Next generation Mahindra Thar will likely make global premiere at the 2020 Auto Expo next February before going on sale
Test mules of the next generation Mahindra Thar have often been found testing in recent weeks indicating that a launch could be on the cards in the early parts of next year. The latest set of spy pictures comes courtesy of Shobhit Mathur who posted it on 4×4 India Facebook group. Captured at Pondicherry, not far away from the brand’s factory in Tamil Nadu, he claimed that three SUVs were on a convoy.
They can be clearly differentiated as one wears a spare wheel at the rear and the other comes strapped with emission testing equipment (noticeably shorter in length). The second generation Mahindra Thar will likely be showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo next February before going on sale and it will have modern features to meet the requirement of the new-age customers.
The incoming Thar is based on the updated platform of the current model and it has been tweaked to accommodate bigger proportions. Mahindra could leverage the additional space by offering the Thar in various seating and roof (removable soft top and hard top) configurations. The bigger proportions have enabled the off-roader to gain a wider stance with flared wheel arches.
Complementing the authentic demeanour of the go-anywhere SUV is the evolved exterior as the headlamps, tail lamps, grille and bumper section are revised. The interior boasts a big haul of changes as well with the addition of a new steering wheel with mounted controls, tweaked dashboard and renewed features list probably comprising of touchscreen infotainment system with connectivity options in the top-end variants.
Mahindra has discontinued the DI variant of the Thar as it is devoid of the basic safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and airbags. The upcoming Thar will be updated to meet stringent crash test standards with inclusion of above safety features along with high-speed warning alert, seatbelt reminder and reversing sensors.
Used to be offered in two diesel engines until a while ago, the 2.5-litre DI produced 63 PS and 195 Nm of peak torque while the more powerful 2.5-litre CRDe continues with 105 PS and 247 Nm, paired with a four-wheel-drive system. A brand new 2.0-litre diesel engine will be at the heart of the Mahindra’s post BSVI era and it will likely be used in the Thar as well developing close to 130 horsepower.