New Mahindra Thar AX and LX variants explained

The new Mahindra Thar has just been unveiled before its launch on October 2. Along with confirming a large number of new details – from the powertrains on offer to the styling and features – Mahindra has also revealed that the 2020 Thar will be on offer in two variants – AX and LX.

• 2020 Mahindra Thar to be available with four engine-gearbox options
• Second-gen Thar to be on offer in AX and LX trims
• Thar AX geared towards off-road enthusiasts; Thar LX has more creature comforts

One of the major mechanical highlights of the all-new Thar is that it comes with a choice of two engines – a 152hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol along with a 132hp, 2.2-litre diesel. Both have 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox options and get a 4x4 system as standard; a manual-shift transfer case with a low ratio is standard across all powertrain options.

With four engine-gearbox options and two trim lines, the second generation of Mahindra’s off-roader will be available in a total of seven versions. Here’s what’s available, in terms of features, on each:

2020 Mahindra Thar AX

• 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with 6-speed manual gearbox
• 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with 6-speed manual gearbox
• Mechanical locking diff
• Dual front airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Central locking
• Rear parking sensors with a display
• Manual inside day-night rearview mirror
• Rear defogger (optional)
• Roll cage (optional)
• Fixed soft top
• LED tail-lights
• Convertible top or hard top (optional)
• 16-inch steel wheels (white) with 245/75 R16 tyres
• 6-seat layout – 2 front seats and 4 side-facing seats
• Front facing rear seats with 50:50 split/folding and adjustable headrests (optional)
• 4-way adjust for front passenger seat (optional)
• Manual air-con
• Power windows
• Power steering
• 12V accessory socket
• Remote keyless entry (optional with hard top)
• Driver’s seat height adjust (optional)

2020 Mahindra Thar LX

In addition to the features and optional equipment on the Thar AX

• 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with 6-speed automatic gearbox
• 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with 6-speed manual gearbox
• 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with 6-speed automatic gearbox
• Brake locking diff
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with rollover mitigation
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Tyre direction monitor
• Three-point seatbelts for all four passengers
• Hill-start and descent assist
• Isofix child seat mounts
• Roll cage
• Speed-sensing front door locks
• Follow-me-home headlights
• Convertible top or hard top
• 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/65 R18 tyres
• Dual-tone bumpers
• Moulded footsteps
• LED daytime running lights and front fog lights
• Fender-mounted antenna
• 4-seat layout – front facing rear seats get a 50:50 split/fold function
• 8-way adjustable front seats including height and lumbar adjust
• Fabric upholstery
• Automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• Power adjustable outside rearview mirrors
• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and navigation
• Roof-mounted speakers – 4 speakers and 2 tweeters
• USB connectivity
• A colour multi-info display in the instrument cluster
• Steering-mounted controls

The new Thar LX is intended as more of a lifestyle product with its long list of creature comforts, while the Thar AX is oriented towards enthusiasts, with a more basic specification at a lower price point. In either case, cleaning up after a mud-plugging session should be relatively easy, as Mahindra has provided drizzle-resistant (IP54 Standard) switches on the dashboard and a wipe-down interior.

We’ll have to wait until October 2 for the 2020 Mahindra Thar prices, but for now, it seems like Mahindra has met the brief on retaining the Thar’s off-road ability, while also targeting a more mainstream buyer.

Also see:

2020 Mahindra Thar review, test drive

2020 Mahindra Thar first look video

2020 Mahindra Thar image gallery