Engage 4x4 India Issue #008: Exploring why the Mahindra Thar is a pop culture icon in Punjab!

The Mahindra Thar has always been a part of Punjab’s social fabric and we find out what makes the 4x4 a cultural phenomenon
This issue of Engage 4x4 India is all about the Mahindra Thar being a pop culture icon
This issue of Engage 4x4 India is all about the Mahindra Thar being a pop culture iconTeam evo India
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The Mahindra Thar has always been the archetype of an SUV, possessing superb road presence, go-anywhere capability and it continues to be immensely desirable. We have spoken about these characteristics of the Thar in depth, but what we haven’t touched upon is the impact that the Thar has had on culture and lifestyle. Until now. In this issue of Engage 4x4, we speak about how the Thar has transformed the pop culture in Punjab. In addition, we drive the Thar RWD that gets a new diesel engine and promises to make more sense to the city-slicker. We also take a closer look at the holy grail of endurance races, the Dakar Rally. All that and a lot more.

The Mahindra Scorpio-N is one of India's safest SUVs
The Mahindra Scorpio-N is one of India's safest SUVsTeam evo India

Mahindra Scorpio-N crash test

The Mahindra Scorpio-N is one of the most impressive SUVs that we have driven in a while and the bestseller now has another feather in its cap, thank to a 5 Star crash test rating from Global NCAP.

The Mahindra Thar gets subtle updates for 2023
The Mahindra Thar gets subtle updates for 2023Team evo India

Mahindra Thar MY2023

Mahindra has given the Thar a few subtle updates for 2023, and these include tweaks to the styling as well as the creature comforts on offer. This is not the most comprehensive update, but the small improvements only make the Thar an even better package than it was before. 

Thar RWD driven
Thar RWD drivenTeam evo India

Mahindra Thar RWD first drive review

The Mahindra Thar now gets a RWD-only variant that will be sold alongside the Thar 4x4 and it aims to cater to the needs of the city-slicker better. While it being offered with the same mStallion petrol engine as the 4x4, the Thar RWD is powered by a new 1.5-litre diesel engine that delivers 117bhp of power and the Thar RWD is also priced more aggressively.

The Mahindra Thar is a quintessential part of pop culture in Punjab. We find out why!
The Mahindra Thar is a quintessential part of pop culture in Punjab. We find out why!Team evo India

Thar in pop culture

Why is the Mahindra Thar such a quintessential way of life in Punjab? From its rugged origins to becoming a symbol of success, the Mahindra Thar has gone on to play an impactful role in Punjab’s pop culture scene and the rugged 4x4 has even been embraced by musicians and artists, making appearances in music videos as well. Our cover story tells you how does an icon like the Thar fit in this whole subculture.

A made-in-India Thar on a road trip of the world
A made-in-India Thar on a road trip of the worldTeam evo India

Road trip round the world

Hafiz Baker, an overlanding enthusiast from Kerala took his Mahindra Thar on a road trip across the globe, and we tell you about the fascinating exploits from his journey.

Mahindra Adventure's Authentic Sikkim expedition
Mahindra Adventure's Authentic Sikkim expeditionTeam evo India

Mahindra Adventure Authentic Sikkim

Mahindra Adventure’s latest escape took a convoy of Scorpio-Ns to the state of Sikkim in the northeast, and this adventurous drive packed in spectacular sights.

Mahindra has a solid fan following in the Australian market for their PikUp
Mahindra has a solid fan following in the Australian market for their PikUpTeam evo India

Mahindra Australia

Mahindra might be an Indian manufacturer, but is one that has a global presence, especially with the popularity of its rugged off-road vehicles in global markets such as Australia. Since 2007, Mahindra has been selling the PikUp avatar of the Scorpio SUV in Australia and the Indian manufacturer has quite the fandom in the land down under  

Mahindra is no stranger to motorsport
Mahindra is no stranger to motorsportTeam evo India

Mahindra Adventure in Rallying

Looking back at Mahindra Adventure’s storied history in rallying, and the massively successful reign included souped-up Thars and the XUVs

This edition of Timeless Mahindra explores the storied motorsport history of the brand
This edition of Timeless Mahindra explores the storied motorsport history of the brandTeam evo India

Timeless Mahindra

Mahindra's rich motorsport history even includes an outing in Brazil!

Celebrating the new year in style by dune bashing
Celebrating the new year in style by dune bashingTeam evo India

New Year Escape

What is the perfect way to bring in the New Year? Go dune bashing in Rajasthan with your 4x4! The New Year Escape by Rajasthan Motorsports is possibly the coolest way to spend your New Year’s eve.

Getting stuck – it's inevitable really
Getting stuck – it's inevitable reallyTeam evo India

Getting stuck

Vinod Nookala from Mahindra Adventure tells us how one can get stuck when off-roading, and crucially, how to extricate yourself when you do

How to use AWD explained
How to use AWD explainedTeam evo India

Amping up your AWD

Manish Sarser from Mahindra Adventure provides insights on how to get the best out of an AWD-equipped vehicle

The world's toughest race – the Dakar
The world's toughest race – the DakarTeam evo India

Dakar Rally

Taking a look at the most gruelling rally and off-road spectacle on earth – the Dakar Rally.

Our long-term Thar gets upgraded suspension from Arka Motorsport
Our long-term Thar gets upgraded suspension from Arka MotorsportTeam evo India

AVO UK suspension by Arka Motorsports

Our long-term Mahindra Thar gets a suspension upgrade from Arka Motorsports and we put the system through its paces.

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