KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Mahindra Thar 5-Door spied in Ladakh
- To incorporate new elements and features
- Read more details below
Mahindra is gearing up for the launch of the Mahindra Thar 5 Door next year, and as part of the preparations, they have been rigorously testing the vehicle across diverse terrains. Several spy shots of the SUV in action have surfaced online. A recent sighting in Leh, Ladakh, captured the 5-door Thar undergoing testing on video, offering a glimpse of key differences from the current 3-door Thar model.
Let's look at the fresh shots of the bigger sibling of the 3-door Thar.
Mahindra Thar 5-Door: The Evident Differences
The first thing you notice as soon as you set your eyes on the extra-doored Thar is its bigger footprint. On top of this, the six-slat new grille along with the new LED projector headlamps, and foglights assembly is a clear departure from the current 3-door version. The rear of the Thar 5 Door test mule showcases updated tail lamp graphics, suggesting a fresh design approach. These taillamps are expected to incorporate bulb-type illumination, with LED elements potentially used for the turn indicators, enhancing the vehicle's rear lighting aesthetics.
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New Features Incoming
The Thar 5 Door is expected to come with several interior enhancements, as revealed in previous spy shots. These updates include a new steering wheel borrowed from the XUV700 and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.
Additionally, the new Thar 5 Door is anticipated to offer a host of creature comforts. These may encompass features like front and rear armrests, an updated instrument cluster, rear AC vents, automatic climate control, and a reverse parking camera. Some of the anticipated features include a new infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, a new instrument cluster, front and rear armrests, automatic climate control, and an electric single-pane sunroof, which has been spotted on a previous spy shot.
Mahindra Thar 5-Door: Under The Hood
In terms of engine specifications, the Thar 5-Door is expected to retain the same powertrain options as the 3-Door version. This includes a 2.2-liter diesel engine with an output of 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque, as well as a 2.0-liter petrol engine generating 150 bhp and a torque range of 300-320 Nm. Both of these engines are likely to be offered with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Expected Launch Timeline
While the official statement from the brand revealed that there are no new launches planned for 2023, 2024 is the only viable timeline. Keeping a tab of the slew of spy shots from around the country hints at its rigorous testing routine. This only means that the brand is pushing for an early 2024 launch soon after its unveiling around the first quarter of 2024.
Verdict
While multiple spy shots hint at an early launch next year, Mahindra Thar has no direct competitor. While, this is partyioally in response to the Maruti Jimny owing to its family friendly nature with 2 second row doors. The nearest competitor would be the Force Gurkha 5-Door, which is also slated for a launch sometime in 2024. However, how much the Gurkha can shake up the foundation of Thar moniker, remains to be seen when these two go head to head in future. Also, If you are someone with a passion for engines mounted on wheels, you must join our Whatsapp Group Community of petrolheads to find out more exciting stuff about the Auto world.
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