Mahindra Thar Becomes A Whole Lot Affordable With New RWD Version & Smaller Diesel Engine

• Mahindra has launched a new variant of the Thar without the 4x4 system. 

• It’s powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine and 2-litre turbo-petrol unit. 

• 4WD is offered on higher-spec models with 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines. 

• Prices for the Thar now go down from Rs 13.59 lakh to Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). 

• Deliveries to commence from January 14.

Mahindra has launched the Thar in a new, stripped-down avatar without a four-wheel-drive system (4WD or 4x4) to take advantage of the sub-four-metre rule. The two-wheel drive (2WD) version of the SUV brings down the Thar’s starting price significantly, from Rs 13.59 lakh to a much more affordable Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), thanks to the smaller 1.5-litre diesel engine. 

What’s new in the Thar? 

The updated Thar doesn’t come with any cosmetic changes, but all variants now get Blazing Bronze and Everest White paint shades in addition to the Galaxy Grey, Red Rage, Aquamarine, Napoli Black and Rocky Beige paint shades that were on offer. 

Inside, the SUV gets updated centre console toggle switches and a start-stop button. The RWD variant doesn’t get ‘4x4’ badges and has a cubby hole in place of the four-wheel drive selector lever. 

Mahindra Thar Price And Variants 

All prices are ex-showroom pan-India 

Interestingly, the sizeable Thar’s 3995mm length allows it to fall in the sub-four-metre category, subject to a lower rate of taxation. That’s how the base-spec, two-wheel drive Thar diesel, which gets a smaller 1.5-litre engine, undercuts the most affordable 4x4 model by a whopping Rs 3.6 lakh, due to it attracting a lower tax slab. The 4x4 version retails from Rs 13.59 lakh to Rs 16.29 lakh (ex-showroom). 

The 2WD Thar is offered in the same 4x4 variants - AX Opt and LX trim levels. 

Changes under the bonnet 

A major change that allowed Mahindra to classify the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Thar as a subcompact SUV is the downsized 1.5-litre diesel unit. A six-speed manual is the standard transmission, however, you can’t get the smaller diesel engine with an auto ‘box. The 4x4 Thar diesel gets you a more powerful and larger 130PS 2.2-litre unit and optional mechanically-locking rear differential for off-roading. Meanwhile, the 2-litre turbo-petrol engine remains unchanged with the two-wheel drive variant. 

• Mahindra Thar Two-wheel-drive Variants Launch To Introduce Two New Colour Options

• Rear-wheel Drive Mahindra Thar’s New Diesel And Petrol Powertrain’s Specifications Compared With 4WD Model

Without 4x4, the RWD Thar won’t take you as far off the beaten track, but it’s a lot more affordable than before. Besides, it still has a high ground clearance, and all-terrain tyres, which should make it better at handling rough roads than the average subcompact SUV. The Thar rivals the Force Gurkha and will go up against the upcoming Maruti Jimny as well.