Mahindra launches new Thar OG with 6 airbags, price starts at Rs 10.32 lakh

Mahindra and Mahindra has launched a new version of its popular 3-door SUV in the Indian market under the name Mahindra Thar OG. This is not just a cosmetic update. The company has made major changes to the platform, engine power, suspension and safety.

To give the 3-door model a distinct identity from the 5-door Thar Roxx, the company has named it OG. The SUV retains its body-on-frame structure and comes with RWD and 4WD options. All variants now get 6 airbags and 4-wheel disc brakes as standard.

The new Mahindra Thar OG starts at an ex-showroom price of Rs 10.32 lakh, the same as the starting price of the older model. The company has launched it in three main trims, AXT, LXT and ZXT. The base 1.5-litre diesel engine is available across all trims, while the larger engine options start from the LXT trim.

The biggest technical change in the new Thar is to its platform. The SUV is now built on Mahindra's new M_Glyde 4G platform, which has improved its strength and rigidity. At the rear, it gets a new Panhard link setup with a Watt's link, along with frequency-dependent damping, known as DAVINCI dampers, for better ride comfort and control on rough roads.

The old hydraulic steering has been replaced with electric power steering. With the steering rack now closer to the centre of the wheels, the vehicle will be easier for the driver to turn while parking or on tight bends. To boost off-road capability further, it gets an electronic locking differential along with special driving modes such as Mud, Sand and Snow.

The exterior design has also changed noticeably, with a new branded grille, new LED headlights with C-shaped DRLs, LED fog lamps with a cornering function, and updated front and rear bumpers. The SUV's track width has been increased and it now gets larger 19-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, it gets improved LED tail lamps and OG badging. The company has also introduced two new colours, Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue.

On engine power, the 2.0L turbo-petrol engine now produces 162hp and 330Nm of torque, up from 152hp and 300Nm earlier. The 2.2L diesel engine now produces 152hp and 330Nm of torque, up from 132hp and 300Nm earlier. The 1.5L diesel engine continues to produce 117hp and 300Nm of torque, as before. All variants get a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the larger engine options also offer a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. RWD or 4WD is available depending on the variant.

Mahindra has not skimped on safety, with all variants now getting 6 airbags and disc brakes on all four wheels as standard. It also gets features such as ESP with rollover mitigation, traction control, hill-hold control and vehicle dynamics control. The cabin gets truffle brown leatherette upholstery, cupholders and an armrest in the second row. Compared to the older model, cabin noise, or NVH levels, has also been reduced significantly in the new Thar.