Mahindra Thar is one of the most popular SUVs in the market. The brand has recently introduced the new rear-wheel drive (RWD) version of the Thar at a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), and its waiting period is rising rapidly and has reached up to 18 months, depending on the variant and city.
Mahindra offers the Thar RWD in both petrol and diesel guises. For a petrol-powered Mahindra Thar 4×2, the delivery time is up to 3 months, while for the diesel-powered version, it can take up to 16 to 18 months in some metro cities, suggesting the oil burner is most in demand.
Reports also suggest that a lot of customers are transferring their bookings from the 4X4 variant to the new 4X2 variant. This is because most buyers want the Thar simply because of its appeal and market value, and they don’t want to take it off-road. Additionally, it will save a large amount of money.
Also Read:
- Mahindra XUV400 EV Variants Detailed
- Mahindra XUV700 Prices Increased By Up to Rs 64,000 – Check New Price List
The new Mahindra Thar RWD comes in two variants: AX (O) and LX. The diesel engine is available with both trims, while the petrol can only be had on the top-spec LX variant.
Powering the Thar 4×2 is a 2.0-litre petrol (152PS/320Nm) and a 1.5-litre diesel engine (117PS/300Nm). While the former comes mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the latter gets a 6-speed manual gearbox. Compared to its 4×4 version, the Thar 4×2 variants are up to Rs 4.17 lakh more affordable. The huge difference in prices is due to a smaller engine, tax benefits and the absence of a 4X4 drivetrain.
Currently, Mahindra Thar faces competition from the Force Gurkha. However, it only comes in a 4×4 version. Maruti Suzuki is also going to foray into this segment with the 5-door Jimny. The lifestyle vehicle is already available for booking and will also be available in solely 4×4 trim levels.
