Indian auto manufacturer Mahindra is all set to launch a limited edition of its famed off-roading SUV Thar. Officially named the Signature Edition, the company will manufacture only 700 units of this car. Besides the signature of CEO Anand Mahindra, the new SUV will come with several other unique features that will set it apart from a regular Thar. For instance, an aquamarine paint scheme, special insignia on the art leather seats, revised alloy wheels, front grille insert, and an anti-lock braking system. With this special edition, Mahindra will officially end the production of first-generation Thars. In view of stricter emission control norms to implemented in the country, the company is working on an all-new 2nd generation Thar that will debut in April 2020. It has already been seen testing on Indian roads and features a range of improvements all around.
Talking about mechanics, the Signature Edition Thar will in no way be different from its regular version except the addition of ABS. The off-roader will continue to run on a 2.5 liter-4 cylinder CRDe turbocharged diesel engine that produces 105 Bhp power and 247 Nm torque. Besides a five-speed manual gearbox, the new SUV will get a four-wheel drive transfer case with low and high ratios.
The car will feature a unique four-wheel drive mode meant only for off-roading purposes. A soft top and eight-seat layout will remain constant from previous edition. So, why would anyone but this new limited edition car? Well, these will be the last few hundred Thars with classic 'Jeep' design that would no longer be available in the new 2020 Thar. You ask why? The new Thar will witness large-scale design changes to meet tighter safety norms imposed by the government.
Want us to list a few? A factory-fitted hard-top, completely redesigned interiors, ABS, airbags, reverse parking sensors, seat belt reminders, and speed alerts are just a few of the many changes on the new Thar.
Not enough to get you excited? We can understand how Mahindra has set the standards very high but there is more coming. The 2020 Thar will also get a new platform, engine, and gearbox. The off-road giant will feature a new BS6-compliant 2-liter diesel engine that would produce around 140 Bhp power and 300 Nm torque. And don’t be disappointed if Thar is not to your taste, you will get to experience this engine in upcoming XUV500 and Scorpio too.
And how can we forget suspension if off-roading is the goal. The 2020 Thar will get an independent front suspension and leaf sprung rear suspension. Happy days ahead for off-roaders then!