Mahindra Thar: Most Value for Money Variant Revealed

The Mahindra Thar is a compact, off-road SUV manufactured by Indian automaker Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. The Thar was first introduced in 2010 as a modernized version of the Mahindra Legend, which was based on the Mahindra MM540. We take a look at the Thar’s variants, and find out which of these offer the most value for money.

Mahindra Thar: Top Competitors

The top rivals of the Mahindra Thar include the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Hector, Renault Duster, and the Skoda Kushaq.

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Mahindra Thar Variants

The Mahindra Thar has 13 variants, which are listed below along with their prices (ex-showroom, Delhi):

Variant	Price
Thar AX Opt 4-Str Hard Top Diesel RWD	Rs 10.54 lakhs
Thar LX 4-Str Hard Top Diesel RWD	Rs 12.04 lakhs
Thar LX 4-Str Hard Top AT RWD	Rs 13.49 lakhs
Thar AX Opt 4-Str Convert Top	Rs 13.87 lakhs
Thar AX Opt 4-Str Convert Top Diesel	Rs 14.44 lakhs
Thar AX Opt 4-Str Hard Top Diesel	Rs 14.49 lakhs
Thar LX 4-Str Hard Top	Rs 14.56 lakhs
Thar LX 4-Str Convert Top Diesel	Rs 15.26 lakhs
Thar LX 4-Str Hard Top Diesel	Rs 15.35 lakhs
Thar LX 4-Str Convert Top AT	Rs 16.02 lakhs
Thar LX 4-Str Hard Top AT	Rs 16.10 lakhs
Thar LX 4-Str Convert Top Diesel AT	Rs 16.68 lakhs
Thar LX 4-Str Hard Top Diesel AT	Rs 16.78 lakhs

Mahindra Thar: Quick Review

Design and features: The Mahindra Thar’s design retains the essence of its iconic predecessor while incorporating contemporary elements. The Thar has a muscular stance, with strong lines and a commanding presence. It has a wide and upright grille, flared wheel arches, and prominent bumpers. One of the standout design features of the Thar is its removable hardtop or soft top, allowing for an open-air driving experience.

The Thar comes equipped with a modern infotainment system, which includes a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and smartphone integration. The Thar also includes convenience features such as power windows, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and steering-mounted controls.

Engine and performance: The Mahindra Thar comes with the option of a petrol, and 2 diesel engines. The petrol engine is a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produces a maximum power output of around 150 BHP and a torque of 320 Nm. The diesel engine options are 1.5L 4-cylinder engine that produces 116.93 BHP and a torque of 300 Nm, and the 2.2L 4-cylinder engine that produces 130 BHP and a torque of 300 Nm.

In terms of performance, the Thar excels in off-road capabilities. The Thar’s high ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and robust suspension system contribute to its off-road prowess.

The Thar’s on-road performance is satisfactory as well, considering it is primarily designed as an off-road vehicle. The engine provides adequate power for daily driving requirements.

Ride and handling: The Thar features a body-on-frame construction, which contributes to its ruggedness and off-road capabilities. However, this type of construction can result in a slightly firm and bouncy ride, especially on uneven surfaces. The Thar’s suspension setup is tuned to handle off-road terrain. However, the Thar offers a reasonable level of comfort for everyday driving, considering its intended purpose.

The Thar’s handling characteristics are influenced by its tall stance, high ground clearance, and off-road-focused suspension. The Thar exhibits body roll during cornering, and its high center of gravity affects its overall stability. The steering response is not as sharp or precise as in some conventional SUVs or sedans. However, the Thar is designed primarily for off-road adventures, where slower and deliberate maneuvering is often required. In such scenarios, the Thar’s handling is reliable and capable.

Comfort and space: The Thar offers seating for four occupants in its standard configuration, with two front seats and a rear bench seat. The seats are generally supportive and provide a decent level of comfort. However, long drives on rough terrains may result in a slightly firm and bumpy ride. Additionally, taller passengers may find the rear seat space a bit limited, especially in terms of legroom.

The Thar features a foldable rear bench seat, which can be folded down to create additional cargo space when needed. The Thar also provides some storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a center console, door pockets, and cup holders.

Safety: The Mahindra Thar has a range of safety features, which include dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), roll cage, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Mileage: Depending on the variant, the Mahindra Thar has a city mileage 8 to 9 km/l. In some variants, the overall mileage is 15.2 km/l.

Concluding remarks: The Mahindra Thar is an off-road SUV that has gained a reputation for its rugged design, and capable performance. It offers a unique blend of off-road capability and everyday usability.

Mahindra Thar: Most Value for Money Variants

We have identified 3 most value for money (VFM) variants of the Mahindra Thar. These are:

1. The Thar LX 4-Str Hard Top Diesel RWD, priced at Rs 12.04 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi)
2. The Thar AX Opt 4-Str Convert Top, priced at Rs 13.87 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi)
3. The Thar AX Opt 4-Str Convert Top Diesel, priced at Rs 14.44 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The first option is a rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle, while options 2 and 3 are for those who are looking for 4WD capability. Option 2 is a petrol vehicle, and option 3, as its name suggests, is the diesel version.

Most VFM Variant in Comparison with Base Variant

The base variant of the Mahindra Thar is the Thar AX Opt 4-Str Hard Top Diesel RWD, which is priced at Rs 10.54 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The most VFM (RWD) variant has some extra features over the base variant. These include follow-me-home headlights as a safety feature.

For driver assistance, the most VFM (RWD) variant has cruise control, steering mounted controls, automatic ORVMs (manual in the base variant), and fog lights.

Among convenience features, the most VFM (RWD) variant gets climate control, lumbar support, and USB ports.

In gadgets, the most VFM (RWD) variant has a 7-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation support, voice activated controls, Bluetooth connectivity (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), and an OEM audio system with 4 speakers.

Besides, the most VFM (RWD) variant has 18-inch alloy wheels and cloth upholstery, whereas the base variant gets 16-inch steel wheels and vinyl upholstery.

Most VFM (4WD) Variants in Comparison with Base Variant

The most VFM (4WD) variants do not have ESC as a safety feature, which is present in the base variant. The most VFM (4WD) petrol variant, however, has climate control as a convenience feature, which the diesel variant lacks. The rest of the features are the same in the base variant and the most VFM (4WD) variants.

Most VFM (RWD) Variant in Comparison with Top-end Variant

The Mahindra Thar’s top-end variant is the Thar LX 4-Str Hard Top Diesel AT, which is priced at Rs 16.78 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). Both variants have similar features, with the difference being in their transmission – manual in the VFM (RWD) variant, and automatic in the top-end variant.

Most VFM (4WD) Variants in Comparison with Top-end Variant

The top-end variant has some extra features not present in the VFM (4WD) variants. These include ESC as a safety feature, and cruise control, steering mounted controls, automatic ORVMs (manual in the VFM variants), and fog lights as driver assistance features.

In convenience features, the top-end variant has climate control (which the petrol VFM variant also has), lumbar support, and USB ports.

Among gadgets, the top-end variant has a 7-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation support, voice activated controls, Bluetooth connectivity (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay), and an OEM audio system with 4 speakers.

The top-end variant also has 18-inch alloy wheels (16-inch steel wheels in the 4WD VFM variants), and cloth upholstery (vinyl in the 4WD VFM variants).

Key Take-outs from the Comparative Analysis of Base, VFM, and Top-end Variants

Among the most value for money variants, the RWD variant has more features than the 4WD variants. However, the top-end variant has the same features as the most VFM (RWD) variant, but is priced at a premium.

So, if 4WD capability is not a compulsory criterion, then the most value for money (RWD) variant – the Thar LX 4-Str Hard Top Diesel RWD – might be a suitable choice. However, if you are looking for the most value for money in variants with 4WD capability, then you could go for the Thar AX Opt 4-Str Convert Top, or the Thar AX Opt 4-Str Convert Top Diesel – depending upon your fuel preference.

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