The Mahindra Thar enters an exciting new chapter in 2023 with the launch of an all-new generation model. This icon gets comprehensive upgrades spanning powertrains, interiors, equipment list and latest tech, promising to set new benchmarks in the affordable off-roader space.
The Thar Legacy Since the 1940s
The Thar traces its history to Mahindra’s very first SUV model built for patrolling border areas in rugged landscapes. Soon its formidable abilities spawned civilian variants targeted at rural markets.
1960s – Mahindra models derived from the iconic Willys Jeep gain traction
1970s – More powerful engines introduced along with options like a hard top
1990s – Launch of the modern Thar brand nomenclature
2010 – All new Thar with CRDe powertrain targeting commercial buyers
2015 – Thar Day Break edition introduced with cosmetic and ergo improvements
2020 – 2nd generation model unveiled; Focus on comfort and lifestyle buyers
Currently positioned as an accessible lifestyle SUV, the Thar continues evoking excitement as an outdoor partner for escapades beyond tarmac.
Detailed Variants Analysis – LX vs AX
Mahindra offers the latest 2023 Thar across two broad trims catering to varying budgets and requirements:
LX Variant – Prioritizes VALUE for money and durable MECHANICALS to keep costs low. Targets buyers PRIZING OFF-ROAD readiness like earlier Thar patrons.
AX Variants – Loaded with features and URBAN orientated COMFORTS. Appeals to new-age customers desiring a TOUGH lifestyle vehicle doubling up for city commute and OVERLAND adventures during weekends.
Now onto the feature spread across variants:
Features Comparison – LX vs AX Optional
| Features | LX Variant | AX Optional Variant |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen Infotainment | ✅ | ✅ |
| Android Auto / Apple CarPlay | ✅ | ✅ |
| Power Windows | ❌ | ✅ |
| Remote Key Fob | ❌ | ✅ |
| Cruise Control | ❌ | ✅ |
| Rear Parking Camera | ❌ | ✅ |
| Passive Keyless Entry | ❌ | ✅ |
| Alloy Wheels | ❌ | ✅ |
| Side & Curtain Airbags | ❌ | ✅ |
While LX focuses on essentials, the AX pile on goodies justifying its nearly 40% higher pricing aimed at lifestyle buyers.
Now onto detailed engine specs and tuning ideas.
New Engine Details and Tuning Potential
Under the hood, Mahindra offers two engine options:
2.0 Liter Turbo Petrol
- 150 bhp power
- 320 Nm torque
- 6 speed manual & auto gearbox
2.0 Liter Diesel
- 130 bhp power
- 300 Nm torque
- 6 speed manual & auto transmission
Both motors are BS6 compliant promising cleaner tailpipe emissions. There exists healthy tuning potential to liberate more horses:
Diesel Tuning Route
- ECU remapping to alter boost pressure and fueling
- Freeflow exhaust system reducing back pressure
- Performance air filters increasing airflow
Petrol Tuning Path
- Piggyback ECU modules for injecting bespoke fuel maps
- De-catting exhausts liberating exhaust flow
- Lower temperature spark plug enhance combustion
Done sensibly, expect +30 bhp and 40 Nm gains without reliability tradeoffs or major longevity impacts increasing fun quotient.
Interiors – Premium Features List
Gone is the barebones elements focused cabin of old replaced by a plush modern layout with:
- Advanced 8 inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple Carplay/Android Auto connectivity
- Powerful roof mounted speakers for outdoor acoustic enjoyment
- Digital instrument cluster with essential readouts
That’s not all – automatic climate control, keyless proximity entry, cruise control takeluxury quotient higher in the new Thar aimed at urban users too.
Safety Kit
- Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking camera
- AX optional adds side & curtain bags taking count to 6
- Four star crash test rating
Clearly comfort, features and safety see big steps forwards in 2023 Thar expanding its versatility.
Lifestyle Appeal and Personalization Ideas
While wonderfully capable over harsh terrain, the Thar also conjures up imagery of roof down cruising on beach backs with special someone by your side amidst golden hour. Its lifestyle positioning gets a fillip courtesy extensive customization catalogue spanning both aesthetics and utility:
Style Enhancers
- Color coordinated design seats and door pads
- Premium leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching
- Custom floor mats with logos
- Exterior decals and wraps in vibrant hues
- Alloy wheel upgrades and colored calipers
Functional Add-Ons
- Additional LED auxiliary lamps critical for dark trails
- Updated Android headunits with offline maps integration
- Tailor made bull bars having integrated LED strips
- Buffer side footsteps easing roof access
- Sturdier sump guards finished in silver/black
So whether you seek added flair via interior makeovers or bolstering accessories for serious mud plugging, the Thar keeps owners covered. Now onto ownership experiences.
Real World Ownership Review
We summarize observations noted by Thar owners after 6 months and 5000 kms:
“Coming from a premium D segment SUV, I was skeptical about the Thar’s year round abilities but it surprised with docile city manners belying its rugged origins. Cabin is well insulated; touchscreen and auto gearbox reduce stress. Impressed by capabilities over mild trails with family – deftly treading slippery sections and deep craters proving mettle.” Karan, Businessman
“I customized my LX Thar with additional spot lamps, buffer side steps and camo seat covers to stand out from road versions. Use it on my plantation estate during weekdays and also managed an 1800 kms trip to Goa last month loaded with luggage plus three kids comfortably!” Ramesh, Retired Army Officer
Clearly the lifestyle positioning blends scintillating off-road talent wrapped in contemporary manners – validated by increasing women and city buyers lapping up newer models. Now what do the gurus feel about extreme terrain performance?
Expert Opinions on Mahindra Thar Capabilities
Vikram Garga, Owner – Offroadium Adventure Academy shares technical insights:
“Enthusiasts fretted Mahindra overly diluting the Thar’s elemental charm but the 2023 model feels dramatically improved across parameters while retaining core virtues. Low speed crawl is aided by the brake locking diff and mechanical rear locker conquering jagged rock sections. Generous 200mm ground clearance, stock side footsteps and rated water wading capacity add to confidence while provided recovery hooks are essential insurance for nasty situations”.
Clearly focused hardware tweaks indeed bolster the new Thar’s mud plugging abilities – signs of learning from customer pain points over decades promising exciting times ahead!
FAQs – Pricing, Ownership Queries
Is the Thar comfortable enough for city use?
Yes, improvements like front facing rear seats, mileage boosting gearbox options, heavy sound insulation make the new Thar reasonably comfy over urban commutes. Still, dynamic sophistication cannot match premium SUVs costing twice as much given its mechanical origins.
What is the waiting period for latest Thar currently?
Surging popularity coupled to supply chain issues translates to waiting duration between 6 to 8 months currently if insisting on specific configurations like automatics and color choices. However black LX manuals get allocated within 3-4 months. Factor this at booking time.
Does new Thar feature a sunroof option?
No. Unlike urban ladder frame rivals getting panoramic sunroofs, the Thar misses out cost reasons contributing to aggressive pricing. Aftermarket specialist firm Jway offer electric modular roof options with sizable glass sections for those insisting.
What is the routine service schedule for Thar models?
Mahindra recommends first service at 5000 kms or 6 months followed by 10k km yearly intervals. Approximate service cost for the new Thar falls around Rs. 4000 – 5000 based on genuine parts and oil expenses incurred during each visit. Extended warranty options upto 5 years are available too.
Summing Up Ownership Prospects
The 2023 Thar builds upon core virtues of mechanical rawness and all terrain ability while infusing much wanted lifestyle creature comforts finally getting the formula right. Surprising quality levels coupled to proven mechanicals and brand heritage culminate into an awesome value proposition that outmuscles rivals costing twice as much.
Given brute off-road talent bundled sensibly with family oriented refinement, the latest avatar backed by Mahindra’s extensive sales network promises exciting ownership times whether dodging craters enroute your estate or dashing across sand dunes! Clearly for new age buyers mixing outdoor lifestyle aspirations with used-car sensibilities, the Thar 2023 heralds a tantalizing confluence promising memorable adventures for minimum outlays!
