The much anticipated Mahindra Thar 4X2 has finally been launched, starting at INR 9.99 lakh ex-showroom. The Thar 4X2 is available in two trim levels AX(O) & LX, in both petrol & diesel powertrains. With deliveries started from 14th January.
The base model, Thar 4X2 Diesel AX(O), is priced at INR 9.99 Lakh ex-showroom, while the top-spec Thar 4X2 Petrol LX is priced at INR 13.49 lakh ex-showroom. The top-spec LX diesel for the Thar 4X2 is priced at INR 10.99 lakh ex-showroom. Please note that these introductory prices only apply to the first 10,000 units. The price difference between the 4X2 and 4X4 variants of the 2.0-litre petrol-AT LX model is Rs 2.33 lakh. The pricing difference between the diesel-MT AX (O) and LX variations' 4X2 and 4X4 versions is Rs 4.17 lakh and Rs 3.88 lakh, respectively. For the diesel, the smaller engine, lower tax, and lack of a 4X4 system are the causes of the price difference.
Mahindra introduced a smaller 1.5L diesel engine on the Thar 4X2, the same one seen on the XUV 300. The engine produces 117Hp & 300Nm of torque. The Thar 4X2 diesel, however, is only available with a 6-speed MT, meaning that a customer willing to buy a diesel automatic Thar will have to upgrade to the 4X4 Thar with the bigger 2.2L engine. The petrol powertrain on the Thar 4X2 is similar to the 4X4 version. It is only available with a 6-Speed AT and produces 152Hp & 320Nm of torque.
Visually, the 4X4 & the 4X2 are the same except for badging. In addition, two new colour options have been introduced, the Blazing Bronze and the Everest White. Additionally, the 4X2 Thar is only available with a hard-top option.
A cubby hole in the 4X2 model replaces the 4x4 selector inside the Thar 4X4. The control panel between the steering wheel and the driver's door allows you to activate the Thar 4X2's auto start/stop feature. Recently, the traction control, hill descent control, and door lock/unlock buttons for the Thar were moved from the control panel to the centre console.
Everything else on the Thar stays the same aside from them. It retains the 7.0-inch touchscreen with connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors, cruise control, and LED daytime running lights (DRLs).
With the introduction of the 4X2 Thar, Mahindra has also updated the differential system on the 4X4 Thar. The previously mechanical differential lock system has now been removed to make way for an electronic brake locking differential system.
Words: Sresht Garg
