Next-gen 2020 Mahindra Thar (soft-top) spied yet again
Mahindra is readying a full model change for the Thar which has reached the end of its life cycle. Recently, IAB reader Ganesh Kumar S spotted a test mule of the soft-top version of the next-gen Thar.
The all-new Mahindra Thar will be slightly bigger in size which is evident from the spy pictures. It will sport evolutionary changes and will adapt a more comfort-oriented and practical approach to be considered fit as a daily runner. This move will help Mahindra further popularise the Thar among a wider set of audience and thus sell it in bigger numbers.
The 2020 Mahindra Thar will make use of a more robust ladder-frame chassis and a stronger body, something that will help it pass the upcoming BNVSAP crash tests norms to be introduced on 1 October 2019. The same ladder-frame chassis will underpin the 2020 Mahindra Scorpio. The exterior design won't be much different than that of the first-gen model. Signature elements like seven-slot vertical grille, front fender-mounted direction indicators, a broad and flat bonnet, circular halogen headlamps, vertical brick-shaped combination lamps, and a side-hinged tailgate with a spare wheel mounted on it will be among the several commonalities between the two.
Inside, the next-gen Mahindra Thar will be a lot more appealing in terms of design and practicality, although being a low-cost model targeted at price-sensitive customers, things won't be as sophisticated than the made-in-USA Jeep Wrangler, not even close. It will be offered with a number of more comfort and convenience features. Earlier spy shots have revealed a redesigned, all-black dashboard, a digital-analogue instrument panel with a huge, mid-placed MID, a new, multifunction steering wheel, round AC vents, new AC control dials with silver finishes and a new, repositioned passenger grab-handle. Also, expect its seats to carry extra padding for more comfort. Also, instead of side-facing seats, the all-new model will have front-facing in the rear.
On the safety front, ABS driver airbag, rear parking sensors and speed alert system, as required by the latest safety norms in the country, will be standard.
Also Read: Next-gen 2020 Mahindra Scorpio rear-quarter - IAB Rendering
The next-gen Mahindra Thar will derive its power from a newly-developed, BS-VI compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine tuned to deliver 140 PS of maximum power and 300 Nm of peak torque. This engine will be paired to a standard 6-speed manual gearbox. Also, expect an optional manually-operated 4WD system. The launch will likely take place in early 2020.