Mahindra Thar 2020 AX Option Spotted Testing For The First Time

• The Thar AX Option comes with a redesigned 7-slat grille and steel wheels.
• It misses out on an infotainment system, cruise control and steering-mounted audio controls.
• The Thar AX Option will be limited to a manual gearbox.
• Mahindra is set to reveal the Thar's prices on October 2.

in three variants: AX, AX Opt and LX. If you're reading this, chances are you've already seen plenty of pictures of the top-spec LX variant as Mahindra is yet to reveal the lower-spec variants to the public. Thankfully, we managed to get our hands on the mid-spec AX Option variant's spy shots for the first time.

So how do you tell the Thar AX Option over the LX variant? Simple. The Thar AX Option comes with a 7-slat grille that's quite similar to the one seen on the older SUV. Although this test mule doesn't feature a set of fog lamps, Mahindra has already revealed that it will offer them as standard across all variants when the SUV goes on sale on October 2.

Another easy way to differentiate the AX Opt from the LX variant are the wheels. The Thar AX Option comes with 245/75 R16 steel wheels instead of the LX variant's 255/65 R18 alloy wheels.

The differences on the inside are more apparent. The AX Option doesn't feature an infotainment system, cruise control or steering-mounted audio controls. It comes with a manual air conditioner, central locking, rear demister (on hard top variants), dual airbags, ABS with EBD, a roll cage and rear parking sensors. Check out what each variant of the new Thar packs .

The Thar AX Option will come in two body styles: Hard Top (diesel-only) and Convertible Soft Top (diesel and petrol). This test mule comes with a fixed convertible soft top.

Mahindra will offer the Thar AX Option with both the 150PS 2.0-litre petrol engine and 130PS 2.2-litre diesel engine options. However, this variant will not get the automatic transmission option and will instead be equipped with a 6-speed manual. Naturally, the Thar is capable of driving all four wheels and comes with a low range gearbox as well. However, only the LX variant gets the brake locking differentials.

This variant of the new-gen Thar could appeal to those who like to customise their SUVs. Prices will be revealed on October 2 and we expect the new Thar to start from Rs 10 lakh and go all the way upto to Rs 13.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The Thar will rival the upcoming.