To travel in hilly terrain, desert sand, muddy roads and rain forests, a better offroading car is required. Offroading is an adventure that not only provides thrill but also tests the vehicle's strength, ground clearance and 4×4 capability. Among the many SUVs and offroader vehicles available in India, Mahindra Thar, Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny are the most popular.
These SUVs remain the first choice of offroading lovers due to their strong build quality, advanced offroad features and affordable price. In this article we will discuss these three cars in detail. If you are planning to buy an offroad car in the coming days, then take a look at its price and features along with features and specification details.
Mahindra Thar
First of all let's talk about Mahindra Thar. Mahindra Thar is one of the most iconic offroader cars of India, which is inspired by the classic design of Jeep. It can be purchased with 2.0-litre mStallion petrol engine (150 hp) and 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine (130 hp) with 6-speed manual or automatic transmission options.
It has a ground clearance of 226 mm, approach angle of 41.8 degrees, departure angle of 36.8 degrees and rampover angle of 27 degrees. The 4×4 system includes a low-range gearbox, mechanical locking differential and brake-based traction control, which helps in smoothly traversing rocky terrain, mud and water. Thar's ladder-frame chassis and solid axle setup make it extremely durable.
The interior has a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control and safety features like ABS, EBD, hill descent control and 6 airbags. Talking about the price, the ex-showroom price ranges from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 17.60 lakh. The reason for Thar's popularity in offroading is its customization options, like hard top, soft top or convertible. However, it may be a bit inconvenient for city driving.
Force Gurkha
Now let us look at Force Gurkha. This car from Force Motors is a true offroader, which has a design inspired by the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. The Gurkha is powered by a 2.6-litre FMTECH diesel engine (91 hp), which comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Its offroading capabilities are excellent with 233 mm ground clearance, 35 degree approach angle, 37 degree departure angle and 29 degree rampover angle.
Front and rear mechanical differential locks, snorkel (which allows driving in water up to 700 mm) and 4×4 high/low range make it perfect for extreme conditions. The Gurkha's body-on-frame chassis and independent front suspension keep it stable on rough terrain. The interior is simple but has basic features like a functional 7-inch touchscreen, power windows and dual airbags.
Price starts from Rs 15.95 lakh. Gurkha's strength in off-roading is its durability. It can go on roads where other cars get stuck. However, due to low power and 12-14 kmpl mileage, it feels a bit sluggish on the highway. If you want a hardcore offroader that focuses on performance more than luxury, then the Gurkha is the perfect option.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Maruti Suzuki Jimny is the third car, which is a compact and agile offroader. The Indian version of Suzuki's global Jimny is expected to be launched in 2023, with a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine (105 hp). It comes with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Jimny's offroading prowess lies in its lightweight body (ladder frame chassis), solid axles and AllGrip Pro 4×4 system, which includes a low-range transfer gear. Ground clearance is 210 mm, approach angle is 37 degrees, departure is 49 degrees and rampover is 28 degrees.
It can easily maneuver on narrow trails and tight turns. Features include 9-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, cruise control and 6 airbags. The price ranges from Rs 12.31 lakh to Rs 14.95 lakh, making it affordable. Mileage is 16-17 kmpl, which is good for both city and offroad. The specialty of Jimny is its fun-to-drive nature. This is perfect for beginner offroaders. However, being a 4-seater, there is less space for the family. Jimny's agility in off-roading sets it apart from Thar and Gurkha.