The 2015 Mahindra Thar facelift gets a mechanical locking rear differential along with a completely revised interior and major updates to the exterior styling.
The 2015 Mahindra Thar facelift has been launched in India priced at Rs. 8.03 lakhs (ex-showroom, Nashik) for the top-end CRDe version. The automaker’s lifestyle off-roader for the live young and free, the new Thar gets significant changes to the exterior styling and major upgrades inside the cabin while the potent diesel engines continue as they are. That said, the biggest inclusion is that of a mechanical locking rear differential that makes the off-roader much more capable on the roads less taken. The updates though only extend to the CRDe version aimed at a more lifestyle-oriented audience, when compared to the utility seekers who opt for the DI variant. With a bunch of upgrades on offer, here is everything new with the model.
Styling – The 2015 Thar CRDe facelift retains the iconic design inspired from the Willy’s Jeep, and instead only gets basic external tweaks. The front and rear plastic bumpers are new and replace the metal ones on the outgoing model. You also get new and wide black cladding around the wheel arches, new side foot steps and clear lens headlights. The canopy on the stock model is removable and can be traded up for a hard top unit, with the latter available as an accessory. You also get new turn indicators on the front wheel arches. The steel rims with covers continue to exist on the Thar facelift.
Interior – Step inside the cabin and Mahindra has devised for a major upgrade by all means. You get a new black and beige dashboard, new lockable glovebox and provision for a 2-DIN audio system in the centre console that gets ‘THAR’ embossed. There are also new circular AC vents with silver bezels, a new gear shift lever with a faux leather cover and black AWD shifter also finished with a leather cover. The three-spoke steering wheel is all-new and the three-pod instrument cluster with chrome bezels looks good and also gets a small MID screen this time.
While there has been no change to the seats, the upholstery has been upgraded to faux leather, while other upgrades include new door trims with armrest, floor console with cup holders, illuminated 12V socket at the bottom and a windshield demister. You also get cup holders in the centre for rear passengers. Mahindra is also offering a plethora of accessory options including a hard top, alloy wheels, interior fitments
Engines – In terms of power, the 2015 Mahindra Thar continues with the existing engine options with the CRDe version powered by a 2.5-litre diesel motor producing 105 BHP of power and 247 Nm of torque, whereas a 2.5-litre Direct Injection (DI) motor produces a mere 63 BHP and 182.5 Nm of torque. Both the engines come paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox while power is sent to all four wheels via the BorgWarner All-Wheel Drive system. There is also a new engine cover with the ‘CRDe’ badging this time around that gives the engine bay a clean appearance. The biggest addition though is that of a mechanical locking differential which further enhances the SUV’s off-roading capabilities.
Built to tackle any terrain, the 2015 Mahindra Thar comes with an approach angle of 44-degrees and a departure angle of 27-degrees and has a ground clearance of 200 mm. With limited to nil competition, the Thar has had a monopolistic run on the sales front and the new model will surely attract more takers. Out of the total sales for a year, the company sells 70 percent DI models and 30 percent CRDe models pan-India with over 10,000 units last year, and Mahindra is expecting the demand for the CRDe version to grow further this year with a host of changes and mechanical upgrades.
