Next-generation 2020 Mahindra Thar to get a factory fitted hardtop: Proof

Mahindra is quite busy these days working on the next generation updates of its models like the Thar, Scorpio and the XUV500. Talking about the Thar, the new generation model of the popular off-roader has been spotted testing several times and even the interiors of the upcoming vehicle were revealed in a spy shot that appeared on 4X4India. While we already told you that Mahindra will also offer a factory fitted hardtop option for the Thar, the same has now been spied testing too. It seems like Mahindra has done its homework well and is paying attention to customer demands and trends. This will be the first time that the Thar will get an option of a factory-fitted, removable hard-top.

As seen in the spy shot above, the heavily camouflaged Thar is fitted with a metal roof finished in black. The roof ribs can also be seen clearly which makes it quite clear. On the first look, the new Thar looks wider and more SUV like rather than the older Thar’s MM540 inspired styling. The area behind the front windows is covered with camouflage but it will have a glass area in the production version.

Coming back to the hardtop seen on the Thar here, it is quite a wise move from Mahindra’s as a lot of people go for aftermarket hardtops for their Thars. Further, this will add to its practicality in difficult weather conditions like extreme heat or rain. Going by Mahindra’s plan, the new generation Thar will appeal to a large audience set. Hence the presence of a hardtop from the company itself will make many potential customers buy the Thar who until now liked the way it looked but were worried about its practical usage. Given that the rear seats will be front facing in the new Thar, a hard top option could be the choice of many

The new generation Thar will be built on an all-new platform that has been borrowed from the next generation Scorpio. This new platform is a body on ladder platform reportedly borrowed from Ssangyong. However, it will also affect the off-road capabilities of the Thar a little bit. The upcoming Thar will also be BNSVAP safety standards compliant and will come with all the safety kit including ABS, airbags and parking sensors among others. Previous spy shots revealed that the new Thar will be equipped pretty decently compared to the current generation model and will feature glossy black AC vents, possible automatic climate control, new steering wheel, new instrument cluster, new gear lever, new seats and an infotainment system for the first time.

Powering the Thar will be a newly developed 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that will comply with the upcoming BSVI emission norms. On the Thar, this engine is likely to churn out power in the range of 120 Bhp to 140 Bhp. The same engine will also be found under the hoods of the next generation Mahindra Scorpio as well as the new generation XUV500.