Mahindra Thar Signature Edition: This is IT!
Mahindra is all set to introduce the Thar Signature Edition, a limited edition model of the iconic on-off road SUV, which will soon be discontinued to make way for an all-new, 2nd generation model. A leaked internal document from Mahindra reveals all the features about the Limited Edition Thar, of which only 700 units will be built. The Thar Signature Edition derives its name from a special plaque with Anand Mahindra’s signature on it. It’s likely to be priced at a premium over the regular Thar CRDE, which costs Rs. 9.5 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.
Images courtesy Maheep Sukerchakia on 4X4India
Meanwhile, here are all the features that the Mahindra Thar Signature Edition will offer.
1. A new aquamarine blue colour borrowed from the Mahindra Marazzo
2. ABS+EBD
3. Signed plaque with Anand Mahindra’s signature
4. New art leather seat covers
5. Decals on the sides
6. Alloy wheels in a new design
7. New front grille insert in black
8. Satin finish for front bumper
Apart from the addition of ABS, which is a life-saving safety feature that has now been made mandatory on all cars sold in India thanks to the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP) norms, there are no other mechanical differences on the Mahindra Thar’s Signature Edition. The SUV continues to use a 2.5 liter CRDE turbocharged diesel engine with 105 Bhp of peak power and 247 Nm of peak torque.
A five speed manual gearbox is standard and so is a four wheel drive transfer case with low and high ratios. The off roader also retains the rear wheel drive layout with the part-time four wheel drive capability, and auto locking hubs on the front wheels. The Thar continues to be an 8 seater with two captain seats at front and two, side facing bench seats at the rear. Power-assisted steering and air conditioning are standard features.
The lower priced DI variants of the Thar have been discontinued and the CRDe version will also bow out in the coming months, once Mahindra exhausts stock of the Signature Edition. In a sense, the Signature Edition of the Thar CRDe is meant to be a stock clearance move by the automaker. The all-new Thar, which has already begun testing on Indian roads, will make its debut at the 2020 Auto Expo. It will go on sale from April 2020, and is likely to be pricier than the outgoing model. The all-new, 2nd generation Mahindra Thar is likely to pack in a whole host of improvements including a plusher cabin, better ride quality, sound damping and a factory fitted hard top option. It’ll also pack in a more powerful but smaller, 2 liter-4 cylinder turbo diesel engine and a 6 speed manual gearbox. A four wheel drive system will be standard.