2023 Mahindra Thar 2WD 1.5-lt turbo-diesel is being prepared for a surprise entry in the market. We tell you why this variant makes sense to buyers.
- The new variant will get a smaller 1.5-lt turbo-diesel engine
- It will only come with an RWD (rear-wheel drive) option
- Likely to be priced under Rs 10 lakh mark
While most of us are waiting for the 5-Door Thar, Mahindra has another surprise in the hat. The 2023 Mahindra Thar 2WD is soon going to debut in India. It will be using a smaller capacity engine and could be priced well under Rs 10 lakh. Read more details on it below.
Also Read - New Mahindra XUV500 On Its Way - Possible Debut In 2023
Why Mahindra Thar 1.5 2WD?
Recently revealed via an online leaked photo, Thar 1.5 diesel is ready to hit the roads. It is visible in the photo that the car is already sitting in a showroom somewhere. Additionally, the cabin looks showroom-ready with minimal details. The interiors look similar to the regular Thar with the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, this variant will only be getting a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Now, the main question. Why does this variant make sense? We all know that Thar comes with a 2.2-lt m-Hawk diesel engine sourced from Scorpio Classic. However, this engine and its variants are costly enough. Meanwhile, the 1.5-lt diesel sourced from XUV300 will do the job well. Additionally, only the RWD option has been chosen for it because most of the 4X4 owners end up using Thar for daily commutes only. Hence, the feedback has led Mahindra to exclude the 4X4 on the 1.5-lt variant. Meanwhile, it will lead to multiple benefits. First, it will be lightweight and more fuel economical. Second, it will easily be able to save Rs 2 lakh or more when compared to the 4X4 equipped model.
Hence, we can conclude that Mahindra will be easily able to undercut its pricing well under Rs 10 lakh. If this happens, multiple C-SUVs like the Hyundai Venue, KIA Sonet, and Tata Nexon which come with diesel engine options; will face strong competition. Additionally, the buyers will cherish its masculine looks, high ground clearance, & frugal engine capabilities.
When Will Thar RWD Launch?
While there is no official information about this variant, the leaked photo indicates that Mahindra will launch it soon. As this variant does not require any major alterations to the already present model, we suspect Mahindra has already completed the R&D phase. If this has been done & the car is already reaching the dealerships; its launch can happen as soon as Jan'23. Mahindra might also use this variant to spoil the launch party of the Maruti Jimny 5-Door at the Indian Auto Expo on 11 Jan'23.
Verdict
We think that Mahindra's decision of using the 1.5-lt diesel is pure genius. The 1.5-lt attracts fewer taxes, it is reliable, & most importantly it is fuel economical. If this variant is priced under Rs 10 lakh, it will prove to be a major hit for the company.
Also Read - New Mahindra XUV500 On Its Way - Possible Debut In 2023
