Discover the upcoming rivals to the Maruti Suzuki Jimny: the highly anticipated Mahindra Thar 5-door and the Force Gurkha 5-door
The lifestyle SUV segment is about to witness an intense rivalry as two formidable contenders are gearing up to challenge the newly-launched Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Mahindra & Mahindra and Force Motors are currently conducting extensive testing of their respective models – the Mahindra Thar 5-door and the Force Gurkha 5-door. Both vehicles are stretched versions of their successful three-door counterparts and are expected to offer enhanced practicality and performance.
Here, we delve into the key features and specifications of these upcoming SUVs, shedding light on what they bring to the table in the battle for supremacy in the off-road segment.
1. Mahindra Thar 5-door
Mahindra Thar has been a game-changer for the brand, with the three-door version achieving remarkable success. Now, Mahindra is ready to expand the Thar lineup by introducing a more practical, family-friendly variant with five doors. Retaining its iconic design elements, the Thar 5-door will feature a longer wheelbase and additional rear doors for added convenience.
The 5-door Thar will likely get two engine options – a 2.0L turbo-petrol motor and a 2.2L turbo-diesel mill. However, M&M will probably tune these engines to be more powerful than the 3-door Thar making it easy to haul the heavier SUV around! The transmission options will likely remain unchanged – a 6-speed MT and a 6-speed AT. Of course, it will get a 4×4 system as well, to keep the offroad legacy alive.
2. Force Gurkha 5-door
Force Motors has been diligently testing the Gurkha 5-door, which promises to be a strong contender in the segment. With its distinctive styling and robust 4WD capabilities, the Gurkha 5-door aims to provide an unmatched off-road experience. The test mules reveal a familiar, boxy front design, including square headlamps and a two-slat grille.
Inside, Force could offer multiple seating options, ranging from 5 to 7 seats. This SUV will likely feature the same Mercedes-sourced, 2.6-litre diesel engine that powers the Gurkha 3-door model. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission and standard 4×4 system, the Gurkha 5-door is expected to deliver a strong performance both on and off the road.