It’s been less than a month since Mahindra launched the new Thar 2WD in both petrol and diesel guises, and waiting periods for the lifestyle SUV are already extending up to 18 months, our dealer sources have confirmed. The Thar 2WD has been priced between Rs 9.99 lakh-13.49 lakh (ex-showroom), but do note the prices are introductory and will only be applicable for the first 10,000 bookings.
- Thar 2WD petrol waiting period is up to 3 months
- Thar 2WD diesel waiting period is between 16-18 months
- Thar 2WD is available in AX(O) and LX trims
Mahindra Thar 2WD: petrol, diesel waiting period
Our dealer sources say that the Thar 2WD petrol has a maximum waiting period of up to 3 months. The Thar 2WD diesel has a far greater waiting period, stretching between 16-18 months in some cities. Meanwhile, the Thar 4x4 has waiting periods of up to 3 months for both the petrol and diesel variants.
It’s not a surprise that the Thar 4X2 diesel is seeing a healthy demand given that it is currently the most affordable variant in the Thar line-up. Measuring under 4 metres in length and having an engine capacity of less than 1.5 litres, the 2WD diesel is the only Thar variant that enjoys the tax benefits of a sub-4m vehicle, and therefore helps save a sizeable chunk of money.
For reference, the price difference between the 4X2 and 4X4 versions of the diesel-MT AX (O) and LX variants is Rs 4.17 lakh and Rs 3.88 lakh, respectively. Some of it, of course, is also attributed to the lack of a 4x4 system.
Our dealer sources also tell us that a lot of customers have been transferring their bookings from 4X4 variants to the new 4X2 variants. That's because the Thar 4X2 is aimed at buyers who want a Thar but are not so keen to take it off-road, and are, in fact, planning to use it more often in just the city or on highways. This will also eventually help bring down waiting period for the 4X4 variants. The Thar 2WD will also be lighter than the 4WD and, therefore, more fuel efficient, making a better case for itself as a city vehicle.
Mahindra Thar 2WD: engine, gearbox options
The Thar 2WD gets two engine options – one is a 117hp, 300Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine that solely comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. This means that customers looking to buy a Thar diesel automatic will have to go with the more expensive Thar 4WD that comes with the bigger 2.2-litre engine.
The second powertrain on the Thar 2WD is the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit that does duty on the Thar 4WD, but is only offered with a 6-speed torque convertor automatic transmission. As in the 4X4 variants, here too the engine makes 152hp and 320Nm of torque.
The Thar 2WD is available in AX (O) and LX trims. The diesel powertrain can be had on both trims while the petrol can only be had on the higher-spec LX trim.
Mahindra Thar 2WD: rivals in India
The Thar 2WD does not have a direct rival as of now, but the more expensive Thar 4WD takes on the likes of the Force Gurkha and the upcoming Maruti Jimny, which will go on sale by mid-2023.
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