Mahindra has just unveiled the refreshed version of its beloved 3-door Thar in India, injecting new life into the iconic off-roader with a starting price of ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This isn’t a complete overhaul, but a thoughtful update focused on addressing real-world owner feedback and enhancing daily usability without diluting its rugged character.
While the Thar’s unmistakable, boxy silhouette remains, it now sports a more distinctive face. The front end features a new two-tone grille paired with a dual-tone bumper, giving it a sharper, more contemporary look. The lighting and the robust 18-inch alloy wheels carry over. For those looking to personalize their ride, Mahindra has introduced two new color options: a vibrant Tango Red and a sophisticated Battleship Grey, expanding the palette to a total of six choices.
A Cabin Focused on Comfort and Tech
Step inside, and the changes become even more apparent. The cabin embraces a darker, more premium theme with an all-black dashboard and a new steering wheel. Practicality, a key area of improvement, has been significantly boosted.
- Comfort for All: Second-row passengers, often overlooked in such vehicles, now get their own dedicated rear AC vents.
- Driver-Centric Tweaks: The driver benefits from a new sliding armrest for long-distance comfort, and automatic variants include a dedicated dead pedal.
- Everyday Usability: Power window switches have been conveniently moved to the door pads. A welcome addition is the internally operated fuel lid, along with a rear wash/wipe and a reversing camera, making city driving less of a chore.
The most talked-about upgrade is undoubtedly the new 26.03 cm (over 10-inch) HD touchscreen infotainment system. This modern unit supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, seamlessly connecting the Thar to the digital world. It’s complemented by Type-C charging ports in both the front and rear rows.
Retaining Its Adventurous Soul
True to its roots, the Thar’s mechanical heart remains unchanged, and that’s good news for enthusiasts. The powertrain options continue to deliver proven performance:
- Petrol: The 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine produces 150 hp and up to 320 Nm of torque.
- Diesel: Buyers can choose between the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel (130 hp, 300 Nm) or the 1.7-litre CRDe diesel (117 hp, 300 Nm).
- Transmission: Both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic are available, with the choice of rear-wheel drive or a proper 4×4 system featuring an electric driveline disconnect.
For the off-road adventurer, the Thar LXT trim comes with the Adventure Stats Gen II. This clever feature acts as your off-road co-pilot, logging real-time data like altitude, trip details, tyre pressure, and steering angle.
The Thar is offered in two main trims: AXT and LXT. The entry-level AXT (from ₹9.99 lakh) is well-equipped with safety features like dual airbags, ESP with roll-over mitigation, and hill-hold assist. The LXT variant builds on this with premium additions like the large touchscreen, alloy wheels, cruise control, and the rear camera.
This strategic update ensures the Mahindra Thar remains a formidable and desirable package, successfully bridging the gap between a no-frills off-roader and a modern lifestyle vehicle.
