Mahindra Thar base (AX) variant was discontinued last year to achieve a higher safety rating at the Global NCAP. GNCAP tests the base variant of every car to give out the safety rating for the entire lineup of a vehicle. However, in the case of Thar, it tested the higher variant because Mahindra had stated that it will discontinue the base variant at the time which has front-facing seats. Hence, if Mahindra decides to relaunch the base variant, this rating will stand nullified and the Thar will have to be tested again. This might end up happening as some dealers reportedly have started taking bookings for the base AX variant of the Thar once again.
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The reason for this might be the recent up to Rs 92,000 price hike that Mahindra announced for Thar. To make it more affordable, the relaunching of the Thar might happen. Let us take a look at what this update entails.
Mahindra Thar Base (AX) Variant – Changes
The prominent change will be on the inside in general and second row in particular. The second row might feature the side-facing bench seat arrangement making it a 6-seater. This will definitely affect the safety rating as the tests conducted by the GNCAP take into consideration the child occupant protection at the rear. This becomes challenging with the side-facing seats. However, this will ensure that the prices remain in check as the Thar has recently become way too expensive when compared to October 2020, when it was launched. Adding to this, the waiting periods have exceeded 12 months in some parts of the country. This might result in some customers turning away from the SUV entirely.
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Features
The Thar comes loaded with modern features like keyless entry, electrically operated ORVMS, electrically operated front windows, steering mounted controls, a 6-speaker audio system, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with integrated Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. Safety features in the new Thar include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD & Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Over Mitigation, Electronic Stability Program, a tire pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, and ISOFIX anchor points. Relaunching the Thar in the base variant will make it lose the 4-star GNCAP safety rating due to the omission of some of these safety features.
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Specs and Prices
Currently, Mahindra Thar comes with the options of either a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine making 150 hp and 320 Nm or a 2.2-litre diesel making 130 hp and 320 Nm of peak power and torque respectively. Both these engines come mated to either a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox and a 4×4 transfer case. This base variant might feature the less powerful 1.5-litre petrol engine. This will ensure a starting price of around Rs 10 lakh, ex-showroom. After the price hike, the Thar retails in the range of Rs 12.78 lakh to Rs 15.08 lakh, ex-showroom. The rivals of the Thar include the upcoming Force Gurkha and Suzuki Jimny. Mahindra is also planning a 5-door version of the Thar to enhance the practicality aspect of the Thar.
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