Mahindra Thar RWD: Explore Features, Price, and Performance

The Mahindra Thar RWD offers a powerful presence on the road. The base rear-wheel-drive variant starts at an ex-showroom price of ₹12.48 lakh. The top model can reach over ₹15 lakh on-road in Lucknow. This SUV has a very muscular feel, especially with its 18-inch alloy wheels. Two main variants are available: the AX Optional and the top-tier LX model.

Exterior Design and Features

Front Profile

The front features a traditional Mahindra grille in a black finish, which can be customized later. It comes with standard halogen headlights, also modifiable. Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) with integrated indicators are present. The solid gray bumper proudly displays Thar branding and is very robust. An engine guard is included for off-road protection, covering the front engine and suspension setup. The front also includes dual wipers.

Side Profile

From the side, the Thar looks impressive with its 18-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels, adding to its muscular appeal. It appears larger than a Jimny, and while similar in size to a Gurkha, the Thar is considered a top off-roading vehicle. It includes door visors as accessories, body cladding, and sidesteps for easy entry. The dashboard is all black. The rear-wheel-drive model does not feature a 4×4 lever. A large glass panel at the rear allows for a good view from the second row.

Rear Profile

The rear bumper features reflectors on both sides and houses the exhaust pipe on the right. The vehicle offers a substantial 226 mm of ground clearance, ideal for off-roading. It comes with a rear suspension setup. The boot gate opens in two parts: the glass panel lifts up, and the lower panel swings open. The boot space is average, suitable for small bags. For more space, the rear seats can be folded to provide approximately 600 liters of storage. It is mentioned that a 5-door Thar option will be available soon.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Cabin Entry and Seating

The interior features Thar branding with red elements in various places, including the doors and bumper. Door open/closer and controls for the electric adjustable outside mirrors are easily accessible. A bottle holder is provided. The dashboard has an all-black, rugged design. The seats come in a black and red finish, offering height adjustment and recline options. A Thar branded scuff plate is at the entry. The car features manual transmission pedals, with an automatic option also available. Speakers are located at the bottom and tweeters/speakers are also on the roof.

Dashboard and Controls

The dashboard includes controls for the Multi-Information Display (MID), an idle start/stop button, and a headlight leveler switch. The instrument cluster is analogue, featuring an RPM meter on the left and a speedometer marked up to 180 km/h on the right. The MID screen in the center provides various information like range, mileage, trip details, and audio. Temperature and fuel gauges are also present. The steering wheel has a Mahindra logo, cruise controls on the right, and telephonic/infotainment controls on the left, accented with a silver finish.

Infotainment and Central Console

The central console features a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Users can access various settings for the system, display, and sound. Below the screen are shortcut buttons for power on/off, calls, FM, and home. The AC vents have a glossy black ring design, and manual AC controls are provided. Additional controls include a hazard light switch, traction control, hill descent control, lock/unlock buttons, a seat belt warning indicator, and airbag on/off buttons. Below these, you’ll find USB and AUX ports, a 12V charging outlet, and a space for a phone. The rear-wheel-drive (4×2) model comes with a 6-speed manual transmission lever; a 4×4 lever is not present in this variant. Power window controls for the front are located on the central console. The cabin also has two rear glass holders, a handbrake, and door trims. Dual airbags are included, one in the steering wheel and another on the dashboard. Grab handles are present, designed for stability during off-road driving. The glovebox is compact, suitable for documents. The sun visor includes a ticket holder, and there’s a manually adjustable Inside Rear View Mirror (IRVM). The co-driver’s sun visor also has a ticket holder but no vanity mirror. The vehicle comes with a hardtop, but a soft-top option is available, which is approximately ₹10,000 cheaper.

Rear Passenger Experience

Accessing the second row in this 3-door Thar involves folding and sliding the front seat forward. Once inside, passengers get a view of the front dashboard. There are no rear AC vents. With the front seat adjusted for a driving position, there is adequate legroom, with knees not touching, making it comfortable enough for an off-roading vehicle. Thigh support is average. Armrests, which are fitted as accessories, offer storage space and two glass holders, along with USB ports. Each armrest costs approximately ₹13,000, totaling around ₹25,000-₹26,000 for both. The car features four speakers and two tweeters, including some on the roof. Adjustable headrests are provided for all seats.

Safety Features

The Mahindra Thar RWD is equipped with several safety features, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), dual airbags, reverse parking sensors, a speed alert system, seat belt warning, traction control, hill descent control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Engine Options and Performance

The Thar RWD offers a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 117 BHP of power and 300 Nm of torque, delivering an approximate mileage of 15 kmpl. For the 4×4 variant, a 2.2-liter engine option is available, offering 130 BHP of power and 300 Nm of torque, with an estimated mileage of 12 kmpl.

Pricing and Warranty

The rear-wheel-drive Mahindra Thar starts at an ex-showroom price of ₹12.48 lakh, with the on-road price in Lucknow being approximately ₹15.1 lakh. The vehicle comes with a warranty of 2 years or 1 lakh kilometers, whichever comes first.

The Mahindra Thar RWD combines rugged design with a comfortable interior and robust performance. With its impressive off-road capabilities and a host of features, it remains a strong choice for SUV enthusiasts. The upcoming 5-door version is also highly anticipated.