When Mahindra launched the all-new Thar, the brand dual trim concept – AX and LX. The AX variant came with 6-seats in the 2+4 side-facing 2nd-row seating arrangement. Not long after the Mahindra Thar debuted, the brand discontinued the AX trim. This automatically made the car pricier by a few lakhs.
In the recent past, Rumours were that Mahindra is planning to bring the Thar AX back into the Indian market. Also, various dealers were updating their price lists. However, the brand is unlikely to launch the AX variant with 2+4 seats. Relaunching the AX model will mean losing the prestigious 4-star safety rating at the Global NCAP.
The Global NCAP tests the least equipment loaded vehicle or the base model of the brand. In the case of Mahindra Thar, the AX model was the entry-level model. This model was supposed to perform at the GNCAP crash test. But as Mahindra discontinued the Thar AX, the Thar LX RHD with Hard Top was chosen for the tests. The Mahindra Thar AX with the dual bench seats would not have scored as many points as the Mahindra Thar with the forward-facing seats. The Mahindra Thar scored 4-star ratings at the Global NCAP for both adults and children, becoming one of the safest off-road SUVs in India.
The brand will automatically forfeit the 4-star rating if it plans to reintroduce the AX model. The coveted safety rating plays an important role in the sales portfolio, and the brand is unlikely to risk losing the score. In addition to this, Global NCAP could also re-assess the ratings in case the brand makes any changes in the variant line-up. The brand is also currently concentrating on fulfilling the order books for the Thar, which has accumulated a waiting period of around ten months in some markets. As for the dealer price updates, reports suggest that it is just a procedure, and the model is not currently for sale.
Also Read: 2020 Mahindra Thar Soft Top / Hard Top Review