiency compared to average city cars or hatchbacks.

Is it easy to park a Mahindra Thar 2020 in the city?

Parking a Mahindra Thar 2020 in the city can be challenging due to its size and turning radius. Finding suitable parking spaces might require more effort and time.

What are the safety features of the Mahindra Thar 2020?

The Mahindra Thar 2020 offers standard safety features like airbags and seatbelts, but some advanced driver-assistance systems are absent.

Is the Mahindra Thar 2020 good in bad weather conditions?

The Thar 2020 offers decent handling in bad weather, thanks to its high ground clearance. However, its relatively high center of gravity can affect stability in extreme conditions.

Can I easily modify the Mahindra Thar 2020 for daily use?

You can customize certain aspects, such as adding additional storage or improving the infotainment system, but extensive modifications could affect its warranty.

How is the ground clearance of the Mahindra Thar 2020?

The Mahindra Thar 2020 boasts excellent ground clearance, making it capable of handling rough roads and uneven terrains, a considerable advantage for many.

Final Thoughts

Deciding if a Mahindra Thar 2020 is right for your daily use requires careful consideration of your specific needs and priorities. While its ruggedness and off-road capabilities are undeniable advantages, its practicality for everyday city driving is somewhat limited. Weigh the pros and cons, comparing it to other vehicles in your budget. Consider your commute, passenger needs, and the type of roads you frequently traverse. If you prioritize adventure and rough-terrain capability above all else, the Thar might be your perfect daily companion. However, if comfort, fuel efficiency, and easy city driving are higher priorities, you might want to explore other options.