Building the Mahindra THAR at Nasik Facility

Barbecue framing is not a sign that you will normally see at a car manufacturing facility. Well, this isn’t a regular car manufacturing facility. This is where the all-new Mahindra THAR is built. Now you’ve seen tons of videos of us testing the THAR, talking about people who own the car. But how is the THAR put together? We are in Nasik at Mahindra’s sprawling facility to see how the THAR comes alive.

Precision Assembly Process

Every car or SUV starts with a roll of steel from which individual parts and panels are stamped. We start with the smaller stamped panels that go into the different jigs at different parts of the assembly process, and then they are welded together to form larger parts. Here you have the bonnet structure, firewall, and the floor pan that has come together, and at this stage itself, this is unmistakably THAR with that iconic face. This assembly now goes into the barbecue framing station where the basic structure of the THAR comes together.

Crafting the Iconic THAR Body

These are the side panels that incorporate the structure for the doors and the rear wheel arch. In this giant jig fixture, the roof structure is welded onto the body, a critical part of the manufacturing process, as this gives the body strength, integrity, and torsional rigidity. These are the key reasons why the THAR is now so much nicer and easier to drive. Now the unmistakable bones, the skeleton of the THAR is ready, complete with the rollover bars that you see on the rear. This gives the body strength and excellent crash test ratings.

Quality Control and Finishing Touches

The bodies are stacked and then sent to the assembly line for the build process where the first quality control inspectors go to work checking if the body conforms to their standards and is within their tight tolerances. Inspectors also check the finish of the body to ensure that THAR comes out looking flawless. In parallel, robots work on putting together the doors, a mechanized process ensuring tight fit and finish, and then the body with the doors is sent off to the paint shop. The painted body then runs down the assembly line where it comes to life.

Final Touches and Unique Features

The wiring goes into it and so do the trim elements. In the next step, the dashboard unit is fitted in. And then the unique touch of the THAR. The wind plate gets the serial number engraved on the line itself and is then fitted with pride on the dashboard made in India with pride; that’s what it says. The THAR is available with a hard top, and this is fitted on the assembly line in the factory to ensure a perfect fit and finish and zero leaks. There is a terrific focus on quality while building the car.

Mechanical Integration and Powertrain Installation

There are over a dozen badges on The THAR, and all are installed with precision using these templates. Now, while work is going on the body, in parallel on another line, the mechanicals are coming together. The engine is made at Mahindra’s powertrain facility at Igatpuri, and the transmission is also installed onto it there, and this is then shipped to Nasik. Here you can see the entire powertrain getting installed onto the ladder frame chassis, and as you know, the THAR gets a petrol engine, a diesel engine, and both get the option of a six-speed automatic transmission, and all variants get four-wheel drive in keeping with its pure off-road heritage.

Windshield Bonding and Final Assembly

Heading back to the body line, we join the process where the windshield is bonded onto the body. Another critical process to ensure no leaks and low NVH. And finally, the marriage. This is where the finished body is bolted onto the chassis which now has the engine and all the running gear installed, including the tires. Final finishing top up with fluids and the THAR is now ready and is sent to the dyno room where it is tested on a rolling road dyno.

Quality Inspection and Shower Test

It is then driven into the inspection booth where quality control personnel cast the trained eye over the THAR from the inspection station. The THAR is driven into the shower test where high-pressure water jets hammer it from all corners, and with the shower test, the Mahindra is ready to roll out of the factory, into showrooms, and into garages of a few enthusiasts. This is how the Mahindra THAR is built before it heads to the showrooms. The THAR is given one final run on the torture tracks driven by trained drivers with sharp ears and a sensitive touch, all trained to look out for any untoward noises, and once it passes this, it is out of the factory and off to showrooms ready to be lapped up by eager buyers.

Exciting Updates on the NEWSOMEPRINT Blog

Stay tuned to the NEWSOMEPRINT Blog. Very soon we will be hitting the Mahindra Adventure Offroad Academy at Igatpuri to put the THAR through the off-road tracks and dive into its hardcore. Four X Four abilities. Subscribe to the NEWSOMEPRINT and keep pace with the thrill of driving.

Mahindra Thar: An On-Road Odyssey in India

The Mahindra Thar is a true automotive icon in India, known for its ruggedness, off-road prowess, and head-turning design. But how does it fare on the tarmac? Here’s a comprehensive on-road review of the Thar, covering its performance, comfort, features, and price in India, perfect for your blog:

Performance:

Engines: Two engine options: a 2.2L diesel (130 hp/300 Nm) and a 2.0L turbo-petrol (150 hp/320 Nm). Both offer decent power and torque, especially the petrol for a more spirited drive. Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox paired with both engines. Gearshifts are smooth and precise, though some reviewers find the clutch heavy. Acceleration: Not blistering but adequate for highway cruising and overtaking. 0-100 kmph in 11-13 seconds depending on the engine. Handling: Body roll is evident due to the high ground clearance, but the Thar handles decently for its size. Steering is precise but requires more effort at low speeds. Ride Quality: Firm and bouncy on rough roads due to the off-road-oriented suspension. However, it handles broken tarmac and potholes surprisingly well.

Comfort:

Seating: Comfortable front seats with good support, but rear seats are best for short journeys or children. Limited headroom and legroom for taller passengers. Interior: Functional and rugged, with exposed elements and washable interiors. Not luxurious but feels durable and utilitarian. Features: Basic features like AC, power windows, and Bluetooth connectivity are available. Top-end variants offer touchscreen infotainment systems and cruise control. Driving Experience: Open-air feel with removable roof options (soft-top and hard-top) adds to the adventurous spirit. However, wind noise can be intrusive at higher speeds.

Price in India (Ex-showroom, Delhi):

Thar Diesel: Rs. 12.89 lakh – Rs. 16.49 lakh Thar Petrol: Rs. 13.49 lakh – Rs. 16.99 lakh

Verdict:

The Mahindra Thar is a unique proposition. It’s not the most comfortable or fuel-efficient SUV, but it offers unmatched off-road capability, a charmingly rugged character, and an open-air driving experience. If you’re looking for an adventure companion and weekend getaway vehicle, the Thar is a compelling choice. However, if comfort and practicality are your top priorities, you might want to consider other options.

Mahindra Thar Showrooms in India:

Here are some Mahindra Thar showrooms in India:

• Mahindra Shiva Autocar – SUV & Commercial Vehicle Showroom in Lohia Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. It has a 4.2 star rating on Google Maps. Opening hours today are 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM.
• Mahindra Narain Automobiles – SUV & Commercial Vehicle Showroom in Hazratganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps. Opening hours today are 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
• Mahindra Mosaram Enterprises Limited in Tula Sherpur, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. It has a 4.8 star rating on Google Maps. Opening hours today are 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
• Mahindra V.C. Motors – SUV & Commercial Vehicle Showroom in Fazalganj, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. It has a 4.8 star rating on Google Maps. Opening hours today are 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
• Mahindra Koncept Automobiles in Sector 2, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. It has a 4.4 star rating on Google Maps. Opening hours today are 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM.