Mahindra rolls out off-road vehicle Thar
By IANSTuesday, December 21, 2010
MUMBAI - Automobile major Mahindra and Mahindra Tuesday launched a compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) Thar CRDe priced at Rs.5.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
“Having realised the potential of this emerging segment of off-road enthusiasts and lifestyle seekers, we have launched the Thar,” chief executive of the company’s automotive division Rajesh Jejurikar said.
According to him, Thar is an evolved version of the company’s earlier brands like Commander Jeep, CJ 340, MM 540, the Classic and the Legend, and is targeted at off-road enthusiasts, style-seekers and even war-veterans.
“The Thar is a manual 4×4 machine coupled with a powerful CRDe engine 77 kw (105 BHP) and drive by wire technology which is capable of providing variable speeds and acceleration,” a company executive said.
The compact SUV is powered by a 2.5 litre CRDi diesel engine with modern suspension layout with abuse resistant rear leaf springs, light and responsive integral power steering for manoeuverability, and better ground clearance for off-roading on various terrains.
“The cabin can seat seven people, while two rear benches can be folded to create a massive luggage area. It is available in BS-VI (Bharat Stage) variant with power steering as a standard fitment,” the company said in a regulatory filing.
The company added that the compact-SUV will be launched in Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Mangalore and Jaipur by December-end and the rest of India by January.
