Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar turned a no-nonsense off-roader into one of India's most aspirational lifestyle vehicles. The second-generation model swapped crude utility for a properly built cabin, touchscreen tech and genuine on-road manners, without losing its low-range four-wheel-drive hardware. It remains a body-on-frame machine that climbs rocks and wades through water as happily as it cruises a highway, which is exactly why buyers queue up despite its quirks and waiting periods.

On paper the Thar reads like a contradiction: a hardcore 4x4 that doubles as a fashionable daily driver, and in practice it mostly pulls that off. The 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol is the enthusiast's pick, with strong mid-range shove and a willing automatic, while the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel trades outright pace for relaxed torque and better economy. There's also a more affordable rear-wheel-drive variant with a smaller diesel for buyers who want the look without the full off-road kit. Either way, the ladder-frame chassis and live rear axle mean it feels rugged and unburstable rather than delicate.

Off the tarmac is where the Thar earns its badge. Low-range transfer case, a mechanical locking differential on top trims, generous ground clearance and serious approach and departure angles let it tackle terrain that would strand most rivals. Water wading, steep inclines and broken trails are dispatched with confidence, and the all-terrain tyres only add to the sense of invincibility.

Day to day, though, the compromises show. The ride is bouncy over patchy roads, the tall body leans in corners, road and wind noise are constant companions, and rear-seat access in the three-door is awkward. The two rear seats are best treated as occasional, the boot is tiny with all seats up, and the petrol automatic's real-world fuel economy is thirsty. The cabin, while vastly improved with its touchscreen, connected features and washable interior, still trails car-like SUVs on outright refinement and space.

What keeps the Thar special is character. Few vehicles at this price feel as distinctive, look as good outside a cafe, and remain as capable when the road ends. Build quality and the touchscreen experience have steadily improved, and resale values stay strong. You buy it with eyes open to its practicality penalty, because nothing else delivers this exact blend of attitude and ability.