Cheaper Mahindra Thar with 1,500cc engine in the works: Details

Launched in October 2020, the all-new second-generation Mahindra Thar has become a blockbuster hit in the Indian market. There is a waiting period of months and in some cases up to a year depending on the location and the variant of the SUV. There are still many who are have booked the Thar and are waiting for its delivery. Well, Mahindra is now working to make the model even more popular. The manufacturer is working on a more affordable version of the all-new Thar.

According to new details on T-BHP, Mahindra has started working on the more affordable version of the Thar in the market. The manufacturer will launch the new vehicle for the customers who only want the Thar to run on the tarmac and highways.

Also read: This modified Mahindra Bolero Invader looks butch

While there are no details provided by Mahindra on the new development but as per the details, Mahindra will launch the new affordable version that will look exactly the same as the standard version of the Thar. However, it will be around 100 kg lighter. Since it will not be a full-fledged off-roading vehicle, Mahindra will not offer 4X4 with the new vehicle. You should note that Mahindra offers 4X4 as standard with all the variants of the Mahindra Thar at present.

Mahindra Thar Lite

Well, that is what Mahindra is likely to call the upcoming affordable version of the SUV. The price of the vehicle will be around Rs 6.7 lakh, which will put it in direct competition against the like sub-4m compact SUVs in the market. However, we think that the price will start at around Rs 9 lakh, which will be a good Rs 2 lakh lower than the standard version. Other changes will include smaller tyres and wheels that will ensure better fuel efficiency.

Powering the new Thar Lite will be a 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine. It is the same engine that is available with the Mahindra Bolero too. With the smaller engine, Mahindra Thar will have excise duty benefits that will allow the manufacturer to price it much lower than the standard version of the vehicle. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine is also available with various Mahindra SUVs including the TUV and the Bolero.

During the launch of the all-new Mahindra Thar last year in the Indian market, our source had revealed that they are not planning to launch any 4X2 version of the Thar in the future and they will maintain the Thar’s DNA. However, the Thar did throw a major surprise when it was launched in the market and an unprecedented number of bookings were made. It has changed the whole dynamics and maybe that’s why Mahindra’s top bosses have made the new strategy.

Nonetheless, the all-new Mahindra Thar will is likely to get launched by the end of this year or sometime next year. Currently, Mahindra is overwhelmed with the bookings of the Thar. The brand is also planning to launch a slew of all-new SUVs including the Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio and an all-new XUV500 in 2024.

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