Updated on 13th May - 2020 Thar compared with 2020 Gurkha!
Original post: Mahindra Thar is one of the most iconic off-roaders in the country. The first-generation Thar was launched in India in the year 2010. Now, once again after a decade, Mahindra is all set to redefine the 'true' compact SUV segment by launching the second-generation Thar. The new-generation Thar has been spied multiple times testing on the Indian roads. Recently, an image of the production-spec all-new Thar has surfaced online which hints its imminent launch. So, in this article, we will be telling you Everything you need to know about the new-gen 2020 Mahindra Thar including some Exclusive details.
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The upcoming new-gen 2020 Thar is one of the most anticipated SUVs of recent times. The current generation Thar is known for its off-roading capabilities but it certainly misses out on creature comforts. Also, the quality level of the first-gen Thar is not up to the mark. However, it seems that Mahindra understands these shortcomings and the Indian utility vehicle maker will be fixing all of these in the next-generation Thar. The current-generation Thar even has certain ergonomic flaws that are expected to be rectified in the upcoming model.
The 2020 Mahindra Thar was expected to be showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. However, the company has some other plans regarding the launch of this Iconic capable SUV. The new-generation Thar will be a completely overhauled version of the first-gen model. It will feature a host of mechanical as well as cosmetic upgrades over its predecessor. The 2020 Thar will be based on the new ZEN3 ladder-frame chassis, which also underpins the current-gen Scorpio and TUV 300. So, now let's give you point-wise info as what new the 2020 Mahindra Thar will offer.
New Bold Exterior Looks
The 2020 Mahindra will retain its boxy SUV~ish design to stay intact to its roots. But aesthetically, the 2020 Thar will now feature a larger iteration of its traditional seven-slat grille with new LED DRLs, LED headlights and LED taillights. It will also get newly-designed sporty-looking blacked-out 18-inch wheels with five-spoke alloys. Mahindra will also give minor nip and tuck to its bumpers to make it look rugged than before. Overall, it looks bolder and macho than before and certain design cues are assumed to be inspired by the Jeep Wrangler.
Loaded with New Features
Step inside the cabin and one can feel a whole lot of difference. The interior of the new 2020 Thar will be completely refreshed. It will now get a new dashboard layout loaded with creature comfort features such as a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a multi-information display in the instrument cluster, manual AC, a rear parking camera, power-folding wing mirrors, and even a sunroof. The new Thar will improve in the safety department too. It will get many standard safety features including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, etc. and this time around it will get front-facing seats for the second row.
Engine and Transmission Options
Talking about the powertrain options, the 2020 Mahindra Thar will be initially powered by a sole oil-burner. It will be a BS6-compliant version of Mahindras tried-and-tested 2.2-litre diesel engine that will churn out 140 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a low-ratio gearbox. The company will also introduce an automatic gearbox with the Thar at a later stage.
Will the Thar Get a Petrol Engine?
Yes, Mahindra will offer the 2020 Thar with an all-new 2.0-litre TGDi mStallion petrol unit that will deliver around 140 PS in Thar. This same petrol engine with identical engine architecture will be introduced in the new-gen XUV 500 next year and in the XUV, it will develop a whopping 190 PS of power. Moreover, Mahindra officials also revealed to us that while the oil-burner is India-focused, the gasoline engine has been developed taking International demand and need into consideration.
What will be the replacement of Mahindra Thar DI?
As we all know the current-generation Mahindra Thar was also sold in a DI avatar which was primarily focused on rural SUV buyers. The Thar DI was very affordable compared to the regular Thar as it got a different mill and can be had in both 2WD as well as 4WD option. We asked Mahindra officials is there any Thar DI replacement in the pipeline? And what we came to know is that since it is very difficult to meet BS6 norms for the old 2.5-litre diesel engine with Di technology, so no project has been planned on that variant.
However, the new 2020 Mahindra Thar will be offered in both soft-top and hard-top roof variants. And according to the Mahindra officials, since the soft-top roof variant will come loaded with minimal goodies and an affordable sticker price, it can be considered as an almost equivalent replacement of the Mahindra Thar DI. The hard-top model of the 2020 Thar is primarily focused for urban 4x4 SUV buyers and thus it will be loaded with features up to the brim.
Launch Details and Expected Price
Now talking about the launch timeline and prices. A few months back, Mahindra has officially announced that the 2020 Mahindra Thar will be launched in India in the first quarter of the financial year 2020-21. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the launch has been delayed and it is now expected to be launched in August this year. Its recent spied image with white plastic cover also hints that the company is ready to dispatch it to its dealerships. We expect that the 2020 Mahindra Thar will cost around Rs. 10 lakhs - Rs. 12 lakhs, Ex-showroom. Once launched, it will show its 4x4 capabilities and off-road prowess to its rivals which include the new Force Gurkha and upcoming Maruti Suzuki Jimny (Gypsy).
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What are your thoughts on the upcoming 2020 Mahindra Thar? Do share with us in the comments below.
