There's no mistaking a Mahindra Thar for anything other than an off-road implement. It's a rugged, no-nonsense machine with one goal in life - to go off-road. Such is its reputation that many a budding off-road enthusiast will actively seek out the Thar so that they can tackle the trails.
More than 70 years ago, Mahindra acquired the license to build the Willys Jeep and subsequently produced the CJ3A. This was the first passenger vehicle for the Mahindra firm and they\ve continued the legacy over the years. The Thar that one sees today is a modern version of the Willys Jeep and still employs traditional 4x4 designs, from the 2.5-litre TCI-CRDe turbodiesel engine to the ladder frame, and even the leaf spring suspension.
Related: Which Mahindra Thar is better: diesel or petrol?
As one of the cheapest dedicated 4x4 offerings available today, with the exception of a few double cabs, the Mahindra Thar is the ideal gateway for 4x4 pundits looking to get into a robust offering that can handle whatever you throw at it. The question comes in as to how it performs when you're not on the trails and when you need to live with it on a daily basis.
When it comes to traffic or even just the general commute, will you be entertained and well served by the infotainment system. Here's how the Mahindra Thar fares against the opposition in the infotainment stakes.
Mahindra Thar - From R242 999
Our Rating: 0/5
That's right, the Mahindra Thar scores the lowest rating ever in our infotainment comparisons due to the fact that the Thar is sold without any sort of infotainment or audio setup.
Remaining true to their utilitarian approach, the Thar is without any form of radio or infotainment. Provisions are made for aftermarket fitment of such units, best suited to a single-DIN setup and a double-DIN unit can be fitted when accompanied by a dedicated trim plate.
The 2020 version of the Thar (due for release in South Africa at a later date) does include a touchscreen infotainment system but all other models prior to that have to make do without.
Suzuki Jimny - From R307 900
Our Rating: 2.5/5
The Suzuki Jimny is the closest rival to the Mahindra Thar with pricing that is not too dissimilar. It too is a niche product that focusses its attention on 4x4 prowess and makes the necessary sacrifices along the way.
One area that has not been skimped on is the infotainment and in the Jimny, you will get a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dubbed the SLDA system. This easy-to-use system features a colourful interface that makes use of a tiled home screen, allowing for quick access to frequently-used functions.
You will be able to stream audio through a variety of inputs including Bluetooth, USB, and SD card while the system supports smartphone tethering with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. MirrorLInk is also included for uses that prefer a more traditional connection.
A multifunction steering wheel provides secondary control of the system with the touchscreen forming the first. Unfortunately, the SLDA system is a full touchscreen unit and as such, volume, power, home and settings 'buttons' are touch areas around the rim of the screen. This will necessitate diverting your eyes from the road should you not wish to use the steering wheel controls.
Mahindra Pik-Up - From R256 499 (4x4 model)
Our Rating: 2/5
The Pik-Up is from the same manufacturer as the Thar but offers a different arrangement. While styled as an LCV in both single and double-cab formats, it too offers a robust 4x4 drive system that will be as at home on the trail as it will on the road. Admittedly, the lower-spec S6 models that compete on a price point are not gifted the same trimmings as the higher-end S10 and S11 derivatives.
All models get a 7-inch touchscreen unit though and this system, while simplistic, is functional. It features inputs for USB, AUX and Bluetooth while higher-end models benefit from a reverse camera as well. The S10 and S11 models get satellite navigation.
The primary interface offers interaction through the touchscreen or through the row of buttons below the screen and two rotary knobs that allow control of volume/power, tuning and selection. A secondary input system is via the multifunction steering wheel that houses basic audio controls.
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