The new Mahindra Thar 2WD will also be available with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Mahindra is all set to launch the Thar with a smaller powertrain – a 1.5-litre diesel engine with rear-wheel drive. This new engine will help the Thar qualify for the lower tax bracket and will be aimed at buyers looking for an SUV for city use. We take a look at what will be different on the Mahindra Thar 2WD.
- Mahindra Thar 2WD prices will start at around Rs 10 lakh
- The 1.5-litre diesel engine will produce 118.5hp on Thar 2WD
- Price announcement expected by late January 2023
Mahindra Thar 2WD: what’s different?
First and foremost, the two-wheel-drive Thar loses out on the 4×4 selector available on the higher versions; instead, Mahindra has given it a cubby hole. The Thar 2WD also gets the auto start/stop function, which can be accessed from the control panel between the steering wheel and the driver’s door.
Thar 2WD (left) gets a cubby instead of the 4×4 selector.
The Thar 2WD also gets a new panel of control switches that has been repositioned to the centre console. This panel includes a door lock/unlock button, hazard light switch, traction control switch and more. Mahindra has also removed the 4×4 badging from the rear fenders. Everything else on the 2WD Thar is the same as on the 4WD Thar.
Mahindra Thar 2WD: powertrain options
The Mahindra Thar 2WD will be available with two engine options. One will be the 1.5-litre diesel engine that currently does duty in the Marazzo and will produce 118.5hp and 300Nm on the Thar. While in the Marazzo, the engine is paired to a front-wheel drive system, it will be paired to a rear-wheel drive system on the Thar.
Thar now gets an auto start/stop button (top).
The other will be the existing 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that develops 152hp and 300Nm (320Nm with the automatic gearbox). These can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Mahindra Thar 2WD: expected price, rivals, launch
Mahindra can take advantage of the excise benefits that the smaller engine and sub-4m length offer and price the 2WD Thar diesel around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). When Mahindra introduced the now-discontinued Thar AX, it was priced at Rs 9.8 lakh (ex-showroom) for the soft-top variant with petrol engine.
The Thar 2WD is expected to go on sale sometime in January 2023, which is around the same time Maruti Suzuki will unveil the 5-door Jimny at Auto Expo 2023. Mahindra, however, will not be present at Auto Expo this time.
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Mahindra Thar 5-door: new spy shots show interior and seating layout