2023 Mahindra Thar prices to go down?
The Thar is a monumental SUV in the Indian market. It has always been popular for its lifestyle off-roader feel. In 2020, Mahindra took one step ahead with the new-generation Thar. The new Thar has been succesful for the brand and continues to sell strong. Now there is more good news if you are planning to buy the Thar. As you may have guessed from the title, the Thar could get cheaper! How will the 2023 Mahindra Thar price go down? Lets find out.
A new variant spotted!
The Thar 2WD has been spied on for the first time. These spy shots were posted on the YouTube channel of sansCARi Sumit. So why a 2WD variant? The Thar as a product is known for its 4×4 capabilities, but not everyone wants a true off-roader. A lot of buyers want the Thar for its uniqueness and Mahindra could tap into this user base. Also with Jimny around the corner, this seems Mahindra’s way to tackle it.
Changes?
Is Mahindra only removing the Thar 4×4? No, Mahindra is also tinkering with the engine options. The Thar 4×2 is confirmed to come with a 1.5-litre diesel engine and a 2.0-litre petrol engine. The 1.5-litre engine is from the Marazzo producing 117bhp & 300Nm. Both engines will come with manual and automatic gearbox options. With the 1.5-litre engine, the Thar 4×2 will fall in the compact SUV segment attracting lower taxes. This could mean this variant could price below the Rs 10 lakh mark to take on the Jimny.
2023 Mahindra Thar price drop – How?
Taxation on cars in India is quite confusing with CESS & GST applications. GST is constant, while CESS differs based on the length, ground clearance and engine displacement (cc) when it comes to cars. Taking note of the SUV trend in India and the attached confusion, the GST council has tweaked the criteria for a vehicle to qualify as an SUV. In this, a car is tagged as an SUV if its length is more than 4000mm, engine capacity is greater than 1500cc and ground clearance is over 169mm (laden). The Thar satisfies two criterias but is only 3,985mm in length and so is not an SUV according to the new criteria. This could result in Thar attracting lower taxes, ultimately making it cheaper.
What else to expect?
In 2023, the Thar will be completing three years in the market and that could be the perfect time to bring the facelifted model. In this facelift, Mahindra could tweak the exterior design a bit. Also, Mahindra could update the interiors a bit. Mahindra could give it new features like a new armrest, infotainment system etc. Being a facelift, it will continue with the same engine options – a 2.0-litre petrol (150bhp/300Nm) and a 2.2-litre diesel engine (130bhp/300Nm). Transmission options will include a manual and an automatic on both engines.
We had also earlier on speculated that the Thar could get a 1.5-litre diesel engine which could result in a lower starting price. Mahindra could maximise the potential of these new GST rules to introduce a Thar with a smaller engine and cater to an audience looking for a big SUV under the Rs 15 lakh price bracket.
Mahindra’s plan
Mahindra has plans to make the Thar more practical with the Thar 5-door in the pipeline. The Thar 5-door is already under testing and could be launched sometime in 2023. Mahindra is also focusing on its EV, with the XUV400 coming in early 2023. Other than that, Mahindra could also launch the Bolero Neo Plus and XUV300 facelift in 2023.
Which SUV are you most excited about from Mahindra’s upcoming lineup? Do let us know in the comments.
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