Engine & Performance
The Thar OG carries forward the diesel and petrol engines from the outgoing Thar. Choices remain the 1.5 litre common rail diesel (RWD), the 2.2 litre mHawk turbo diesel and the 2.0 turbo petrol mStallion. While there are no changes to the 1.5 diesel, the other two engines see bump up in power. The 2.2 litre mHawk diesel now develops 150 hp and 330 Nm (from 130 hp & 300 Nm) while the 2.0 mStallion turbo petrol puts out 160 hp and 330 Nm (earlier 150 hp & 300 Nm / 320 Nm AT). Both these engines are mated to 6 speed MT and 6 speed torque converter AT gearboxes. Both get the option of 4×4. Additionally, the 2.2 diesel now gets the automatic option in RWD. At this point, I feel not offering an AT with the 1.5 diesel is a lost opportunity. This would have really added the appeal of the Thar and sales numbers as well.
For the drive, I got the 2.0 turbo petrol AT 4×4, the same engine that is in my own Thar 4×4. What I have loved about this engine from day 1 is how refined an smooth it is. The motor picks up without any drama and is quite quick of the line as well. Acceleration is linear and the AT gearbox has smooth shifts. It fantastic how Mahindra has mated the AT gearbox to this engine. That power and torque increase is surely felt as the engine felt more enthusiastic to move forward. Mid-range is excellent and there is enough power on tap if you want to do an overtake on the open road. When slowing down, the gearbox immediately downshifts, in turn giving you better throttle response. Mahindra has worked on improving the NVH levels and being a petrol Thar owner myself, I could feel a noticeable difference between the Thar OG and my car.
