Ever since the launch of the current-gen Thar, Mahindra has had its plate full with the demand for the compact off-roading SUV. The waiting times have become as high as 10 months in some areas of the country. Mahindra has earlier ramped up the production of Thar, but the bookings just kept pouring in. In all honesty, this is a good problem to have. Also, Mahindra has to discontinue the base variant of the Thar earlier because it had side-facing rear seats and the 4-star safety rating thAt the Thar received at the Global NCAP was for the front-facing seating arrangement. But now, Mahindra might bring in a budget version of the Thar with a smaller engine focused primarily on fuel economy and utility. Recently, we came across images of a test mule of the Thar and from the looks of it, it’s the 2WD budget version that’s undergoing road tests. Let us find out what to expect from the Thar if it launches in the base variant guise.
Also read: Suzuki Jimny might get a turbo petrol engine – Thar rival!
Budget Mahindra Thar 2WD Exterior & Interior
While the overall exteriors and dimensions of the budget Mahindra Thar will remain identical, there will be some visual changes to distinguish it from the higher trims. This might include the use of more tough materials on the outside compared to blingy finishes, a smaller set of wheels that might not be alloys and other such bits. This variant will be focused more on the fuel economy and practicality rather than road presence and stunning appearance.
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The interiors of the budget Mahindra Thar might also see some cost-cutting measures which might result in a more raw and rugged look on the inside compared to something visually appealing and feature-rich. Some of the modern features might not make it to the inside of this variant of the Thar. Being the base variant, customers are not typically expecting a feature-rich cabin but they want a tough utility vehicle for rugged use. This variant will serve that purpose and still be a new SUV.
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Engines, Transmissions and Prices
The budget-spec base variant of the Mahindra Thar might feature a 1.5-litre petrol engine making less power and torque than the bigger 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. There might also be no option for a 4×4 drive system which will make the SUV lighter and aid fuel economy. The main point with this variant will be the new and smaller engine which will be the reason why Mahindra will be able to keep the costs in check ad might even offer the Thar at an attractive price point of under Rs 10 lakh, ex-showroom. This might make some of the people looking to buy a premium hatchback or a compact SUV opt for the practicality and utility of the Thar. The traditional rival of the Thar could be the upcoming Suzuki Jimny.
