Mahindra launches Thar 4x4

Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the Thar, an all-new off-roader that retains the looks of the Mahindra MM540 but comes with a new chassis and loads of features. The MM540 is popular among city-dwellers as well as the army and paramilitary forces.

Available in DI and CRDe versions, the company hopes to target a new lifestyle segment with the Thar and will customise the vehicle for buyers ready to pay more.

While the CRDe 4x4 BSIV variant is priced at Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the DI 4X2 variant is priced at Rs 4.47 lakh (ex-showroom, Jaipur). 

The Thar will be launched in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Mangalore and Jaipur by end of December, and all over the country in January. Based on a chassis that is a mix of the Bolero and the Scorpio, the Thar offers 105bhp.

While the CRDe variant will be built at Mahindra’s plant in Kandivali, Mumbai, the DI variant will be built at Nashik. Company sources said that the estimated development costs were Rs 5 crore. 

 A customized Thar was showcased at the Mumbai launch equipped with alloys, black leather seats with red piping and a winch. According to Mahindra, customization options can cost around Rs 2 lakh over the standard variant, and all customizations will be done at dealers end.