In what could be your last chance to pick up a new first-gen Thar, the last examples of the off-roader have started arriving at Mahindra dealerships across the country. The version in question is the Mahindra Thar 700 and it marks the end of production for the model. The Thar 700 is limited to 700 units and has been priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The Thar 700 comes only in two exterior paint shade options – Napoli black and Aqua Marine (similar to the one seen on the Marazzo) and will also be identifiable by its five-spoke, 15-inch alloys. Black decals on its bonnet-lid and a silver finish on the front bumper are other embellishments exclusive to the 700. A special signature edition badge on the Thar 700's right fender bears the signature of Anand Mahindra, chairman, Mahindra Group adds some collector appeal too. In the cabin, leatherette covers for the seats are a new addition.
Powering the Thar 700 signature edition is the same the 2.5-litre CRDe engine as the standard model, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Like the other Thar SUVs produced after April 1, 2019, the 700 also features ABS though a driver airbag, seat-belt reminder or rear parking sensors that are mandatory on cars produced after July 1, 2019 are not part of the kit.
The second-gen Mahindra Thar will most-likely see an Auto Expo 2020 debut and will initially get either a 140hp or a 120hp diesel engine. There are talks of a Thar petrol variant too, but that will come a little later, down the line.
Our July 2019 issue has a world-exclusive of the seven-seat Renault Triber, an exclusive India review of the Porsche Macan facelift, first drives of the MG Hector, Jeep Compass Trailhawk, Toyota Glanza, Mahindra XUV300 AMT and new-gen Mercedes-Benz GLS, a face-off involving the new BMW X5 and Audi Q7, and a full preview of the Kia Seltos.
The Hector has launched in the Indian market at a starting price of Rs 12.18 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and is offered in four trims - Style, Super, Smart and Sharp.
From Left to Right - Vinay Harne, President, NPD, TVS Motor Co.; Martin Schwenk, CEO, Mercedes-Benz India; Hormazd Sorabjee; CV Raman, Senior Executive Director (Engineering) Maruti Suzuki India; and Venkatram Mamillapalle , MD, Renault India.
Poll of the month
There will be 12 new Citroen and Jeep launches by 2030. Will this boost interest in these brands?
Yes, fresh models is just what's needed.
Only if sales and service expands alongside.
Won't be enough. Established brands are too strong.