Mahindra Thar has undergone a feature elimination. The SUV will not get the manually locking rear differential as a standard feature from now on.
- Mnually Locking Rear Differential now removed as a standard feature
- To get MLD as an option on the top-spec diesel LX-variant only
- No revisions to the pricing
Mahindra Thar is one of the best-selling products from the company. Well-established for its off-road capabilities, its sales keeps on increasing. However, in the latest set of updates, Mahindra has removed an important off-road feature from it. The MLD or manually locking differential is now removed from the AX Opt & LX trims. This feature came as a standard offering; until now. Additionally, the MLD will now only be available as an option only on the top-spec LX diesel trim.
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Thar Feature Revision
Speaking of the feature revision, the MLD is now removed as a standard equipment. This feature is an important tool during the off-road driving. However, the reason behind its removal on such a capable SUV is still unknown. What we suspect is that the company is trying to control its cost-benefit ratio. Simply defining; it is nothing more than just a cost-cutting effort.
Meanwhile, if you remember, the MLD for the rear tyres came across each variant. However, no if you wish to buy the AX Optional & LX; this feature won't be available. Mahindra has shifted its availability to only on the LX top-spec diesel trim. It is this variant which is mostly used for off-road expeditions by customers. Hence, the company has decided to keep the option of MLD on the LX trim. Apart from the MLD, other off-road equipment like the auto hub locks & low-range gearbox are still available.
However, there are no further changes to the Thar. It remains unchanged cosmetically as well as mechanically. Additionally, the prices are also unchanged. The removal of equipment should've led to cost reduction but Mahindra did not do that. The current Thar starts from Rs 13.59 lakh ex-showroom pan India. Meanwhile, Thar 5-Door is under works and it is expected to be launched in early 2023.
Verdict
Thar remains one of the most popular off-road vehicles. However, the removal of MLD is surely going to be a concern for the hardcore off-road buyers. Meanwhile, the rivals like Force Gurkha keep offering the MLD and BLD as a standard feature.
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