Mahindra Thar likely to get new 4x4 entry-level variant

The Mahindra Thar is currently available in two broad trim line-ups – AX(O) and LX – with two petrol and one diesel engine option spread across them. We have now learnt that Mahindra could introduce a new entry-level 4x4 variant that’ll sit below the AX(O) trim and will be available with the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines.

1. New entry-level trim to come on the 4x4 variants
2. Could lose out on a few key features from AX(O) trim

Mahindra Thar new entry-level 4x4 variant

In January 2023, when Mahindra introduced the new RWD variants of the Thar, the entry price of the popular off-roader was significantly brought down thanks to lower tax rates that come with the smaller diesel engine and lack of off-road hardware. While that was great news for urban users of the Thar, there was no change in the prices of the 4WD variants.

But this upcoming entry-level 4WD variant – likely to be named AX AC – could see the deletion of some features that are currently offered on the AX(O) trim to be positioned as a stripped-down off-roader. Mahindra, in fact, briefly had offered a bare-bones AX trim, but it was discontinued as it came with side-facing bench seats, which did not bode well with crash tests. The upcoming AX AC trim, however, will be a four-seater with forward-facing seats.

This could also be in response to Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming Jimny SUV that’s due to launch this May. The Jimny is expected to comfortably undercut the current prices of the Thar as a lifestyle off-roader. This new trim of the Thar could, therefore, be targeted to off-road enthusiasts as an alternative.

Mahindra Thar engine options

The Thar is currently available with three engine options. There’s the base-spec 118hp, 300Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine that’s solely mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and is offered in rear-wheel-drive guise. Then there are the 152hp, 300Nm, 2.0-litre petrol engine and the 130hp, 300Nm, 2.2-litre diesel engine. Both these engines get the option of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox, and while the diesel engine is only available in 4WD guise, the petrol gets both 4WD and RWD configurations. The upcoming AX AC trim will likely be available with the latter two engines, and in MT 4x4 guise. 

Mahindra Thar price and rivals

Currently, the Thar’s only direct rival in the market is the Force Gurkha, but as mentioned above, it's soon going to see competition from the upcoming Maruti Jimny. Diesel variants of the Thar are currently priced between Rs 9.99 lakh-16.49 lakh, while the petrol versions are priced between Rs 13.49 lakh-15.82 lakh, both prices ex-showroom Mumbai.  

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