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April 2022 - Mahindra Thar Petrol, Diesel Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

In this variant explained article, you'll find out which variant of the Mahindra Thar petrol or diesel you should buy based on the ex-showroom prices, variant-wise features and value for money. Here we compare and objectively analyse the 2022 Thar's petrol and diesel variants and the features to figure out which variant is worth buying for a good value for money and ownership experience. We’ll also compare its dimensions with another off-road SUV — the Force Gurkha.

 

Mahindra Thar

Updated (April 4, 2022): This update of the 2022 Mahindra Thar petrol and diesel variants explained article includes the latest prices of the Thar.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Mahindra Thar?

The pros or advantages of Mahindra Thar are:

  • A solid 4-star GNCAP adult safety rating
  • The diesel engine only costs Rs. 21,000 - 31,000 more than the petrol
  • The Thar petrol has surprisingly good performance as the 300Nm-strong torque is available from just 1250rpm
  • No competition in the petrol-manual, petrol-automatic and diesel-automatic off-road SUV space; the Gurkha only has a diesel-manual powertrain
  • Iconic design catches eyeballs wherever you go
  • The wide body offers stability during off-roading and road presence while the short length of under 4m gives it good breakover angle while making it it easy to park in small-car spots
  • Second row seats are surprisingly not that difficult to access
  • With the automatic transmission and a hard top, the Thar has just enough features to become your daily driver without making it too delicate for mud-splashing and rock-crawling

The Mahindra Thar has the following shortcomings or problems:

  • The price is fairly high to begin with as it has gone up a lot compared to the previous generation model
  • While a convertible soft top is an option, it’s noisier on the highways compared to the hard top; we wish it had a removable hard-top option
  • Automatic transmission carries a steep Rs. 1.50 lakh premium
  • A 2WD version with brake locking differential and a smaller 1.5L turbo diesel engine could make it very affordable while offering similar road presence for those who only want the Thar for road use
  • Being a 2-door car, access to the second row seats is difficult than pretty much any 4-door car

What Is The Price Of Mahindra Thar Petrol And Diesel Variants?

The Mahindra Thar is available in 2 variants — AX Optional and LX. The prices start at Rs. 13.18 lakh for the Thar AX Optional petrol-manual convertible and go all the way up to Rs 15.54 lakh for the LX diesel-automatic with a hard top.

The base AX Optional is only available with the petrol-manual and diesel-manual powertrains and soft convertible roof top. Only the diesel-manual gets the option of hard top for an additional Rs. 10,225.

MAHINDRA THAR AX OPTIONAL MANUAL | PRICES

EX-SHOWROOM | APR 2022

Variant

Petrol

Difference

Diesel

AX Optional Convertible

Rs. 13,17,779

Rs. 20,509

Rs. 13,38,288

Difference

-

 

Rs. 10,255

AX Optional Hard Top

-

-

Rs. 13,48,543

The LX petrol-manual gets only a hard top and not a soft convertible top option. It costs Rs. 13.79 lakh. The diesel-manual is available with the convertible as well as hard top for and ex-showroom price of Rs. 14.0 lakh and Rs. 14.10 lakh, respectively. The jump to the LX variant will cost you about Rs. 60,000 more while the LX diesel-manual carries a premium of approximately Rs. 31,000.

MAHINDRA THAR LX MANUAL | PRICES

EX-SHOWROOM | APR 2022

Variant

Petrol

Difference

Diesel

LX Convertible

-

-

Rs. 13,99,823

Difference

-

 

Rs. 10,255

LX Hard Top

Rs. 13,79,309

Rs. 30,769

Rs. 14,10,078

The Thar automatic is only available in the top variant and offers both roof options with petrol as well as diesel powertrain. It costs between 15.23 lakh and Rs. 15.54 lakh depending on the roof opinion and engine option you pick. The diesel engine only costs about Rs. 20,500 more than the petrol-automatic but the LX automatic carries a fairly high premium of approximately Rs. 1.50 lakh over the LX manual variants.

Also Read - February 2022 - Hyundai Creta Petrol Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

MAHINDRA THAR LX AUTOMATIC | PRICES

EX-SHOWROOM | APR 2022

Variant

Petrol

Difference

Diesel

LX Convertible

Rs. 15,22,884

Rs. 20,508

Rs. 15,43,392

Difference

Rs. 10,254

 

Rs 10,258

LX Hard Top

Rs. 15,33,138

Rs. 20,512

Rs. 15,53,650

You can use our Fuel Cost Calculator to see how much any petrol, diesel or CNG car will cost to run based on the latest fuel price in your city.

Fuel Cost Calculator in India

Note: Check your Car EMI with our - Car EMI Calculator

Mahindra Thar AX Optional - Base Model Features & Review

The base convertible top AX Optional variant of the Mahindra Thar costs Rs. 13.18 lakh with the petrol-manual and Rs. 13.38 lakh with the diesel-manual powertrain. The diesel-manual also gets the optional hard top for an additional cost of Rs. 10,255 over the convertible. The most notable features of the Thar AX Optional are:

  • Mechanically locking differential
  • 4-wheel drive as standard
  • Manual AC
  • Remote central locking
  • Roll cage
  • 16-inch wheels
  • Split rear seatback
  • Manual outside mirrors
  • Height-adjustable driver seat
  • Adjustable rear headrests
  • Tilt steering
  • day/night inside mirror
  • Lockable glovebox
  • Tow hooks
  • Side foot steps
  • Front power windows
  • Washable floor

For the price and segment of the Thar, the base variant is missing some must-have features like:

  • Music system
  • Fog lamps
  • Steering-mounted controls
  • Power mirrors (must-have for a wide car)
  • Front armrest

Considering the missing must-have features, we believe that you should consider the higher LX variant as it doesn’t cost much more. However, if you intend to use it as a second car mostly for off-roading or casual driving, then the simplicity of the interiors is a good thing. If you’re an experienced off-road driver, then the taller sidewall of the base variant’s tyres will also give you better traction on rocky trails. Moreover, the smaller wheel size will result in less rotating mass and more torque at the wheels.

Also Read - February 2022 - Hyundai Creta Diesel Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

2022 MAHINDRA THAR AX OPTIONAL | BASE MODEL FEATURES

Rs. 13.18 Lakh (2.0L Petrol MT Convertible) | Rs. 13.38 Lakh (2.2L Diesel MT Convertible)

Rs. 13.49 Lakh (2.2L Diesel MT Hard) | Ex-Showroom | Apr 2022

Safety & Style

Functional

Std. Safety Features

Manually Adjustable ORVMs

Front Doors Bottle Holder 

Rear Seat Recline

Day/Night IRVM

Tilt Steering

Air Conditioner

Lockable Glovebox

Defogger (hard top)

Power Outlet

Centre Roof Lamp

Tow Hooks

ISOFIX

Remote Central Locking

Adjustable Rear Headrests

50:50 Split Rear Seat

3-point Seatbelts For Rear Passengers

Front Power Windows

Washable Floor

Height Adjustable Driver Seat

LED Tail Lamps

Mechanical Locking Differential

Side Foot Steps

 

16-inch Steel Wheels

     

Roll Cage

     

Mahindra Thar AX Optional Vs LX Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

Depending on the roof and transmission choice, the Thar petrol LX variant costs between Rs. 13.79 lakh and Rs. 15.33 lakh (ex-showroom). Similarly, the Thar LX diesel costs between Rs. 14.0 lakh and Rs. 15.54 lakh. These prices are about Rs. 61,500 higher than the comparable AX Optional variants while the automatic transmission itself carries an additional cost of about Rs. 1.50 lakh. For the Rs. 61,500, it adds the following notable features:

  • Front fog lamps
  • Tyre pressure monitoring
  • Steering-mounted controls
  • Cruise control
  • Brake locking differential
  • 18-inch alloy wheels with wider tyres
  • Power mirrors
  • Lumbar support
  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • ESC
  • Alarm for central locking

MAHINDRA THAR

AX OPTIONAL VS LX VARIANT | PRICE COMPARISON

 

AX Optional

Difference

LX

Petrol-MT Convertible

Rs. 13,17,779

-

-

Diesel-MT Convertible

Rs. 13,38,288

Rs. 61,535

Rs. 13,99,823

Petrol-AT Convertible

-

-

Rs. 15,22,884

Diesel-AT Convertible

-

-

Rs. 15,43,392

Petrol-MT Hard

-

-

Rs. 13,79,309

Diesel-MT Hard

Rs. 13,48,543

Rs. 61,536

Rs. 14,10,079

Petrol-AT Hard

-

-

Rs. 15,33,138

Diesel-AT Hard

-

-

Rs. 15,53,650

The most notable missing features of the Thar LX are front armrest and a rear parking camera. Other than that, this variant offers a good number of features to make it a proper daily-use car. From a value perspective, the LX variant is an easy choice over the AX Optional. With the automatic, this variant will become very easy to drive on-road as well as off road. If you intend to occasionally drive the car off-road but mostly use it on the road, then the LX automatic makes great sense over the AX Optional. Even if you are new to off-roading, not having to change the gears will put you at ease when navigating the terrain while you focus on the steering, accelerator and brake inputs.

2022 MAHINDRA THAR LX | FEATURES OVER AX OPTIONAL

Rs. 13.79 Lakh (2.0L Petrol MT Hard) | Rs. 15.23 Lakh (2.0L Petrol TC AT Convertible)

Rs. 15.33 Lakh (2.0L Petrol TC AT Hard) | Rs. 14.0 Lakh (2.2L Diesel MT Convertible)

Rs. 14.10 Lakh (2.L Diesel MT Hard) | Rs. 15.43 Lakh (2.2L Diesel TC AT Convertible)

Rs. 15.54 Lakh (2.2L Diesel TC AT Hard) | Ex-Showroom | Apr 2022

Safety

Entertainment

Functional

Style

Front Fog Lamps

7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment

Lumbar Support

Dual-tone Bumper

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Steering-mounted Controls

Cruise Control

Silver Front Grille Slats

Electronic Stability Control

USB Charger

Brake Locking Differential

18-inch Alloy Wheels

Speed Sensing Door Lock

4 Speakers & 2 Tweeters

Follow-me-home Headlamps

Fabric Upholstery

Burglar Alarm

App Connectivity

Electrically Adjustable ORVMs

Better-looking AC Controls

 

Voice Commands

 

Full-Colour LCD MID

Which Variant Of The Mahindra Thar Should You Buy?

For most buyers, the LX variant of the Thar is the most suitable option. It only costs about Rs. 61,000 more than the AX Optional and offers more than enough features to justify the incremental cost. This variant also has slightly better ground clearance with the larger tyre size and the option of automatic transmission. While the automatic itself seems quite expensive, when you factor in the value of the features of the LX variant over the AX Optional, the price of the LX automatic seems fairly reasonable.

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The base AX Optional variant is only suitable for customers who already have another car in the garage and want the Thar primarily for off-roading. Since this variant is not available with an automatic transmission, it will also require more skill when driving off-road and will feel very engaging with a pure mechanical feel. While the AX (O) has slightly lower ground clearance, it makes up for that with a taller sidewall, which will have an easier time going over rocky terrain. The smaller wheel will also result in better torque delivery at the wheel as the engine has less rotating mass (16-inch instead of 18-inch in the LX variant).

What Are The Engine Specifications Of The Mahindra Thar?

The Mahindra Thar has the option of petrol as well as diesel engines and both of them offer a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. 4-wheel drive is standard with the Thar.

Turbo diesel engines generally have better torque output compared to turbo petrol of similar displacement. However, Mahindra’s turbo petrol engine seems to have better torque spread than even their turbo diesel engine. While we don’t see the Thar petrol delivering equally good mileage figures, it’s good to know that it’s just as capable off-road as the Thar diesel.

MAHINDRA THAR PETROL VS DIESEL

ENGINE SPEC COMPARISON

 

Petrol

Difference

Diesel

Displacement

2.0L Turbo

0.2L

2.2L Turbo

Cylinders

4

0

4

Capacity

1997cc

187cc

2184cc

Maximum Power

150PS @ 5000rpm

20PS

130PS @ 3750rpm

Peak Torque

300Nm @ 1250 - 3000rpm (MT)

320Nm @ 1500 - 3000rpm (TC)

0Nm

20Nm

300Nm @ 1600 - 2800rpm

Drivetrain

4WD

4WD

Manual

6MT

6MT

Manial FE

<13kmpl*

~1kmpl

<14kmpl*

Automatic

6TC

 

6TC

Auto FE

<11.5kmpl*

~1.5kmpl

<13kmpl*

*Estimated

What Are The Dimensions Of The Mahindra Thar?

The Mahindra Thar is a rare mass-market off-roader. The Force Gurkha is its only real competitor. Compared to the Thar, the Gurkha is quite a bit longer and taller but it has a shorter wheelbase. Off-road, a shorter wheelbase gives a car better breakover angles while crossing obstacles.

The Gurkha offers the off-road-friendly 16-inch wheels as standard and has a slightly better water wading limit. The other details of the Gurkha, such as its ground clearance, approach, departure and breakover angle are not available at the moment. So, we can comment on these aspects.

February 2022 - Jeep Compass Petrol Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

MAHINDRA THAR VS FORCE GURKHA

DIMENSION COMPARISON

 

Thar

Difference

Gurkha

Length

3985mm

131mm

4116mm

Width (max)

1820mm (AX Opt)

1855mm (LX)

8mm - 43mm

1812mm

Height (max)

1844mm (Hard Top)

231mm

2075mm

Wheelbase

2450mm

50mm

2400mm

Ground Clearance

219mm (AX Opt)

226mm (LX)

NA

Approach Angle

41.2 degree (AX Opt)

41.8 degree (LX)

NA

Departure Angle

36 degree (AX Opt)

36.8 degree (LX)

NA

Rampover Angle

26.2 degree (AX Opt)

27 degree (LX)

NA

Water Wading Depth

650mm

50mm

700mm

Fuel Tank

57L

6L

63L

Tyre Size (Base)

245/75 R16

245/70 R16

Tyre Size (Top)

255/65 R18

R2

245/70 R16

Find out how you can get the best mileage or fuel efficiency from your car:

10 Tips To Get Better Mileage From Your Petrol, Diesel Or CNG Car

What Are The Colour Options Of The Mahindra Thar?

The 2022 Thar is available in the following 6 exterior colour options:

  • Beige
  • Blue
  • Maroon
  • Read
  • Black
  • Grey

Note: Here is a quick look at our length-based segmentation of cars to give you an idea of how we classify cars based on their size.

CLASSIFICATION OF CARS

SEGMENT

SUB-SEGMENT

LENGTH

EXAMPLE

A Segment

A

< 3699mm

Alto, Kwid (Exception), Santro, Celerio

       

B Segment

B1

3700 - 3850mm

Ignis, GO, Nios, Swift, Tiago

 

B2

3850 - 3999mm

Thar, Baleno, Dzire, Amaze, Brezza

       

C Segment

C

4000 - 4499mm

Exception - New City, Slavia,

Creta, Seltos, Compass, T-Roc, Ertiga

       

D Segment

D

4500-4750mm

XUV700, Elantra, Civic, Carens, Thar, Hector, Innova, Kodiaq, CR-V

       

D+ Segment

D+

4750+mm

Gloster, Fortuner, Superb, Camry, Carnival

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mahesh Yadav

Mahesh is a fan of compact, quirky and underrated vehicles that punch above their weight. Multix, Nano and Navi are his favorites.

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