The newest release to get the pulse racing and the b.p. (blood pressure) up and the
b.h.p.up as well is the new Thar from Mahindra. It has the new mStallion 2
litre petrol engine that pumps out 150 b.h.p and 300 Nm of torque. The diesel
engine puts out 130 b.h.p.
The most apparent changes are
cosmetic and easily visible. The fit and finish is world class. The dash
board is well laid out and driver oriented. The seats are plush and
comfortable. So are the rear seats, they are split and have seat belts. The
grab handle is well placed for the passenger.
A very interesting and sensible
feature is the in-built roll cage, a testimony to the Thars off-roading
heritage. It comes as a factory fitted hard top. Very good looking. There is
the option of a soft top. Also good looking and more important, fits
perfectly! Very neat, one man operation, and makes the Thar weather proof.
It has an independent front
suspension and coil springs at the rear, making it good for on-road and
off-road driving. Mahindras off road credentials were never in question.
An ideal vehicle for the young
adventurer, bash it around on the weekend, commute to work during the
week. Great for moving the family around for a vacation.
Now, onto SUVs. Sedans are loosing
out to SUVs in sales. Why this preference for these behemoths?
It gives a macho image of the driver.
Great for his/her self confidence! A great road presence. And the killer
option, a diesel engine. Diesel used to be cheaper than petrol, not anymore.
What the buyer does not take into consideration is that the maintenance of a
diesel engine is more expensive than a petrol engine. Worse, diesel pollutes
more than petrol. It’s only a matter of time before diesel engines are
relegated to the dustbin of history.
Many times at the launch of a car the
Executive of the manufacturer impresses that the car has features demanded by
the buyer. The Indian buyer is more focused on luxuries not essentials. They
would prefer a music system over ABS. One is a toy, the other is a lifesaver!
All cars today come with A.C and heater.
"I don’t want a heater! "says the buyer, hoping to save money. Proof
positive that the buyer has no knowledge of the working of a car.
Another strange exercise to save money.
A man buys a Lamborghini worth Rs.3.0 crore or more and then falsifies
documents to register the car in another state to save on the registration tax.
Well, well! A champagne taste with a beer budget!
Some good news! So far it was it was
a must to carry all the documentation, like the R.C, drivers licence, insurance
for the car with you at all times. No more. As of now a soft copy of the
documents will do. The Government is all set to digitalise all these
documents.
Other than making life easier for thr
legitimate owner, this move will make it difficult to register a stolen car.
Another amendment to the M.V. Rules,
1989. You will now be able to use your mobile phone for the purpose of
navigation.