2023 Mahindra Thar loses the signature metallic ash finish on the bumpers and many more essential features
Mahindra is gearing up to launch the 2023 Thar and the UV maker has deleted select features the off-roader ahead of the Scorpio N’s launch. The cost cutting measures could be the result of the huge waiting period the compact SUV commands since launch.
First things first, the new Thar loses the good-looking metallic ash finish in the centre on both the front and rear bumpers. It sports just a plain black finish throughout. The company would have gone ahead with this move to reduce the painting costs of the bumpers.
All this while, the Thar came with factory-fitted Ceat CZAR AT tires in 2 configurations: 255/65 R18 and 245/75 R16. The company also offered the MRF Wanderer AT in the same configurations in select batches. Both the tires are premium ones.
But, now, the compact SUV sports altogether new Ceat Crossdrive AT tires. They look completely new and are yet to be launched in the country by Ceat. We also don’t know whether are premium ones are not. But, considering the Thar losing stuff, these tires might be slightly lower on cost.
Although the new Thar gets a dedicated arm rest for the driver seat, it loses the adjustable lumbar support as the knob has been given the miss. However, there’s a neck pillow and we guess it could be among the optional accessories.
Finally, the new Thar has lost the fast-charging USB socket. It now sports only the regular USB charger unit. The usual 12-volt socket has been retained though. Earlier, the compact SUV lost the rear bumper placeholders.
Other than these updates, the 2023 Thar more or less remains the same as before. It’s powered either by the 2-litre mStallion 150 TGDi petrol engine or the 2.2-litre mHawk 130 diesel engine. The petrol engine puts out 150 HP and 320 Nm while the diesel mill exerts 130 HP and 300 Nm.
Interestingly, unlike many other cars, the Thar’s petrol variants are the top-end ones and the diesel variants are the lower ones. This is due to Mahindra betting big on its mStallion range of engines. The petrol engine also puts out more power and torque.
The Mahindra Thar is nearly devoid of competition now with the Force Gurkha hardly putting up a fight. In fact, Force even delayed the launch of the BS-6 model and the car was not on sale for months deterring potential buyers.
But, this situation is expected to change as Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to launch the new Jimny in India by mid 2023. The upcoming SUV might even get diesel engines. It will be localised up to 70 percent for an aggressive price tag against the Thar.
