2020 Mahindra Thar is expected to make global premiere at the upcoming Auto Expo in February along with the new-gen Scorpio
Mahindra & Mahindra has been working on launching a number of new products including the Scorpio, Thar and XUV500. The Thar, in particular, has been spied for several months and it will undergo big changes underneath the skin. It is expected to make public debut at the 2020 Auto Expo accompanying the second generation Scorpio.
As part of bidding adieu, the homegrown manufacturer released a limited edition of the Thar recently as well while the DI variant of the Thar was shown the exit doors a few months ago. The existing Thar has been on production since 2010 and it fills the void left by its predecessor, the legendary MM540, in the brand’s lineup.
The 2020 Mahindra Thar appears to be based on a new ladder-frame chassis enabling bigger dimensions than the outgoing model. This could explain why the test mules have a larger footprint than the Thar currently on sale as it will also ensure roomier cabin. It could also see an expanded range in the form of hard- and soft-top variants.
It is believed to come in five- and six-seater configurations as the side-facing rear seat and forward-facing final row of seats should attract larger fanbase. As for the mechanical changes, it will reportedly get a new front suspension and independent rear suspension with wider tracks and reduced wheel articulation by as much as 10 per cent.
Besides the structural changes to meet the latest pedestrian and impact crash test standards, the 2020 Thar will offer dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, front seatbelt reminder, speed alert system and reverse parking sensor as standard. On the outside, it gets updated headlights and bumpers, new set of wheels and flared wheel arches.
The all-black interior theme could be accompanied by a touchscreen infotainment system in the top-spec trims, revised dashboard and instrument cluster, new steering wheel, front bucket seats, large multi-info display, etc. As for the powertrain, it will likely use a BSVI compliant, new 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine putting out 140 horsepower. It should be mated to a six-speed manual transmission while 4WD will be offered as an option.