Mahindra Thar.e: a new copy of the Jeep Wrangler

Victor Hugo said “Do not imitate anything or anyone, a lion that copies a lion becomes a monkey”. This quote could not find a better echo than in the current automotive market. In the past, manufacturers and coachbuilders struggled to bring their own vision to the automobile. To propose unique and differentiating models from the competition. But now, you have to save your costs, more than getting down to developing and designing a vehicle that would bring something new. It was true 30 years ago in Russia, it was 20 years ago in China. But the actors of these countries are finally experiencing a burst of creativity. BYD M6 (Toyota Previa), Lifan 320 (Mini Cooper), Landwind X6 (Range Rover Evoque). The examples of copies were not lacking!

Mahindra Thar, le Wrangler du Punjab

In India, the most populous country in the world and soon the world’s largest automotive marketwe have seen similar scenarios. Tata Sumo (Toyota Kijang), Dad Estate (Mercedes-Benz W124), Mahindra Bolero Neo (Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin/TR4), several models were once modeled on Japanese or European cars. As in China, with some manufacturers it continues, and the latest is called Mahindra Thar…

Launched in 2010 for its first generation and in 2020 for its second, it is a very true copy of the Jeep Wrangler. Like the Chinese BAIC BJ40 we were telling you about a few months ago, it is exactly similar to its American counterpart! Circular headlights, vertical grille, silhouette, hard-top and even the cabin : an amateur who would pass in front of it would be trapped! Until now, the Thar could not be marketed in the United States because of its too equivocal resemblance to the Wrangler. But that won’t be the case with the 100% electric Thar.e, which has just been unveiled…

An electric version that plays it more subtle

Mahindra, to pass the laws on intellectual property in the United States, has indeed made some changes in this maneuver. The silhouette has changed, the headlamps have become square, and its look is more geometric and aggressive than the thermal Thar that we have known so far. Because yes, this new model has been authorized to be marketed at Uncle Sam! He claims a power of around 300 horsepower, and a theoretical range of up to 450 kilometres. The model you currently see in images is a pre-series concept car, but which will be very close to the final version. Mahindra, owner of Pinifarina, should a priori not offer it to us. If you miss the “Jeep Wrangler of Wish”, you can always cross the Alps to buy you the Ickx K2!

Read also :

Nissan Micra (2026): what we already know about the future cousin of the Renault 5

Nissan Qashqai: back to the level?

Mitsubishi ASX (2022) : un Renault Captur made in Japan