Mumbai: The 150th edition of the Mahindra Great Escape – one of India’s most popular off-road adventures, concluded successfully in Lonavala on July 14, with over 60 vehicles from the Mahindra stable, both 2WD and 4WD, maneuvering the challenging route.
This Great Escape saw participation from Mahindra customers from Mumbai, Nashik, Pune and neighboring areas. The drive received an overwhelming response from off-road enthusiasts, leaving everyone asking for more.
The event was flagged off from Club Mahindra, Tungi at Lonavala and presented an opportunity to explore the area’s scenic terrain which is particularly lush in the monsoon season. The event saw participation from the entire stable of Mahindra vehicles which included Boleros, Scorpios, XUVs, KUVs and the extreme off-roader – Mahindra Thar CRDe 4×4 – each representing the company’s tough and rugged DNA. These iconic Mahindra SUVs successfully took on the arduous and slushy terrain of Lonavala in the lap of nature.
Lonavala offered a picturesque setting for a day of fun-filled off-roading. The scenic yet strenuous terrain ensured that there were ample challenges for all off-roading enthusiasts. Located close to both Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala gave auto enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to enjoy the monsoon and tackle the challenging route.
Off-Road Driving Skills Demonstrated by Competitors
This year, the competitors got a chance to demonstrate their off-road driving skills through different stages of the natural terrain. There were specially designed tracks for both 2WD and 4WD vehicles, the latter being more challenging. From slippery and steep inclines and descents, to driving through flowing streams and slush, the participants had a chance to experience the true capability of their vehicles and at the same time enjoy the thrill of off-roading.
The Mahindra Great Escape was first conceptualized in 1996 as a non-competitive, off-road event meant to encourage Mahindra customers to test the strength and performance of their vehicles on terrain other than tarmac. Over the years, the Great Escape has developed the reputation of being one of India’s most thrilling off-road events with each edition seeing enthusiastic participation from die-hard Mahindra fans and customers across the country.
About Mahindra Adventure
A unique concept to showcase the tough and rugged DNA of Mahindra vehicles, Mahindra Adventure functions as an umbrella brand with a series of self-drive overland adventure expeditions organized under its banner. Mahindra Adventure was launched as an independent entity for all adventurous activities, in 2011, headed by Bijoy Kumar Y, Chief of Adventure Initiatives. He is a motoring enthusiast and the erstwhile editor of a popular motoring magazine.
The Mahindra Adventure calendar comprises a series of experiential marketing events throughout the year such as the popular off-roading event, the Great Escape, several Challenges (sporting events in keeping with the company’s promise of providing adrenaline pumping challenges), Multi-Day Special Escapes, such as the Monastery Escape (10 days), Royal Escape (6 days), Authentic Bhutan (8 days), Himalayan Spiti Escape (10 days), & the Summit – a drive to the Everest base camp (14 days).
To spread the DNA of off-roading, Mahindra Adventure team is running the Mahindra Adventure Off-Road Training Academy in Igatpuri, which is the country’s only Off-Road driver training school to encourage and learn the art of off-roading in a safe and controlled environment, for both adventure seekers and enthusiasts alike.
Team Mahindra Adventure has also been blazing the motorsport arena with their rally-prepared– Super XUV500’s, since its inception. The Super XUV500 won the overall championship at the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017.
