Regarding tough, rugged vehicles built for urban and off-road driving, Mahindra has long been a prominent name in India. Two of their most popular models, the Mahindra Bolero and Mahindra Thar cater to different driving preferences and needs, but they both bring forth an unmatched blend of power, comfort, and features. Whether you're looking for a practical family SUV or a thrilling off-road adventure machine, both these vehicles have much to offer. Here, we look at the Mahindra Bolero vs. Mahindra Thar to help you make an informed decision.
Overview: Design and Aesthetics
Mahindra Bolero
The Bolero is a no-nonsense, practical SUV designed primarily for urban and semi-urban usage. Its focus is on comfort and durability. It is known for its strong, boxy exterior, which exudes ruggedness.
- Exterior Design: The Bolero features a bold grille, updated front bumpers, stylish new clear-lens headlamps, and dynamic decals. The vehicle’s body structure emphasises toughness and reliability with a frame-based construction. It offers a streamlined, minimalistic design that has been modernised to give it a fresh appeal.
- Interior Design: The Bolero’s interior is simple yet comfortable, with seats that support body contours for added comfort. The cabin has a 7-seat configuration, which ensures ample passenger space, making it a family-friendly choice.
Mahindra Thar
Conversely, the Thar is an iconic off-road vehicle that blends retro design with modern touches. Its bold, muscular stance and classic design make it an eye-catching choice for those who love adventure and the outdoors.
- Exterior Design: With its aggressive stance, the Thar has a more rugged appeal than the Bolero. It features prominent wheel arches, high ground clearance, and a design perfect for off-roading. The front-end styling includes a classic round headlamp design with an aggressive grille that adds to its rugged appeal.
- Interior Design: Inside, the Thar offers a more premium feel than the Bolero. The cabin is designed with off-road enthusiasts in mind, featuring durable, weather-resistant materials.?
Performance: Power and Capability
Mahindra Bolero
- Engine Specifications: The Bolero has the mHawk75 engine, which delivers 55.9 kW of power and 210 Nm of torque, more than enough to handle daily driving needs and rough terrain. The upgraded BS6 engine ensures lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency.
- Driving Comfort: The Bolero suspension system is tuned to provide comfort on all types of roads. It has an Independent Front Suspension (IFS) with coil springs and a rear rigid leaf spring suspension for smooth handling.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Bolero is equipped with Micro Hybrid Technology, which automatically switches off the engine when idle to save fuel, contributing to better mileage. Its 60-litre fuel tank ensures long-distance capability without frequent refuelling.
Mahindra Thar
- Engine Specifications: The Thar offers two engine variants: a mStallion 150 Turbo Petrol engine (150 bhp and 320 Nm torque) and a mHawk 130 Diesel engine (130 bhp and 300 Nm torque). The petrol variant is ideal for those seeking more power on-road, while the diesel variant shines in off-road environments with its robust torque.
- Off-road Capability: What truly sets the Thar apart is its off-road prowess. With high ground clearance, rigid axle suspension, and four-wheel drive (4WD) capability, the Thar is designed to tackle the toughest terrains. The Thar offers an unmatched driving experience in extreme conditions, whether mud, snow, or rocky paths.
- Fuel Efficiency: While fuel efficiency might not be the top priority for off-road vehicles, the Thar still delivers decent mileage, especially with the diesel variant. The 57-litre fuel tank provides ample range for adventurous trips.
Comfort and Features
Mahindra Bolero
- Seating Comfort: The Bolero is designed with comfort in mind, offering spacious 7-seater configurations. The new seats support body contours for a more relaxed ride, especially on long journeys. The cabin’s practical layout makes it a family-friendly vehicle.
- Technology: The Bolero has an upgraded digital cluster, providing all necessary vehicle information in a single view, including trip distance, fuel efficiency, and door-ajar indicators. The infotainment system supports USB, AUX, and Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music streaming.
- Air-conditioning & Heating: The vehicle has an AC and heater, ensuring comfortable driving in varying climates. The demister feature helps maintain visibility during foggy weather.
- Storage: The Bolero provides ample storage space for luggage, groceries, or any other large items, making it a great choice for road trips or daily commutes.
Mahindra Thar
- Seating Comfort: Though the Thar is a two-door SUV, its interior offers high-quality, durable seating that can withstand the rigours of off-roading. While not as spacious as the Bolero, the Thar’s 4-seater configuration still ensures a comfortable experience for passengers, particularly when the soft top is used.
- Technology: The Thar has a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and even off-road modes for enhanced driving control. The instrument cluster is fully digital, offering key information such as the vehicle’s altitude, tyre pressure, and more.
- Air-conditioning & Heating: The Thar has an advanced AC system, which keeps the cabin cool even under extreme conditions. It also has a defogger for clearing windows when driving in damp or foggy weather.
- Storage: While the Thar offers fewer storage options than the Bolero, it still has useful spaces for smaller items and a rugged rear section designed to carry off-road gear.
Safety: How They Compare
Mahindra Bolero
- Safety Features: The Bolero has standard features such as dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and seat belt reminders. It also has a reverse parking sensor to help with tight spots. The tough body shell, frame-based construction, and metal bumpers offer added protection, especially in case of accidents or collisions.
- Additional Safety Features: The Bolero offers additional safety measures, such as the co-driver’s occupant detection system and engine immobiliser, ensuring the vehicle is always secure.
Mahindra Thar
- Safety Features: The Thar also has dual airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors. It goes further with its advanced off-road protection, featuring a rollover bar, skid plates, and an electronic stability program (ESP), making it ideal for rough terrain and risky environments.
- Additional Safety Features: The Thar is built for safety in extreme conditions, offering off-road-specific features like hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and a waterproof cabin for water crossings.
Conclusion?
The Mahindra Bolero and Thar offer unique features tailored to different needs, making them standout vehicles in their respective categories. The Bolero shines as a reliable, family-friendly SUV that excels in comfort, practicality, and performance for urban and semi-urban driving. It’s ideal for those looking for a rugged yet budget-friendly vehicle with ample space for passengers and cargo.
On the other hand, the Thar is built for thrill-seekers and off-road enthusiasts. With its exceptional off-road capabilities, powerful engine options, and premium features, it is the go-to choice for adventure lovers who want a vehicle that can handle challenging terrains and provide an exciting driving experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bolero and Thar comes down to personal preferences and the type of driving experience you seek. Whether you prioritise everyday utility or crave off-road adventures, Mahindra’s offerings ensure that both vehicles deliver on their promises of power, durability, and style.
