Top 3 Indian Cars We CAN'T Get In Australia (But We Should!)

The recent hype around Mahindra cars has grown exponentially in the last few months alone, igniting newfound interest in Indian vehicles among Australian auto enthusiasts.

Currently, three major models from this Indian powerhouse have made their mark: the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Mahindra XUV700, and the Mahindra PikUp.

So here are 3 Indian Cars we've pulled together that we would LOVE to get in Australia!

Indian Car #1: Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar is grabbing headlines due to its uncanny resemblance to the Jeep Wrangler.

This didn't go unnoticed by Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep. Two years ago, Jeep halted the entry of the Mahindra Thar in Australia, pointing out the clear design similarities.

The tension escalated in 2021 with a lawsuit that imposed restrictions on Mahindra. They were not to sell the Thar down under without first getting design approval from Jeep Australia. Interestingly, sneak peeks of the 2023 5-Door Mahindra Thar suggest it's holding onto its traditional design.

Considering its robust 2.2L turbo 'mHawk' diesel engine, identical to that of the Mahindra PikUp, and its premium model price of $31,500 AUD, inclusive of 4wd and a 6-speed auto, it's a real shame we don't get it!

Quick Stats for Mahindra Thar:

• Price: Premium model at $31,500 AUD (with 4wd and a 6-speed auto).
• Engine Specifications:
• Options of a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.
• Notably, the 2.2L turbo diesel engine is shared with the Mahindra PikUp.
• 97kW and 300Nm (slightly detuned vs PikUp)

Indian Car #2: Tata Harrier

Tata Motors' journey in Australia has been marked by highs and lows, with two major market entries in the past quarter-century. Despite earlier models not leaving a significant footprint, Tata’s ownership of Jaguar Land Rover adds depth to its story.

The Tata Harrier is turning heads. First envisioned as the H5X, it took the name Harrier by 2018.

The Harrier's foundation on the OmegaArc platform, an offshoot of the Jaguar Land Rover D8 platform, is noteworthy. This underpinning connects it to luxury models such as the Range Rover Evoque.

Housing a 2.0-liter Multijet turbo diesel engine, the Harrier's price range begins at a tempting $28,000 AUD and extends up to $45,000 AUD for the elite model.

Quick Stats for Tata Harrier:

• Price: Starts at $28,000 AUD and goes up to $45,000 AUD for the top-end variant.
• Engine Specifications:
• 2.0-liter Multijet turbo diesel engine.
• Output of 105 kW and 350 Nm of torque.

Indian Car #3: Mahindra Bolero Classic

The Mahindra Bolero Classic, often equated with the LandCruiser 70 Series, appears to be a blend of inspirations from the Mercedes Benz G-Wagon and LandCruiser.

Launched in 2000, the Bolero, especially its Classic iteration, has witnessed few modifications over its tenure. Driven by a 3-cylinder mHawk 75 diesel engine, it exudes an old-school charm.

The price tags of $18,500 AUD for the base model and $20,300 AUD for the top-tier version make it a tempting proposition.

The automotive circles are buzzing with conversations about these machines. Their potential Australian launch is under the spotlight, and it's fascinating to see the traction they’ve already gained. As the prospects of these cars landing in Australia materialize, all eyes will be on their reception by local car aficionados.

Quick Stats for Bolero Classic:

• Price: Base model at $18,500 Australian Dollars and the top-end variant at $20,300.
• Engine Specifications:
• Powered by a 3-cylinder mHawk 75 diesel engine.
• Output of 55.9kW of power and 320nm of torque.
• Uses a 5-speed manual transmission.

What do you think of these choices? Would you add any other Indian cars and want to see these on Australian roads? Join in on the discussion below!