Mahindra Thar Gets A Crucial Change To Its Off-roading Kit

• Thar to only get rear differential as an option on the top-spec diesel LX variant. 

• Mechanical locking differential was previously offered on all versions of AX Opt and LX trims.

• Thar AX Opt still misses out on brake-based locking differentials. 

• Other off-roading features such as automatic hub locks and low-range gearbox are still present. 

• No price changes announced yet, Thar costs Rs 13.59 lakh onwards (ex-showroom). 

The Mahindra Thar is one of the most capable off-roaders you can buy in India right now. But if you’re planning to buy a Thar to go mud-slinging, you might need to read this first. In what seems to be a cost-cutting measure, Mahindra will no longer equip the Thar with the mechanically locking rear differential as standard.

Thar loses standard mechanical differential lock

Earlier, the Mahindra Thar had a mechanically locking differential (MLD) as standard on both the AX Opt and LX variants. The MLD was placed at the rear axle and operated by a switch on the dashboard. If your Thar got stuck on a tough off-road trail, the MLD could be engaged to mechanically link both the rear wheels so that equal power was transmitted to each wheel. 

You’ll still be able to get the MLD as an option on the diesel-powered, top-spec Thar on both automatic and manual transmission variants. The petrol Thar is no longer available with this feature. 

The Thar’s front axle does not have a mechanical differential, but uses automatic hub locks and a brake-based system to manage traction between the front wheels. This brake-locking differential (BLD) is not available on the base-spec AX Opt variant. It continues to be a standard fitment on the top-spec LX trim level. We expect the petrol-powered Thar LX to get the brake-based system for the rear axle as well, given its lack of a mechanical diff lock. 

What’s the use of differential locks?

Diff locks come in handy on low traction surfaces where it is harder for the engine to put the power down to the wheels. Both MLD and BLD help manage traction to the wheels by sending equitable power to them for maximum traction. However, while a mechanical linkage is more rugged and transfers power 50:50 to each wheel, a brake-based system can manage traction in real time by detecting wheel slip.

The Thar offers powerful 130PS diesel and 150PS petrol engines that can be paired with a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission. It’s still a 4x4 vehicle and continues to get an off-roading kit including automatic hub locks and a low-range transfer case.

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It remains to be seen how the loss of the MLD could affect the Thar’s off-roading prowess, and its prices too. For now, the SUV costs Rs 13.59 lakh onwards (ex-showroom) and rivals the Force Gurkha in India.