Mahindra Thar surpasses one lakh unit sales mark

Gajanan Kashikar Published: May 22, 2023, 11:44 AM IST

After crossing one lakh unit production mark, the Mahindra Thar has achieved a one lakh unit sales milestone in India. Launched in October 2020, the Thar has been one of the most sought-after vehicles of the carmaker. The off-road focussed SUV was initially available with a 4x4 drivetrain. In January 2023, it was also introduced with a more affordable and accessible 4x2 or rear-wheel drive option. Above all, the rear-wheel drive Thar had also received a new 1.5-litre diesel engine.

It is interesting to note that the Thar had received 50,000 bookings within six months of its launch, while it surpassed 75,000 bookings milestone in 12 months. On the other hand, the long running shortage of semiconductors caused disruption in the production of the SUV. As a result, its waiting period extended over six months.

Having said that, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, a new direct rival to the Mahindra Thar, will arrive in India soon. Since the Thar and Gurkha are already dominating the segment, the Jimny could create the competition stiffer. However, the Thar and is available in three-door version, the India-spec Jimny is offered with a five-door avatar. However, the catch is that the Jimny still measures identical to Thar in terms of length.

Mahindra Thar: Powertrain

Powering the Mahindra Thar are three distinctive engine options. Firstly, a 1.5-litre, inline four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine generating 117PS and 300Nm of torque. This motor is coupled to only a six-speed manual gearbox. Secondly, a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbo mHawk diesel unit producing 130PS and 300Nm of torque. There is also a 2.0-litre, inline-four cylinder, turbocharged mStallion petrol engine that makes 150PS and 320Nm. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and automatic.

Mahindra Thar: Prices, variants, and rivals

The prices of the Thar start at Rs 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom) and go up to Rs 16.78 lakh (ex-showroom). Mahindra offers the SUV in two variants AX (O) and LX across hard and soft top versions. Meanwhile, it takes on the Force Gurkha and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Jimny five-door.