Although the new-gen Thar is already positioned as an everyday vehicle there will still be limited appeal for a three-door SUV. Mahindra has thus greenlit the development of five-door version of the new-gen Thar.
Mahindra debuted the new-gen Thar about a month ago and it has already caught the fancies of numerous people. Available with a range of powertrain options and body styles, the new Mahindra Thar is an extremely versatile vehicle and quite easily, the most affordable hardcore off-roader in the country. The new-gen Thar is a quantum leap over its predecessor, both in terms of functionality and design. There were also reports about a five-door version of the Mahindra Thar and that’s what we are going to talk about here.
Mahindra has actually greenlit the development of the five-door version of the new Thar. The upcoming SUV will have an all-new body and will likely have a longer wheelbase as well. Although the new-gen Thar is already positioned as an everyday vehicle and more than just a rugged off-roader, there will still be limited appeal for a three-door SUV. And that’s just for practicality. In order to have a wider appeal for the new-gen Thar, the SUV will see a five-door version for the first time in its lifetime and that’s a great thing.
In an interview with Autocar India, Veejay Nakra, CEO of Mahindra’s automotive division, said, “Our objective was to recreate the icon, and obviously the first step in that direction was to create the Thar in its current three-door form. I think that’s a good starting point which we are in. Who knows how the future will play out? Let’s just watch this space as we go forward”. A five-door version of the Thar is also strategically important as its rival-in-chief, the new-gen Force Gurkha, will also be sold in three- and five-door forms. Even the Suzuki Jimny will come to India as a five-door model.
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As for the three-door version of the Thar, it debuts two new engines from Mahindra’s stable. Featuring a petrol engine for the first time, its a new 2.0-litre mStallion TGDI petrol engine that makes 150 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the diesel engine is a 2.2 litre mHawk unit that makes 130 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque. Transmission choices include either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic gearbox for both the engines. Four-wheel-drive and a manual-shift transfer case are standard on all versions.
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The 2020 Mahindra Thar will be available in two series of variants- AX and LX. The AX series is the off-road focused variant whereas the LX series is the lifestyle focused variant. There are several reports already claiming that the base-spec Thar will be priced under Rs 10 lakh. If we go by these reports, the price of the Thar is expected to range between Rs 9.75 lakh – Rs 13.5 lakh. That’s an incredible price range for the Thar, for which you get hardcore off-road ability like no other and a very welcome on-road manners with the new-gen SUV as well.
