Thar Roxx
Mahindra is expected to launch the facelifted three-door Thar in India shortly with recent reports pointing to a debut next week. The current Thar received a revision late last year and the next update will bet largely on exterior styling, selected cabin upgrades and a few mechanical changes. However, the engine range is expected to stay the same.
The entry version should retain the 1.5-litre diesel with around 119 hp joined by the 2.2-litre diesel with around 132 hp and the 2.0-litre turbo petrol with 152 hp. All three versions will continue with a 6-speed manual gearbox and the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol mill should also offer a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The 1.5-litre diesel will remain with rear-wheel drive while 4×4 will be reserved for the larger diesel and turbo petrol engines.
One mechanical revision under consideration is electric power steering in place of the hydraulic setup fitted to the current three-door Thar. Such a change could reduce steering effort at lower speeds and align the SUV more closely with latest Mahindra models. The cabin could receive another tech upgrade after the additions made last year.
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A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and automatic climate control are among the features expected this time. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, rear AC vents, Type-C charging ports, rear-view camera, cruise control and power-adjustable ORVMs will be part of the equipment list along with the steering wheel lifted from Thar Roxx.
Exterior revisions should give the three-door Thar a well aligned visual link with the Thar Roxx. Test vehicles have shown circular LED projector headlamps, C-shaped lighting elements, revised front fenders and new five-spoke alloy wheels. Different prototypes have also featured two grille designs including a five-slot treatment and another with a double-stacked six slat layout.
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Changes at the rear may include revised LED tail lamps and a redesigned bumper. Reports have also pointed to a possible return of a soft-top derivative. The outgoing Thar is priced between Rs. 10.32 lakh and Rs. 18 lakh (ex-showroom) and the facelift could command a modest premium based on variant and features list.
