The second-generation Mahindra Thar is getting tremendous love from the Indian buyers. As a result, it has crossed over 50,000 bookings within only six months since its launch on 2nd October 2020. And its huge success is the courtesy of its more urban-friendly nature, macho design, and irresistible off-roading capabilities. Currently, it is available in two trims: AX (O) and LX, which are priced from Rs 12.11 lakh to Rs 14.15 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). However, the brand is reportedly working on a more affordable entry-level variant of the Thar, which could be launched in the coming months.
Also Read: 2021 Mahindra XUV300 Loses Out On Two Features
If reports are to be believed, the new base variant of Mahindra Thar will get front-facing seats. However, it is expected to come with a new 1.5-liter diesel engine paired to either manual or automatic transmission. Also, it is unlikely to feature a four-wheel-drive system. The brand is expected to pay more attention to the fuel efficiency of the variant rather than the off-roading abilities.
Besides, Mahindra is also suspected to launch a removable hardtop roof variant of the Thar off-roader. Click here for details.
For the people not in know, the 2021 Thar was originally launched in four variants: AX STD, AX, AX (O), and LX. The AX STD and AX featured side-facing rear seats, whereas the AX (O) and LX came with front-facing rear seats. Later, the brand has discontinued the entry-level AX STD and AX trims considering them less safe than the top-specs AX (O) and LX variants because these trims missed out on rear seatbelts, roll cage, hardtop roof, and child seat anchorages. All these features are available in the 4-seater variants, which eventually had received a 4-star safety rating in the Global NCAP crash test.
At present, the Thar comes with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder mStallion petrol (150PS/320Nm) and a 2.2-liter mHawk diesel (130PS/300Nm) engine. Both motors can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. A 4×4 drivetrain with a manual-shift transfer case is standard on both the powertrains.
The Mahindra Thar will soon lock horns with the 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the BS6 Force Gurkha.
