Mahindra is all set to roll out the all-new 5-door Thar in the Indian market. While the waiting list of the three-door version is already stretched out to months, the new version is only expected to increase the popularity of the brand. Here are the top 10 things that you need to know about the upcoming Thar.
Longer wheelbase
The upcoming 5-door version of the Thar off-roader is designed to cater to a more practical audience in the market. While the existing 3-door version is targeted towards lifestyle or secondary vehicle buyers, the 5-door variant will prioritize practicality.
The 5-door Thar will have a longer wheelbase compared to the current version available in the market. Reports suggest that it will be approximately 22% longer than the 3-door variant, which currently measures 3,985mm in length and has a wheelbase of around 2,450mm.
One roof option
In terms of roof options, the Thar 3-door model offers a choice between a fibre-glass hard top and a canvas soft top. However, both options do not include a roof liner. The soft top can be folded to create an open-roof experience. On the other hand, the 5-door Thar will only come with a metal roof, along with a soft fabric roof liner. This choice is evident from the multiple testing of the vehicle. The metal roof and fabric liner combination will not only provide better noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control but also offer a more luxurious cabin experience.
New features
The 3-door version of the Thar model is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, it is expected that the 5-door model will come with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that has a better user interface according to a picture spied by MotorOctane. This upgraded infotainment system will be compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and will also feature navigation. The 5-door variant will have many more features compared to the 3-door version.
A different name
In preparation for the launch, the indigenous automaker has trademarked seven names, including Thar Armada, Centurion, Savannah, Gladius, Cult, Roxx, and Rex. It is yet to be seen which name Mahindra will select for the long-wheelbase Thar model.
More powerful engine options
The Thar 5-door is likely to share its engine options with the Scorpio-N, along with the suspension setup and chassis. It is expected to come with a 2.0L turbo petrol engine and a 2.2L turbo diesel engine. The petrol engine will deliver 200bhp with 370Nm or 380Nm of torque, while the diesel engine will produce 172bhp with 370Nm or 400Nm of torque. The transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The lifestyle off-road SUV will be available with either a 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain.
Launch date
Although Mahindra has not confirmed the launch date for the 5-door Thar, it is likely to be launched later this year. The vehicle is expected to be unveiled on August 15th, with the official launch taking place shortly after. Bookings for the 5-door Thar will open prior to the official launch.
4X2 variant of Thar 5-door
Mahindra delayed the launch of the 4X2 variant of the Thar last year, but the 5-door version is likely to have the more affordable 4X2 variant available from the time of launch. This will give customers a wider range of options to choose from.
Design changes
The Thar 5-door lifestyle SUV will feature some styling changes and more user-friendly and practical interiors. While the 3-door Thar has a simple 6-slat grille, the 5-door variant is expected to have a 6-slat grille divided by two vertical separators for each grille. There will also be a horizontal divider running across the width of the grille. The SUV will come with LED headlamps, fog lamps, and tail-lamps. It will be equipped with all-new 18-inch alloy wheels.
Will not be Jimny competitor
The new 5-door Thar is seen as a competitor to the Jimny, although it will have its own segment. Due to its larger size and additional features, the 5-door Thar will have a different pricing structure. It is expected to start from Rs 15 lakh and the top-end variant is likely to be priced over Rs 25 lakh. In comparison, the top-end variant of the Jimny is priced at around Rs 15 lakh.