Mahindra has homologated new variants of Thar which are likely to be launched in the coming days – Take on Maruti Jimny AWD
With the launch of Maruti Suzuki Jimny getting closer, Mahindra seems to be making some aggressive changes to their Thar. First they brought the prices of Thar down to Rs 9.99 lakh, thanks to the launch of new Thar RWD 1.5 diesel. If that was not enough, Mahindra has more attacks planned for the Jimny.
Mahindra Thar Soft Top Homologated Along With New Base AX 4×4 Variant
We’re talking about Mahindra reviving one of Thar’s oldest weapons, the base AX trim with 4X4 and soft top. It was offered since launch in 2020 for a brief period. But was discontinued as it could have scored a lower safety rating thanks to jump seats at the rear.
Now, as per the 2023 update, Mahindra has homologated base AX 4×4. As per the leaked document, it will come with a seating capacity of 4. This means it will get all front facing seats. Unlike the previous version, which got jump seats at the rear, taking total seating capacity to 6.
Powertrain Options With New Mahindra Thar AX Base Variant – Thar CNG?
This new trim has been mentioned as Thar AX AC in the leaked document. It sits below the AX (O) trim and gets slightly fewer features as opposed to the latter. It will be offered with both petrol 2.0 and diesel 2.2 engine option. Thar 1.5 diesel will not get the base AX variant. Next to the variant, the document also mentions P, D – which is for petrol, diesel. There is also a variant of Thar, next to which B is mentioned. Does it stand for Bi-fuel. Are we getting a Thar CNG company fitted option too?
As of now, the 2.0L petrol makes 152 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque. Matching this powertrain in torque is a 2.2L diesel engine that makes 130 bhp of power. Thar AX trim will only get a manual gearbox. This would be a fitting rival to Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Force Gurkha.
2023 Mahindra Thar AX 4×4 is expected to be about Rs 1.5 lakh less than the respective AX(O) variant. Petrol Thar AX 4×4 base could start from Rs 12 lakh while the diesel Thar AX 4×4 could start from Rs 12.5 lakh, ex-sh.
Will MLD be offered with Thar AX 4×4?
Ever since Mahindra discontinued mechanical locking differential (MLD) as a standard feature, we have voiced how it would impact off-road enthusiasts. MLD is only present at the rear with Thar and will detect wheel slippage and can send all the power to a wheel with the most traction.
It is essential in off-road situations to get out of sticky situations. Mahindra currently only offers this with top-spec LX trims. We hope Mahindra provides MLD with upcoming AX trim. Many off-road purists just want a stripped-down Thar 4X4 with MLD. This would ideally be their second car and is just to thrash it in a trail on a weekend.