More Buyers Picked Oil Burner Mahindra Thar Over Petrol Variant In 2022

• Mahindra Thar is offered with 130PS diesel and 150PS petrol engine choices. 

• Preference of diesel over petrol is likely due to fuel efficiency. 

• It also gets an optional mechanical locking differential that’s missing from the petrol version. 

• Diesel-powered Thar costs between Rs 14.16 lakh and Rs 16.29 lakh (ex-showroom). 

The Mahindra Thar is still selling like hot cakes – the numbers show it. The lifestyle SUV remains a unique offering in its price segment, rivalled only by the Force Gurkha, so its popularity is not surprising. Yet, the sales figures make it clear that buyer preferences have shifted between 2021 and 2022, likely owing to the fuel efficiency advantage of the diesel engine.

Here’s a look at the sales figures: 

What the numbers say

Even in 2021, the diesel Thar was more popular than the petrol model, with the oil burner occupying almost 70 percent of the total sales. However, this year’s data shows that buyers are almost exclusively picking the diesel-powered Thar over the petrol variant. 

Nevertheless, although fewer petrol Thars being sold, the total sales are up by around 800 units. 

Price difference between petrol and diesel Thar 

It’s not a big leap in price from the petrol Thar to the diesel variant, which could be another reason why more people are opting for it. 

Performance and 4x4 hardware 

In terms of raw output, the Thar’s 2-litre mStallion turbo petrol engine has the edge with its higher 150PS/320Nm output (300Nm in the manual variant). The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel unit produces 130PS and 300Nm, a decrease of 20PS. Both engines can be paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. 

It may be powerful, but the petrol engine in the Thar is also a guzzler – we got economy figures of 9.16kmpl in the city and a meagre 12.18kmpl on the highway. On the other hand, diesels are known for their efficiency and the Thar’s mHawk unit is no exception with its all-aluminium construction and refinement.  

Both petrol and diesel Thars get a 4x4 system as standard, but the diesel variant gets an optional mechanically locking rear differential for off-roading. The standard Thar LX (top model) gets a software-based, brake-driven system for transferring torque to the wheels. 

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A notable change in buyer preferences could influence Mahindra’s future decisions about the Thar lineup. Let us know in the comments which Thar you would prefer – petrol or diesel?