Mahindra Thar To Get Downsized Diesel Engine, But Petrol Fans Rejoice!

• Mahindra working on rear-wheel-drive Thar for imminent launch. 
• 152PS, 2-litre turbo-petrol engine will be retained.
• Diesel engine with 2WD will be downsized from 130PS, 2.2-litre unit to 118PS, 1.5-litre diesel mill.
• Both engines will get six-speed manual and auto’ boxes.
• Expected to be offered in all the variants.
• Prices likely to start around the Rs 11-lakh mark. 

The inevitable is soon going to happen. Mahindra is going to plonk in a two-wheel drivetrain in the Thar SUV in the interest of making it more affordable. This makes a lot of sense, especially for people who don’t venture out into the wild, and rather prefer keeping their stead on paved roads. And for those who are eyeing the new Thar rear-wheel drive (RWD), we bring you the detailed specifications of the upcoming SUV. 

For starters, the rear-wheel driven Thar will get both petrol and diesel engine options. While petrolheads can rejoice as the Thar RWD will continue with the 152PS, 2-litre turbo-petrol, Mahindra will be taking the downsizing route with the diesel. It’s a heavily revised version of its 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine developing 118PS and 300Nm. 

Yes, it’s a smaller engine, but don’t let the displacement fool you. The 1.5-litre unit is just 12PS down when compared to the 130PS diesel engine. Torque numbers are identical until and unless you choose the auto gearbox with the larger engine that puts out 20Nm more. Speaking of which, both the engines in the Thar RWD will get six-speed manual and auto ‘boxes. 

Another big advantage of the Thar diesel being downsized is a lower sticker price. Its under four metres length and the 1.5-litre diesel engine make it eligible for sub-4 metre taxation, and as a result it becomes more affordable. We expect its entry-level pricing of Rs 13.59 lakh to drop down to around Rs 11 lakh when it debuts in the market soon. 

The Thar rear-wheel drive is expected to be offered in both variants – AX (O) and LX – as well as with hardtop and convertible softtop roof options. It’s also worth noting that the Mahindra Thar will soon face competition from the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, which is also expected to get multiple drivetrain options.