Mahindra Launches Updated Thar OG with New Platform, Engine Upgrades and Fresh Features

Mahindra has introduced a heavily updated version of its 3-door Thar, named the Thar OG, featuring a new platform, suspension upgrades, more power for two of its engines, and a longer list of features while continuing to rival the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny.

Exterior Updates

While keeping the rounded headlamp design, the Thar OG features a reprofiled front with new C-shaped LED daytime running lights, full-LED headlamps, and a body-coloured grille with Thar branding and a Mahindra badge on top. The top-spec ZXT trim adds ice-cube fog lamps with a cornering function to replace old halogen units. Wheel options include 16-inch steel wheels for the AXT trim, 18-inch alloys for the LXT, and larger 19-inch diamond-cut alloys for the ZXT. The exterior also gets new Thar OG side and tailgate badging, revised tail lamps borrowed from the Thar Roxx, and two new colour choices of Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue alongside six carried-over shades.

Interior And Features

Inside, the cabin retains the overall dashboard layout, 10.25-inch touchscreen, and analogue instrument cluster with a colour MID, along with manually operated air conditioning. New additions include a Truffle Brown leatherette upholstery option exclusively for the ZXT trim, wireless charging, a rear USB Type-C port, luggage compartment lighting, Zip and Zoom drive modes, push-button start, and rear armrests with built-in cupholders.

Engine And Performance

Under the hood, the base 1.5-litre diesel engine stays the same at 119hp and 300Nm. The 2.2-litre diesel now produces 152hp and 330Nm, marking a 20hp and 30Nm increase, while the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol delivers 162hp and 330Nm, gaining up to 10hp and 30Nm. Both engines offer 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearboxes with RWD or 4WD choices. The vehicle shifts to Mahindra's stiffer M_Glyde 4G platform, adds a Watts Link rear suspension, DAVINCI dampers with Frequency Dependent Damping, an Electronic Locking Differential, dedicated Mud, Sand and Snow terrain modes, a 60mm wider track, 232mm ground clearance, and an electric steering setup.