Mahindra launches Thar 4×2 diesel and petrol: CHEAPER by Rs 3.6 Lakh!

Finally, one of the most anticipated SUVs from the country’s largest utility vehicle manufacturer Mahindra has broken the cover. Mahindra has launched an all-new range of RWD models for its highly popular lifestyle offroader Thar with a starting price of Rs 9.99 Lakh. The company has introduced new RWD models with the option between two engines – a 1.5-liter diesel engine and a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol. The RWD Thars will come in the AX (O) and LX trims. Additionally, Mahindra has also introduced enhanced capabilities for the Four Wheel Drive (4WD) variants as well.

Commenting on the launch of the all-new Thar 4X2 Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “The Mahindra Thar is not just a capable SUV, it is an emotion. Since 2020, the all-new Thar has captured the imagination of SUV lovers with over 80,000 fans exploring the impossible every day. To make our offering even better, we listened to our customers and engineered the new range of the Thar with important enhancements. By offering the new RWD variants, we have made it much more accessible to those who wanted to live the ‘Thar life’, while our additions on the 4WD variant has been designed to please the true off-roaders. We are confident the new range of the Thar will further spark the thrill to explore the impossible and add new enthusiasts to the Thar lifestyle.”

The all-new RWD Thar models as mentioned will come with two drivetrain options – the first will be a 1.5-liter D117 CRDe engine borrowed from the XUV300. This engine in the Thar RWD will be producing 117 BHP and 300 Nm torque (87.2 kW@3500 rpm) and will only come mated to a manual transmission. Meanwhile on the other hand the second engine option will be the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol powerplant that comes available in Thar 4WD. This mStallion 150 TGDi engine will produce 150 BHP and 320 Nm torque (112 kW@5000 rpm) and will only come with an automatic transmission as standard.

Also read: Buying a pre-owned Mahindra Thar is better than buying a new one: 5 reasons

In terms of the overall exterior design the newly introduced models will not go under any alterations and will continue to boast the already successful boxy SUV look. However, there will be an addition of two new shades to the color palette of the Thar. Mahindra will now offer the Thar with the additional options of Blazing Bronze and Everest White.

Meanwhile on the inside the SUV will now be missing the 4×4 gear selector and instead of it there will be small cubby hole beside the transmission lever. Furthermore, the Thar 2WD will also get auto start/stop functionality, which can controlled by a control panel located between the steering wheel and the driver’s door. And a few buttons, including those for traction control, hill descent control, and door lock/unlock, have recently been moved from the control panel to the centre console on the Thar.

The LX variant of the Thar RWD will come equipped with features like, automatic HVAC controls, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which will offer Apple Carplay and Android Auto, 4 speakers, 2 tweeters, electric ORVM adjustments and a few other tech features as well.

In addition to the Thar RWD models, the company will now also offer the 4WD model with an advanced electronic brake locking differential. According to the company, it was developed in partnership with Bosch and would make it easier for off-road aficionados to deal with low traction situations. Those who prefer the mechanical locking differential (MLD) will have the choice in the LX Diesel 4WD models. The lineup of 4WD powertrains stays unaltered.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500