Mahindra is planning to introduce a limited edition of its popular SUV Thar to commemorate 70 years of its brand heritage. The Mahindra Thar Signature edition will denote the end of production for the SUV in 2019 and Mahindra is likely to launch the next generation Thar at the 2020 Auto Expo.
The production will be limited to only 700 units of the Thar Signature Edition and they will be available in two exclusive paint schemes which are as follows:-
The Signature Edition Thar is expected to feature 15-inch alloy wheels, black decals on the bonnet, silver finish on the bumpers, leatherette seat covers with ‘Thar’ badging, ‘Signature Edition’ badge on the side fenders with the autograph of Mahindra Group Chairman, Anand Mahindra apart from the features present on the standard model.
In the engine department, the Signature Edition Thar is expected to come with a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, CRDe engine which develops 105 HP of power @3800 RPM and 247 Nm of torque @ 1800-2000 RPM mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It has a manual shift, BorgWarner transfer case with 4-wheel-drive system. The Di engine variant has been discontinued which was powered by a 2,523 cc motor producing 63 HP of power and 195 Nm of torque coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The Signature Edition Thar will be equipped with ABS system on the brakes as mandated by the authorities.
The bookings for the Signature Edition Mahindra Thar SUV are expected to commence soon.
The next generation Thar which is expected to debut in 2020 is expected to have a smaller displacement engine with more output which is speculated to be around 140 HP and is also likely to have a 6-speed transmission. The brand is also likely to develop a petrol engine for the Next-Gen Thar and it is expected to be more refined, silent, comfortable and have better insulation as compared to the current model which is more utilitarian than a family SUV.
The 2020 Thar which has been spied testing on different occasions will rival the Force Gurkha which is its direct competitor and the next generation Gurkha is also expected to be revealed at the 2020 Auto Expo.