It’s been just over a year since Mahindra last updated the 3-door Thar, but the changes this time around are beyond just skin deep. The new Thar gets a new platform and suspension, more power to two of its three engines and a longer list of features. The Mahindra Thar OG continues to rival the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Here’s how the new Thar compares with the model it replaces.
Mahindra Thar OG vs old Thar: Exterior design
Different lighting, a new grille design and bigger wheels headline the major changes
The Thar OG retains the same rounded design for the headlamps as its predecessor. However, its reprofiled front now gets new C-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and full-LED headlamps, alongside a body-coloured air-intake grille with ‘Thar’ branding at the front and a ‘Mahindra’ badge on top. The new top-spec ZXT trim also introduces ice-cube fog lamps with a cornering function, replacing the old Thar’s halogen units.
The lower AXT and LXT trims continue with 16-inch steel and 18-inch alloy wheels, respectively, while the ZXT is fitted with larger 19-inch diamond-cut alloys, instead of the 18-inch units on the old Thar. Whereas the latter only had ‘Thar’ written on the front-right side, the new model replaces it with ‘Thar OG’ branding.
At the rear, the new Mahindra Thar features revised tail-lamps borrowed from the Thar Roxx, along with another ‘OG’ branding on the tailgate. While six exterior colours from the old Thar have been carried over, the Thar OG is also offered in new Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue colour options.
Mahindra Thar OG vs old Thar: Interior and features
General layout remains unchanged, but the Thar is now available with a few additional features
The overall dashboard layout has been carried over from the old Thar, including the 10.25-inch touchscreen and the analogue instrument cluster with a colour MID. There’s a new Truffle Brown leatherette upholstery option though, but it’s reserved for the top-spec ZXT trim, while lower trims stick with the old car’s vinyl and fabric options.
New on the features front with the Thar OG are wireless charging and a rear USB Type-C port, neither of which were offered on the old Thar. There’s even dedicated lighting for the main luggage compartment. ‘Zip’ and ‘Zoom’ drive modes are new additions as well. Mahindra has also added a push-button start function and armrests at the back with built-in cup holders, though the manually operated AC and old-school analogue instrument cluster with a colour MID have been retained.
Mahindra Thar OG vs old Thar: Engine and transmission
More powerful engine options, a new platform and upgraded off-road and safety features
The base 1.5-litre diesel engine is unchanged, continuing to produce 119hp and 300Nm. However, the Thar’s other engines are now more powerful. The 2.2-litre diesel now makes 152hp and 330Nm, which is up from 132hp and 300Nm – a jump of 20hp and 30Nm. The 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol puts out 162hp and 330Nm, gaining 10hp and up to 30Nm over the old version’s 152hp and 300-320Nm. Meanwhile, gearbox options are the same 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque-converter automatic, and both engines are available with a choice between RWD and 4WD.
The Thar OG gets a new Electronic Locking Differential and dedicated Mud, Sand and Snow terrain modes, none of which were offered with the old Thar. The Thar OG also switches to Mahindra’s M_Glyde 4G platform, first seen on the larger Thar Roxx, which the brand says is stiffer than the outgoing car’s underpinnings. The rear suspension gains a Watts Link, which the old Thar didn’t have, while ‘DAVINCI’ dampers with Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) are also a first for the Thar 3-door. Ground clearance has gone from 226mm to 232mm, and the track is wider by 60mm. Finally, steering switches from hydraulic to electric, which should ease low-speed manoeuvring.
