The Mahindra Thar Will Get A Whole Lot Affordable, But At A Huge Cost And Sacrifice

• Mahindra Thar two-wheel drive in the works. 
• Expected to drop starting price from Rs 13.59 lakh to around Rs 11 lakh.
• Will appeal to those who want the Thar without four-wheel drive.
• To get a heavily revised version of  Mahindra's 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine.

Anybody who has driven a Mahindra Thar knows how capable the SUV is over broken stuff. But let’s admit that the SUV has decidedly become more expensive than it was at launch two years ago. However, the Thar is now all set to get more affordable with entry-level two-wheel drivetrains, as evidenced by spy shots of a test mule with a low-range gearbox. Plus, there is likely to be a big mechanical change, which we’ll talk about later in the report. 

Yes, you read that right. The Thar’s USP, its four-wheel drivetrain, will be removed in the interest of making the SUV a whole lot affordable. It's worth noting that the Thar is soon going to get immense competition from the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, which is set to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2023. 

Plus, many users picking the Mahindra Thar use it more as a lifestyle SUV, with only a handful taking it off the beaten track and exploiting the SUV’s full potential. That said, the two-wheel drivetrain combined with a rugged body-on-frame platform means the SUV will still be capable of doing mild off-roading. 

And the best part is, the Thar will soon qualify for sub-4 metre taxation as the rear-wheel drive variant will likely get a smaller diesel engine. It’s believed to be a heavily revised version of the 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, likely to develop around 110PS, driving the rear wheels, via a 6-speed manual ‘box. A petrol version with rear-wheel drive seems unlikely.

The biggest advantage of two-wheel drive, though, is its lower sticker price. Currently, the Thar four-wheel drive is priced between Rs 13.59 lakh and Rs 16.29 lakh (ex-showroom). The rear-wheel drive variant is expected to cost from Rs 11 lakh, making it a significantly more enticing option for those who want it without four-wheel drive. 

It will rival the Force Gurkha and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Jimny, the latter which is expected to get rear- and four-wheel drive options as well.