2020 Mahindra Thar receives over 15,000 bookings
The new Mahindra Thar has been an instant hit for Mahindra and Mahindra. After reaching 5,000 bookings in just 5 days, the Thar 4x4 has now crossed 15,000 bookings in just 18 days since its launch on October 2. In a unique trend, 57 per cent of these bookings have come from first-time car buyers and the automatic version is most preferred. There have also been over 65,000 inquiries and more than 8 lakh visitors to the Thar's website.
The 2020 Thar comes in two variants, a hardy AX and a more luxury-focused LX version. Both variants are available with petrol and diesel powertrains. An automatic can also be specified with both engines in the LX trim, the standard gearbox is a six-speed manual. A first-ever 2.0-litre turbo-petrol from Mahindra's new mStallion range makes 150PS and 320 Nm while the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine from the Scorpio has been added here too. This motor puts out 130PS and 300 Nm.
The starting price of the Thar is Rs 9.80 lakh. This is for the rugged Thar AX version with a soft-top in Standard spec petrol. The Thar LX's prices start from Rs 12.49 lakh for the petrol hard top. The new Thar is based on Mahindra's Gen3 platform and sits on independent double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar and multilink coil spring rear suspension. There is a serious four-wheel-drive system with a transfer case, a mechanical locking rear differential and brake locking differentials on the front and rear axles. Mahindra says that the unladen ground clearance is 226mm when specified with the optional 18-inch tyres. These 255/65 R18 tyres have a 798mm diameter. Standard tyre size on steel rims is 245/75 R16. The Thar has an impressive 41.8Ëš approach angle, 36.8Ëš departure angle and 27Ëš break over angle when specified with the larger tyres. Maximum water wading depth is 650 mm.
The interiors of the Thar are waterproof with IP 54 dust and water ingress protected switches for the audio and cruise control switches on the steering wheel, the infotainment system and the power windows. The Thar AX comes in a six-seater configuration with the fixed soft-top as standard. The hardtop and convertible is an option. Notable features are R14 steel wheels, steel footboard, locking differential, power steering, power windows, central locking and rear parking sensors. Front-facing seats, keyless entry and a height-adjustable driver's seats are added extras.
The Thar LX comes further equipped with brake locking differentials, standard four seats, dual-tone bumpers and moulded footsteps, R18 wheels, LED DRLs and fog lamps, height adjustment and lumbar support for front seats, fabric upholstery, touchscreen infotainment, TPMS and ESP. The automatic versions are only available with the LX.
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