Mahindra Thar OG Debuts With Updated Platform and Engines Up to 160 HP

Indian automaker Mahindra has introduced an updated modification of the body-on-frame Thar SUV, which received the OG prefix in its name. The vehicle, traditionally seen as one of the most recognizable counterparts to the Jeep Wrangler, underwent deep technical modernization and noticeable changes to its exterior.

The exterior of the Thar OG retained its recognizable boxy profile, but gained a new radiator grille with five vertical slots, all-LED lighting with distinctive C-shaped daytime running lights, and square fog lights mounted on the fenders. The taillight clusters were borrowed from the extended five-door Thar Roxx modification. In the top ZXT trim, the SUV is equipped with new 19-inch alloy wheels, and the body color palette expanded with blue and silver shades.

Key innovations are concentrated in the chassis design: the model was moved to the platform from the five-door Thar Roxx, which made it possible to increase body torsional rigidity, widen the track by 60 mm, and bring ground clearance to 232 mm. The suspension features retuned shock absorbers, and the previous hydraulic power steering has been replaced with a modern electric unit.

Engineers also modernized the powertrains. Output of the 2.2-liter turbodiesel increased by 20 hp and reached 150 hp, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine was boosted by 10 hp — to 160 hp. The base 1.5-liter diesel engine retained its previous parameters. The arsenal of all-wheel-drive versions includes an electronic rear differential lock and an expanded set of off-road driving modes.

In the Indian market, the price of the Mahindra Thar OG starts from 1.03 million rupees (about 913 thousand rubles at the current exchange rate), while the original Jeep Wrangler is valued in the country at a minimum of 6.62 million rupees (approximately 5.86 million rubles).