The Mahindra Thar, known for its rugged charm and off-road capabilities, continues to draw enthusiasts and adventure seekers. However, its popularity comes at a price – an extensive waiting period that seems unending. While the 4×4 variants exhibit more manageable waiting times, the diesel 4×2 version of the Thar commands over a year of patience. Let’s dive into the details of this demand-driven scenario.
The Thar Waiting Game
Despite Mahindra’s manufacturing plant operating at near-full capacity, the Thar’s waiting period remains a topic of concern. Especially, the 4×2 variants of the Thar continue to test the patience of eager customers, with waiting times extending up to 15-16 months. This issue has persisted since August 2023 when Mahindra’s order backlog exceeded 2.8 lakh SUVs, and the Thar alone accounted for 68,000 bookings, averaging 10,000 new bookings each month.
Thar 4×2 vs. 4×4
The Thar’s 4×2 diesel variants take the crown for the longest waiting period, with eager buyers forced to wait for more than a year. In contrast, the 4×2 petrol versions have a comparatively shorter waiting period, averaging about five months. It’s worth noting that the Thar 4×2 is exclusively available with a hardtop.
The diesel 4×2 Thar packs a 1.5-liter engine, delivering 118hp and 300Nm of torque. It’s paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, as there’s no automatic option in this category. On the other hand, the 4×2 petrol Thar employs the same 2.0-liter mStallion engine as its 4×4 sibling, boasting 152hp and 300Nm of torque with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
Pricing Insights
Pricing adds to the allure of the Thar 4×2. Ranging from Rs 10.98 lakh to Rs 13.77 lakh, these models are notably more affordable than their 4×4 counterparts. The reason behind this price difference is the 4×2 models’ classification in the lower tax slab for sub-4m vehicles, making them more accessible to a broader audience and, thus, fueling increased demand.
Thar 4×4 Demand and Waiting Period
The Thar 4×4 lineup, inclusive of both petrol and diesel variants, presents a more manageable waiting period, which has slightly increased in recent times but still hovers around 5-6 months on average. This timeframe remains significantly shorter than that of the 4×2 diesel models.
The Thar 4×4 comes equipped with a 2.0-liter petrol mStallion engine and a 2.2-liter diesel engine, offering 132hp and 300Nm of torque. The 4×4 versions provide the flexibility of both 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, along with a manual-shift 4×4 transfer case, and some models feature a manual-locking differential.
The prices for the Thar 4×4 currently range between Rs 14.04 lakh and Rs 16.27 lakh for the petrol models, while the diesel variants are priced between Rs 14.60 lakh and Rs 16.94 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
The Mahindra Thar, with its enduring waiting periods, reflects the robust demand for this iconic SUV. While 4×2 diesel models keep customers waiting for more than a year, the 4×2 petrol and 4×4 variants provide somewhat more reasonable timelines. With its pricing strategy and unmatched off-road prowess, the Thar remains a sought-after gem among SUV enthusiasts.
