Mahindra is removing the 4×4 option from the Thar and is also replacing the 2.0L engine with the 1.5L diesel engine from the XUV300. Thar will be equipped with a 4×2 drivetrain and a smaller engine. Mahindra appears to have taken this step, presumably with the Maruti Jimny in mind. ‘SansCARi Sumit’ YouTube channel has recently shared a detailed first-look video of the upcoming 2023 model of the Mahindra Thar 1.5L 4×2.
Although the idea of a Thar 4×2 variant may not appeal to enthusiasts. Previous gen Thar offered a choice between a less powerful DI engine and a CRDe engine. While CRDe variants came standard with a 4×4 transfer case, DI variants also had a 4×2 option.
Thar will be classified as B-segment due to its short length and 1.5L diesel engine. Thar 4×2 variant with 2.0L turbo petrol will also diversify the lineup to attract more buyers.
Thar 4×2 variant with 2.0L petrol may cost approximately a lakh less than its 4×4 counterparts. The Thar 1.5L diesel with a 4×2 drivetrain is expected to cost less than Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). In the video, we see an owner’s manual with only two engines specified. A 1.5L diesel and a 2.0L petrol, both with MT and AT options.
This 1.5L diesel powertrain was FWD in the Marazzo and XUV300, but RWD in the Thar. The specs and features remain the same as the previous model, with 4×2 as a standard feature.
The 4×4 selector has been replaced on the inside by an elongated cubby space designed to hold a phone. All the changes in the Thar with the new Twin Peaks logo remain in place. The XUV300 and Marazzo are powered by a 1.5L diesel engine. It produces 121 bhp and 300 Nm of torque in Marazzo and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Mahindra Thar 4×2 variant with a 2.0L petrol engine could cost as little as Rs. 12.50 lakhs (ex-showroom) or even less. Thar 1.5L diesel 4×2 prices may begin under Rs 10 lakh. The launch is expected to take place on January 26th, 2023, before the Maruti Jimny release in India.
