Upcoming 2019 Mahindra Thar rendered: Bigger, wider!

The current model of the Mahindra Thar will get a full model change due to the upcoming safety rules in the Indian market. The Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assesment Program (BNVSAP) will be enforced in the Indian car market in 2020 and manufacturers will have to ensure that all the products on sale meet the new safety regulations. Cars like Mahindra Thar will be replaced by all-new products in the coming times. Mahindra has finally started testing the all-new Thar on the Indian roads and it has been spied a couple of times while testing.

After the first spotting where the Thar was parked on the side of a road, the second set of pictures show the all-new Thar in full glory. Still under heavy camouflage but testing on the open highways. Here is a rendered image of what the all-new Thar may look like when launched. The all-new Thar will retain its shape but it looks much larger in size when compared the current generation Thar. There is the iconic 7-slat grille at the front with chunky bumpers. The next-generation Thar looks much similar to the Jeep Wrangler. Even though many people modify their Mahindra Thar SUVs to add the Jeep Wrangler look, the next-generation Thar’s bigger dimensions automatically give it the bold and uncanny similarity to the Jeep Wrangler.

Moving on, there is a canopy on the rear and the test images show the Thar in two-door format. It is quite possible that Mahindra is also working on a hardtop version of the Thar, which would take on the Force Gurkha directly. The next-generation Thar also gets chunky 18-inch wheels, that look quite small on the big SUV. The flared wheel arches ensure to add a very wide look to the vehicle.

The all-new Thar would be made on a new platform but will retain the ladder-frame chassis set-up. It is quite possible that Mahindra takes inputs from Pininfarina, who also gave inputs during the designing of the Mahindra Marazzo. However, the all-new Thar will retain its retro charm, something that gives the identity to the SUV. Nothing much has been said on the use of the new engine in the Mahindra Thar. However, stricter BS VI norms will also be enforced in India in 2020. Mahindra is expected to use an updated and tweaked version of the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine in the all-new second-generation of the Thar. Also, the all-new Thar is expected to become much more comfortable for long distance journey and highway comfort. Mahindra is expected to add features like touchscreen infotainment system and forward facing rear seats. Also, there would be mandatory safety features including the ABS+EBD and airbags in the second-generation Mahindra Thar.