The next-generation Mahindra Thar was spotted again as it is being tested for launch in 2019-20. It was in its camouflaged skin and very few detailed observations could be made. The new Mahindra Thar is being tested to make it more crash compliant and the front bumpers have been changed to plastic and has a new redesigned grille. Even the new fenders seem to be in plastic. The rear design including the tail light design remains the same. It also has a much larger windscreen and windows, compared to the old one for better visibility. It may still have some temporary elements, which may be changed on the production model.
The interior of the new Mahindra Thar will include a factory fitted air-conditioner and an updated dashboard with cubby holes and some smart storage spots with a lockable glove box. Mahindra may or may not continue with the three pod instrument cluster but may change the steering wheel design. The new Mahindra Thar will have wider, more ergonomically designed and comfortable front seats with easily foldable and collapsible rear seats to create more space.
The current engine that is used on the Mahindra Thar is a 2,498 cc, four-cylinder, CRDe motor producing 105 BHP of power @ 3800 RPM and 247 Nm of torque @ 1800-2000 RPM mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox with a BorgWarner transfer case which has a manual shift 4X4 system. The Mahindra Thar also comes with a 2,523 cc, DI motor producing 63 BHP of power @ 3200 RPM and 195 Nm of torque @ 1500-1800 RPM connected to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The new engine on the 2020 model will be smaller and more efficient, to comply with the BSVI standards. And we may see some safety features such as ABS, EBD and airbags as standard.
The dimensions of the current Thar is as follows. It is 3920mm in length, 1726mm wide, the overall height is 1930mm and the wheelbase is 2430mm with a ground clearance of 200mm and a fuel tank capacity of 60 litres. The DI model is slightly smaller. It is 3760mm long, 1640mm wide and 1904mm tall, has a wheelbase of 2430mm, a ground clearance of 187mm and a fuel tank capacity of 45 litres.
The current Mahindra Thar costs at INR 9,41,294 for the CRDe 4WD model, INR 6,60,424 for the DI 2WD and INR 7,21,675 for the DI 4WD. All prices shown are ex-showroom, Mumbai.
The New Mahindra Thar is expected to be expensive than the current model.
