Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top AT RWD

Hey there, car enthusiasts and future Thar owners! Are you on the hunt for a new vehicle in India? We all know how many things cross our minds before buying a car. We think about the budget, how safe it is for our family, what the monthly maintenance will be like, if it has the latest features, and of course, how reliable the company service is. It's a big decision, right?

Well, if you've been dreaming of owning a rugged, iconic SUV that turns heads and offers a unique driving experience without breaking the bank for a 4x4, then you're in for a treat. Today, we're diving deep into the new Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top AT RWD. This particular variant offers the thrill of the Thar with the convenience of an automatic transmission and the practicality of two-wheel drive, making it a fantastic option for many Indian buyers. Let's see if this Thar is the perfect fit for your garage!

Main Highlights of the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top AT RWD

Engine Specifications

The Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top AT RWD comes with a spirited petrol engine, perfect for city commutes and highway cruises.

• Engine Type: 2.0L mStallion 150 TGDi Petrol engine
• Displacement: 1997 cc
• Max Power: 152 hp (112 kW) at 5000 rpm
• Max Torque: 300 Nm (320 Nm with AT) between 1250-3000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic (AT)

(Note: The Thar RWD also offers a 1.5L D117 Diesel engine with a 6-speed Manual Transmission in other variants for those who prefer diesel power.)

Design Overview

Exterior

The Thar's design is unmistakable. It's bold, muscular, and instantly recognisable.

• Iconic Stance: Retains the classic, upright, and broad-shouldered look.
• Signature Elements: Round halogen headlamps, a seven-slot grille, and chunky wheel arches.
• Hard Top: This variant comes with a factory-fitted hard top, offering better insulation, security, and cabin comfort compared to soft-top versions.
• Wheels: Large alloy wheels (typically 18-inch) with all-terrain tyres enhance its road presence and capabilities.

Interior

Inside, the Thar balances ruggedness with modern comforts.

• Practical Layout: A functional dashboard with a commanding view of the road.
• Washable Floors: Yes, you read that right! The Thar's interior is designed for easy cleaning, perfect for those adventurous trips.
• Comfortable Seating: Well-bolstered front seats for a comfortable ride. The rear seats are suitable for two adults.
• Modern Touches: Features a good quality infotainment system and a clear instrument cluster.

Key Features

While the Thar is known for its go-anywhere attitude, it also offers a decent set of features for daily usability.

• Infotainment System: 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Connectivity: BlueSense app connectivity.
• Multi-Information Display: A coloured screen in the instrument cluster to show essential driving data.
• Cruise Control: Makes highway driving more relaxed.
• Power Windows: Conveniently located on the centre console.
• Manual AC: Efficient cooling for Indian weather.
• Electrically adjustable ORVMs: For easy adjustment.
• Follow-Me-Home Headlamps: A small but thoughtful feature for convenience.
• USB Charging Ports: To keep your devices charged on the go.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top AT RWD?

The Thar boasts impressive ground clearance, making it suitable for tackling rough roads and speed breakers with ease.

• Ground Clearance: 226 mm (on 18-inch wheels)

What is the Boot Space of the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top AT RWD?

While the Thar is a lifestyle vehicle, its boot space is on the smaller side, especially with the rear seats in use.

• Boot Space: Approximately 60 litres

What are the Dimensions of the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top AT RWD?

Understanding the size helps in gauging its road presence and parking ease.

• Length: 3985 mm
• Width: 1820 mm
• Height: 1850 mm (with Hard Top)
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options for Mahindra Thar RWD

Beyond the LX Hard Top AT Petrol, the Thar RWD series offers variety:

• 2.0L Turbo Petrol: Available with a 6-speed Automatic Transmission (as in our focus model, the LX).
• 1.5L Diesel Engine: Available with a 6-speed Manual Transmission in AX Opt and LX variants, offering great fuel efficiency.

Safety Features

Mahindra has prioritised safety in the Thar, making it a reliable choice for your adventures.

• Dual Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Roll-over Mitigation
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Seatbelt Reminder for front passengers
• Rear Parking Sensors

Mahindra Thar NCAP Rating

The Mahindra Thar has proven its mettle in crash tests, offering peace of mind.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP	5-Star	5-Star
Global NCAP	4-Star	4-Star

Rivals of Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top AT RWD

In the Indian market, the Thar RWD finds itself in a unique position.

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny: The primary direct competitor, also offering a lifestyle SUV experience, but with a 5-door option and 4x4 standard.
• While the Force Gurkha is a strong contender in the off-road space, it's primarily a 4x4 offering and targets a slightly different, more hardcore off-roading audience.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's sum up what makes the Thar RWD a great choice and where it might fall short for some buyers.

Pros

• Iconic Design and Road Presence: It's a head-turner, no doubt about it. The Thar has an unmatched appeal.
• Strong Performance (Petrol AT): The 2.0L petrol engine paired with the automatic gearbox offers peppy performance for both city and highway driving.
• Accessible Thar Experience: The RWD variant brings the Thar lifestyle to a wider audience at a more attractive price point compared to its 4x4 siblings.
• High Safety Rating: With 5-star Bharat NCAP and 4-star Global NCAP ratings, safety is a strong point.
• Excellent Ground Clearance: Handles bad roads and minor off-road trails with ease, perfect for Indian conditions.
• Hard Top Comfort: The factory-fitted hard top provides better cabin insulation and security.

Cons

• Limited Practicality: As a 3-door vehicle, access to the rear seats can be challenging. Boot space is also quite limited.
• Stiff Ride: While comfortable for an off-roader, the ride can feel a bit stiff over rough patches compared to more family-oriented SUVs.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 2.0L turbo petrol AT might not be the most fuel-efficient option, especially in city traffic.
• Basic Features: Lacks some modern conveniences found in similarly priced sedans or monocoque SUVs, like a sunroof, ventilated seats, or a 360-degree camera.
• Two-wheel Drive Only: While perfect for most, it won't offer the extreme off-roading capabilities of the 4x4 Thar.

Conclusion

The Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top AT RWD is more than just a car; it's a statement. It's for those who love the adventurous spirit of the Thar but primarily drive in urban environments or on highways and want the convenience of an automatic. It offers an unbeatable combination of iconic style, robust performance, strong safety, and good ground clearance, all wrapped up in a package that's more accessible than its 4x4 counterpart.

If you're looking for a vehicle that stands out, offers a unique driving experience, and promises a bit of adventure without demanding hardcore off-roading, then the Thar RWD could be your perfect match. It's a lifestyle choice, and for many, it's a dream come true. So, go ahead, take a test drive, and feel the Thar magic for yourself! Happy driving!