Mahindra Thar 4X2 launched at Rs 9.99 lakh
Prices for the much anticipated Mahindra Thar 2WD have been announced. The Mahindra Thar 2WD is priced from Rs 9.99 lakh for the new 1.5-litre diesel variant, while the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol AT costs Rs 13.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The Thar 2WD is available in AX (O) and LX trims. Deliveries are slated to start from January 14. Do note the prices are introductory and only applicable for the first 10,000 bookings.
Thar 2WD gets two engine options
Thar 1.5 diesel engine comes with manual gearbox only
Thar 2.0-litre petrol 2WD comes with 6 speed automatic only
Here’s a detailed look at the prices of the Thar 2WD along with the 4WD variants.
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MAHINDRA THAR PRICES
Thar 2WD variants Price Thar 4WD variants Price
1.5-diesel MT AX(O) Rs 9.99 lakh 2.0-petrol MT AX(O) (Soft Top) Rs 13.59 lakh
1.5-diesel MT LX Rs 10.99 lakh 2.2-diesel MT AX(O) Rs 14.21 lakh
2.0-petrol AT LX Rs 13.49 lakh 2.0-petrol MT LX Rs 14.28 lakh
As can be seen in the table above, there’s a difference of Rs 2.33 lakh between 4X2 and 4X4 versions of the 2.0-litre petrol-AT LX variant. Meanwhile, the price difference between the 4X2 and 4X4 versions of the diesel-MT AX (O) and LX variants is Rs 4.17 lakh and Rs 3.88 lakh, respectively. In case of the diesel, the difference in price is attributed to a smaller engine, lower tax, and the absence of a 4X4 system.
Also see: Mahindra Scorpio to join Indian Army fleet
Mahindra Thar 2WD: engine-gearbox options
Apart from the absence of 4WD gear, Mahindra has introduced a smaller 1.5-litre diesel engine on the Thar 2WD – the same four-cylinder unit that does duty in the XUV300 and churns out 117hp and 300Nm of torque. The smaller 1.5-litre diesel engine, coupled with the sub-4m length, helps the Thar qualify for a lower excise bracket when compared to its bigger engine siblings.
The Thar 2WD 1.5 diesel, however, comes with only a 6-speed manual gearbox. This means that customers looking to buy a Thar diesel automatic will have to go with the more expensive Thar 4WD that comes with the bigger 2.2-litre engine.
The second powertrain on offer on the Thar 2WD is the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol that does duty on the Thar 4WD. This engine is available with only a 6-speed torque convertor automatic transmission and does not get a manual gearbox option. As in the 4X4 variants, here too the engine makes 152hp and 320Nm of torque.
Mahindra Thar 2WD: exterior, interior differences
Visually, both the Thar 2WD and 4WD look identical to each other, save for the lack of the 4×4 badge on the former. Mahindra has also introduced two new exterior paint options on the Thar – Blazing Bronze, which is also available on the XUV300, and the much enquired about Everest White. Additionally, the 2WD Thar will is only available with the hard-top option.
On the inside, the Thar 2WD gets a cubby hole in place of the 4×4 selector on the 4WD version. Additionally, the Thar 2WD gets auto start/stop function, which can be accessed via the control panel between the steering wheel and the driver’s door. The Thar recently had a few buttons (traction control, hill descent control and door lock/unlock) repositioned from the control panel to the centre console.
Apart from these, everything else remains the same on the Thar. It continues to get the 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors, cruise control and LED daytime running lamps (DRLs).
Mahindra Thar 4X4 update
Along with the new 2WD variant, Mahindra has also introduced an important update to the 4WD variants. The 4WD variant now comes with an electronic brake locking differential in place of a mechanical locking differential that was offered so far. Developed in collaboration with Bosch, the system allows for better grip in low-traction situations. For those who still prefer the mechanical locking differential (MLD), this will be available as an option on the LX Diesel 4WD variants.
Mahindra Thar 2WD: rivals in India
The Thar 2WD is aimed at buyers who want a Thar but are not so keen to take it off-road. The SUV does not have a direct rival as of now, but the more expensive Thar 4WD takes on the likes of the Force Gurkha and the upcoming Maruti Jimny, which will go on sale by mid-2023.
