When the conversation turns to off-roading, what springs to the mind is a rugged machine with a heavily-modified suspension set-up, off-road tyres, a roll-cage, auxiliary lights and a spartan cabin layout. But, no more.

With its new Thar, Mahindra has raised comfort levels by a few notches, while still retaining the inherent attributes of an off-roader. It gets a new bumper and clear-lens headlamps. Moving round the sides, the only differences you'll see are the new side footsteps and wheel-arches, and, at the rear, a new bumper.

Step inside the cabin, though, and a sea of change is seen. Clearly, Mahindra had comfort on its mind while working on the interior. The seats are wider. The new triple-pod instrument cluster is a far cry from the rudimentary set-up in the previous model. Other features include a dual-tone dashboard, new floor console, new gear-knob, re-designed air-con vents, 12V charging point, a lockable glove-box and provision for a music system.