2020 Mahindra Thar - IAB Rendering

The Mahindra Thar is headed towards a generation change. Plenty of spy shots have surfaced online by now, giving us a fair idea of what to expect in terms of design. Now, IAB’s digital artist Shoeb Kalania has created a rendering to show how the all-new model may actually look like.

The Mahindra Thar will retain the classic look that was made famous by the Mahindra Major. Up front, it will have a sleeker grille and maybe some tweaks to the headlamps and bumper. On the sides, as shown in our exclusive illustration, it is expected to feature doors with lower-set handles for easier ingress. The canopy will be slightly smaller due to the marginally higher-set rear deck.

Inside, the 2020 Mahindra Thar will have a newly designed dashboard that features central air vents similar to those of the current model, a touchscreen infotainment system positioned above the central vents and a new instrument cluster with a MID between the speedometer and the tachometer. It will feature a multifunction steering wheel that looks similar to that of the Mahindra TUV300, with audio controls on the left side.

Underpinning the 2020 Mahindra Thar will be an all-new platform that will form the basis for even the next-gen Mahindra Scorpio. The redesigned model will be strong enough to pass the BNVSAP's crash test norms. The standard safety net will include a driver-side airbag, ABS, driver and co-driver seat belt reminder, rear parking sensors and speed alert system. The top-spec trim is likely to even offer a front passenger airbag as well.

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Powering the 2020 Mahindra Thar will be an all-new 2.0-litre diesel engine that is likely to produce a maximum power of 140 hp and a peak torque of 300 Nm. The oil-burner will likely come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The all-new model should go on sale in mid-2020.