Mahindra & Mahindra will soon introduce a new entry-level variant of the Thar SUV in the Indian market, reveals a Team-BHP report. It was originally launched in October 2020 in three grades namely AX, AX(O) and LX. The company had to phase out the base AX trim, priced at Rs 9.80 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom), after a few months as it registered a massive number of bookings. Currently, Mahindra Thar is priced in a range of Rs 12.11-14.16 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom) while it has recorded more than 50,000 pre-orders within six months of its launch.
As per the new report, Mahindra Thar's new base variant will be powered by a 1.5L 3-cylinder engine with both manual and automatic gearbox choices. The logic behind introducing a powertrain with smaller displacement capacity is that it will enable Mahindra to avail excise duty benefits which will subsequently result in an aggressive price. The report further states that the new entry-level variant will not receive a 4x4 drive system instead will come with the regular 2WD system. The smaller engine will also ensure an impressive mileage. The dimensions are expected to be identical to the other variants. However, the company might offer smaller wheels in order to make it lighter than the high-end variants of the Thar.
The word is that the new Mahindra Thar base variant will miss out on some of the premium features as the other variants. It is yet to be figured out if the 1.5L 3-cylinder engine will be a petrol-powered one or diesel-powered as there is no information available on this. Currently, Mahindra's tried-and-trusted 1.5L diesel motor does duties to the Bolero and Marazzo while it is in the process of rolling out an all-new 1.5L mStallion turbocharged petrol motor. So, in all likelihood, it will be the 1.5L diesel mill that will be at the helm of the new Thar variant. Mahindra Thar new base variant price could be below Rs 10 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom). Stay tuned for more updates!
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