Mahindra & Mahindra is planning to expand its highly-popular Thar SUV model lineup with two new variants. According to a fresh media report, the company will introduce the Mahindra Thar 4X2 (2WD-two-wheel drive) versions with the new 117bhp, 1.5L diesel and the existing 2.0L petrol engine options. The new oil burner will be borrowed from the Marazzo MPV and come only with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
With the new 1.5L diesel engine and length of 3985mm, the Mahindra Thar will attract GST benefits offered on the sub-4 meter vehicles. In fact, it doesn’t qualify GST council’s SUV eligibility. Therefore, the council has removed it from the SUV category that will result into a significant price drop. The new entry-level Mahindra Thar 4X2, 1.5L diesel variant is expected to cost under Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).
As mentioned above, the company will also roll out the new Thar 2.0L turbo petrol, 2WD variant with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The new Mahindra Thar 4X2, powered with the new 1.5L and 2.0L petrol engines, is reported to hit showrooms in January 2023. The home-grown automaker has also planned the 5-door version of the Thar SUV that might be unveiled on 26th January 2023. Its market launch is expected to happen in the second half of 2023.
The 5-door Mahindra Thar will be positioned against the soon-to-be-launched 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Force Gurkha. Its prices are expected to be around Rs 90,000 – Rs 1 lakh higher than the 3-door version. The 5-door Thar will be longer and have extended wheelbase. It could be offered with both 4X4 and 4X2 drivetrain options. The SUV will be made available with 6 and 7-seats configurations. Powering the model will be the same 2.0L petrol and 2.2L diesel engines that can be had with either a manual or an automatic gearbox.
