Mahindra launched the second-gen Thar in October 2020 with four variants – AX Standard, AX, AX Opt and LX. The base-spec AX and AX Std variants were quite almost like the previous-gen model with jump-seats within the back for a 6-seater layout. However, the more practical, safer and better-equipped variants of the new Thar happened to be much more popular. The carmaker first stopped taking orders of the bottom variants and has now discontinued them entirely.
The only difference between the AX and AX Std was that the latter was only offered with the two .2-litre diesel and misses out on a mechanical locking differential. This was the sole variant priced under Rs 10 lakh. Both variants were offered with the fixed soft top only and had minimal comforts to supply . Now, the costs for the 2020 Thar start from Rs 11.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) which suggests the entry-point for the SUV has increased by over Rs 2 lakh. The AX Opt and LX variants accompany front-facing rear seats with a roll cage and both get the selection of the convertible soft top and glued hard top. Moreover, the discontinued AX variants weren’t 4-star crash test rated as they wont to accompany side facing rear seats with no seat belts or child seat anchors.
While both the variants of the Mahindra Thar now get the selection of the two .0-litre turbo-petrol and a couple of .2-litre diesel engines, only the LX variant is obtainable with an automatic drive for both. The AX Opt still offers features like AC, power windows, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, remote keyless entry, height-adjustable driver’s seat to be a practical choice for a lower cost .
However, if you are doing buy a replacement Thar now, you would possibly need to wait as long as 8 months (depending on the city) to require delivery and there’ll be a price hike in January 2021. Mahindra’s off-roader still doesn’t have an immediate rival within the market as we still await the new Force Gurkha and therefore the Maruti Jimny remains a short time away.