Mahindra & Mahindra is readying the new-gen 2020 Thar for the Indian market and it has been creating immense buzz on the Internet. Initially, it was rumored to debut at the recently concluded 2020 Auto Expo but the company has saved it for a later date. The new-gen Mahindra Thar has been spotted testing several times and the spy-shots have indicated that it will advanced, up-market and modern than the current-gen model. It will not only be debuting a host of never-seen-before features but also be packed with a new set of BS 6 compliant powertrains.
Here is what you can expect from the new-gen 2020 Mahindra Thar:
Bigger Size
Several reports have suggested that the new-gen model will be grown up in size with length and width extended for extra space and comfort. Though, the exterior styling wouldn't be much different from the ongoing SUV but due to being extra wide, it will appear boxy in overall design with more interior space.
Revised Interior Cabin
It has been learnt that 2020 Mahindra Thar will be introduced with bucket seats at the front while the side-facing rear seats will go for a toss in favor of front-facing seats. The company will also update the upholstery and dashboard to project it as a premium offering. In addition, for the very first time, it might get a factory-fitted hard top version besides the soft-top model.
New Features
The new-gen 2020 Mahindra Thar would be equipped with a plethora of striking features in form of multi-information display, automatic climate control, steering-mounted audio and phone controls, front power windows, reverse parking camera and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The safety quotient would be higher too as it will come loaded with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, high speed alert system, seat-belt warning system and rear parking sensors as standard features.
Updated BS 6 Powertrains
The word is that new-gen 2020 Mahindra Thar could get a petrol engine for the first time. The company might introduce a couple of petrol variants with the XUV500's 2.2L 4-cylinder engine which churns out 140bhp and 320Nm. The possibility of an auto gearbox can't be ruled either. As for the diesel variants, they will get the BS 6 compliant 2.2L 4-cylinder engine which develops top power of 140bhp and peak torque of 320Nm. The engine already Mahindra Thar powers the likes of Scorpio, XUV500 and TUV300 while it will replace the 2.5L engine in Thar which has maximum power output and highest torque performance of 103bhp and 247Nm, respectively.
Price & Competition
The current-gen Mahindra Thar is priced at Rs 9.99 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom) and the new-gen SUV is expected to be priced a bit higher than this due to inclusion of several premium features and BS 6 engines. Mahindra Thar will directly lock horns with the Force Gurkha in the Indian market.