The Mahindra Thar now gets a RWD variant in addition to the 4x4 powertraintShot by Avdhoot A Kolhe for evo India

Mahindra Thar RWD launched, prices start from Rs 9.99 lakh

The Mahindra Thar is now offered with a RWD powertrain and subtle cosmetic tweaks

The Mahindra Thar has been a runaway success since it was introduced in an all-new avatar in 2020, with its butch styling, potent engines and the convenience of an automatic transmission. The desirability quotient of the SUV has been off the charts, and now there’s a new Thar variant for you to choose from – meet the Thar RWD. Like the name suggests, it will be sold alongside the 4x4-equipped Thar, and prices for the RWD variant start from Rs 9.99 lakh.

Diesel engine makes 117bhp of powerShot by Avdhoot A Kolhe for evo India

Mahindra Thar RWD engine

The Mahindra Thar RWD can be had with a choice of two engines – a 2-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel. The D117 diesel engine produces 117bhp of power and 300Nm of torque. This engine will only be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Sadly, the option of a diesel automatic will not be available with the Thar RWD. The 2-litre turbo-petrol engine on the other hand continues to be the same mStallion 150 TGDI producing 150bhp of power and 320Nm of torque that powers the Thar 4x4. The petrol engine can only be had with the 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, with no option of a manual on the petrol engine.

The Thar RWD look identical to its 4x4 sibling, minus the badgingShot by Avdhoot A Kolhe for evo India

Mahindra Thar RWD design

There’s very little to differentiate between the two in terms of the design, and the Thar RWD is identical to its 4x4-equipped counterpart, save for the 4x4 badging present on the rear right fender. It continues to sport the retro design language of the older Mahindras with a modern touch. It continues to get 18-inch alloy wheels on the top-spec variants, now featuring the Mahindra Twin Peaks logo on the hub caps. The Thar RWD will only be offered in both the hard-top guise and now gets two new colours – Everest White and Blazing Bronze.

New Mahindra Twin Peaks logo on the steering wheelShot by Avdhoot A Kolhe for evo India

Mahindra Thar RWD interior

It is a similar story on the inside, with the Thar RWD featuring an interior layout that is identical to the Thar 4x4. The layout continues to feature a utilitarian design with creature comforts such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a tyre direction monitoring system and tyre pressure monitoring. The most visible changes however is the presence of the new Mahindra Twin Peaks logo on the steering wheel, replacing the older emblem, and the revised switch design in the centre console. Like the 4x4 variant, the Mahindra Thar RWD gets a 4-star GNCAP rating for both adult and child safety, with the safety kit including ABS, dual airbags, ESP, a built-in roll cage and 3-point seat belts for all passengers. Interestingly, the Thar RWD continues to get hill hold and hill descent control on the RWD, while an engine start-stop system has also been added. Front and rear armrests are now optional too.

Prices for the Mahindra Thar RWD start at Rs 9.99 lakhShot by Avdhoot A Kolhe for evo India

Mahindra Thar pricing

Prices for the Mahindra Thar RWD start at Rs 9.99 lakh for the base variant, which means that it undercuts the base diesel MT variant of the 4x4-equipped Thar by Rs 3.6 lakh. The Thar RWD is offered in three variants, the base variant being the AX (O) Diesel MT and the top-spec LX diesel MT is a lakh dearer, at Rs 10.99 lakh. The Thar RWD only gets one petrol variant, the LX with the automatic transmission, and that is priced at Rs 13.49 lakh. With such competitive pricing, the Thar RWD is sure to win over prospective buyers of compact SUVs in this price range!

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