Three door Thar

Three door Thar available with affordable budget in Indian market

by

Three door Thar : In the rugged terrain of the Indian automotive landscape, few vehicles have captured the imagination of off-road enthusiasts and city dwellers alike quite like the Mahindra Thar.

Known for its robust build, go-anywhere capability, and unmistakable design, the Thar has long been the stuff of dreams for many. However, its price point has often placed it just out of reach for a significant portion of potential buyers.

Now, as we look towards 2025, Mahindra is set to shake up the market with the introduction of a three-door Thar variant that promises to bring the Thar experience to a broader audience at a more accessible price point.

Three door Thar A Legacy of Rugged Reliability

The Mahindra Thar has always been more than just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of adventure and freedom. Since its inception, it has carried the torch of its predecessor, the iconic MM540, which itself was inspired by the legendary Willys Jeep.

The Thar’s boxy silhouette, round headlamps, and seven-slat grille have become instantly recognizable on Indian roads, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the remote trails of Ladakh.

The current generation Thar, launched in 2020, took a significant leap forward in terms of design, comfort, and on-road manners, while still maintaining its off-road prowess.

This evolution helped broaden its appeal beyond hardcore off-road enthusiasts to include urban adventurers and lifestyle buyers. However, the increased sophistication also came with a higher price tag, pushing it out of reach for many aspiring owners.

Three door Thar Enter the Three-Door Thar: Accessibility Meets Adventure

Recognizing the untapped potential in the market for a more affordable Thar, Mahindra has been working on a three-door variant that aims to strike the perfect balance between capability, comfort, and cost. Set to launch on April 15, 2025, this new model is poised to redefine the entry point into the Thar family.

Three door Thar Design: Compact Yet Commanding

The three-door Thar retains the iconic design elements that have made its larger sibling so popular. The signature round headlamps, vertical slat grille, and upright stance are all present, ensuring that this more compact Thar loses none of its visual impact.

The shorter wheelbase gives it a more nimble appearance, perfect for those who envision tackling tight urban spaces as much as off-road trails.

While official images are yet to be released, industry insiders suggest that Mahindra has managed to maintain the Thar’s proportions admirably, despite the reduction in overall length.

The removal of the rear doors has been executed in a way that preserves the vehicle’s classic silhouette, with the B-pillar cleverly integrated to maintain structural integrity without compromising on style.

Three door Thar Power and Performance: Punching Above Its Weight

Under the hood, the three-door Thar is expected to feature a 1.5-liter petrol engine, striking a balance between power and efficiency.

 This powerplant is likely to be mated to a manual transmission, catering to purists who prefer complete control over their driving experience.

While specific output figures are yet to be confirmed, industry experts anticipate that the engine will be tuned to deliver a spirited performance, in keeping with the Thar’s adventurous character.

The choice of a smaller engine not only helps in keeping costs down but also addresses the growing concern for fuel efficiency among Indian consumers.

This move aligns with the global trend towards downsized engines that offer a good balance of performance and economy.

Three door Thar Interior: Compact Yet Comfortable

Inside, the three-door Thar is expected to offer a surprisingly spacious cabin, despite its more compact exterior dimensions. The front seats will likely provide the same commanding view of the road that Thar owners have come to love.

The rear bench, while accessed through the front doors, is anticipated to offer reasonable comfort for two adults on short to medium journeys.

In terms of features, Mahindra is expected to offer a mix of essential comforts and rugged practicality. A touchscreen infotainment system, possibly a smaller version of the 7-inch unit found in the current Thar, is likely to be available on higher trims.

Climate control, power windows, and a multi-function steering wheel are also expected to be part of the package, ensuring that the three-door Thar doesn’t feel like a stripped-down budget offering.

Three door Thar Safety: No Compromises

Despite its more affordable positioning, Mahindra is not expected to cut corners when it comes to safety.

The three-door Thar is likely to come equipped with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors as standard across all variants. Higher trims may offer additional airbags and advanced safety features, aligning with Mahindra’s commitment to occupant protection.

The vehicle’s body structure is expected to be reinforced to compensate for the shorter wheelbase, ensuring that it maintains the robust crash protection that the Thar nameplate is known for.

This focus on safety is crucial, not just for meeting regulatory requirements, but also for appealing to increasingly safety-conscious Indian consumers.

Three door Thar Off-Road Capability: The Heart of the Thar

While the three-door Thar is designed to be more accessible and city-friendly, Mahindra is unlikely to compromise on its off-road capabilities. The shorter wheelbase could potentially make it even more maneuverable in tight off-road situations.

While the base variants may come in a rear-wheel-drive configuration to keep costs down, it’s almost certain that Mahindra will offer 4×4 variants for those who want the full Thar experience.

Features like high ground clearance, robust approach and departure angles, and a capable four-wheel-drive system (on select variants) are expected to be carried over from its larger sibling.

This ensures that the three-door Thar remains true to its roots as a go-anywhere vehicle, capable of tackling everything from city potholes to mountain trails.

Three door Thar Pricing: The Game Changer

The most exciting aspect of the three-door Thar is undoubtedly its price point. With an expected starting price of Rs. 12 lakh, this new variant significantly lowers the entry barrier into the Thar family.

 This pricing strategy places it in direct competition with premium hatchbacks and compact SUVs, offering a unique proposition for buyers who want the Thar’s rugged appeal and capability at a more accessible price point.

The competitive pricing is made possible through a combination of factors, including the shorter body, smaller engine, and potentially streamlined feature list on base variants. However, Mahindra’s economies of scale and the shared components with the larger Thar also play a crucial role in achieving this price point without compromising on quality or capability.

Three door Thar Market Positioning and Competition

The three-door Thar enters a unique space in the Indian automotive market. At its price point, it doesn’t have any direct competitors that offer the same combination of iconic design, off-road capability, and brand heritage.

However, it will likely attract buyers considering vehicles like the Hyundai Exter, Renault Kiger, and even the Maruti Jimny, which has its own off-road credentials.

What sets the three-door Thar apart is its ability to serve as both a practical daily driver and a weekend adventure machine. For urban dwellers who occasionally venture off the beaten path, it offers a compelling package that doesn’t require the compromises in terms of size and maneuverability that come with larger SUVs.

Three door Thar The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As Mahindra prepares to launch the three-door Thar, it faces both challenges and opportunities. The biggest challenge will be maintaining the Thar’s premium image and off-road credentials while offering it at a more accessible price point.

There’s a fine line between making a product more attainable and diluting its brand value, and Mahindra will need to navigate this carefully.

On the opportunity front, the three-door Thar has the potential to significantly expand Mahindra’s customer base. It could attract younger buyers who aspire to own a Thar but have been priced out of the current model.

Additionally, it could serve as an entry point into the Mahindra brand, potentially leading customers to explore other Mahindra products as their needs evolve.

The launch of the three-door Thar could also have broader implications for the Indian automotive market. Its success could encourage other manufacturers to consider introducing more affordable versions of their premium offerings, potentially leading to a new segment of vehicles that bridge the gap between mainstream and luxury products.

Three door Thar Conclusion: A New Chapter in the Thar Legacy

The introduction of the three-door Thar represents a bold move by Mahindra to democratize the Thar experience. By offering the essence of the Thar – its distinctive design, off-road capability, and adventure-ready spirit – in a more compact and affordable package, Mahindra is opening up new possibilities for a wider range of consumers.

As we look towards its launch in April 2025, the three-door Thar stands poised to write a new chapter in the storied history of this iconic nameplate.

It promises to bring the thrill of Thar ownership to a new generation of buyers, potentially reshaping the landscape of the Indian automotive market in the process.

For aspiring Thar owners who have long dreamed of parking this legend in their driveways, the wait is nearly over. The three-door Thar is not just a new model; it’s an invitation to adventure, a ticket to join a passionate community of owners, and a chance to be part of an automotive legacy.

As the countdown to its launch begins, one thing is clear: the Thar’s journey is far from over. In fact, with this new accessible variant, it’s only just beginning.

Also Read This-

Leave a Comment