Bookings Open For Next-Gen Mahindra Thar, Launch Slated For August

Mahindra Thar is perhaps one of the most anticipated vehicles in India right now. Auto enthusiasts all over the country have been waiting for the new Thar ever since the first set of spy pictures started going around on the internet. Many dealerships have now started accepting bookings for the vehicle, which hints towards a launch very soon.

Although the manufacturer has yet to comment on the launch window of the new Thar, sources suggest that it could take place in August. Previously, it was supposed to launch in April 2020, after the BSVI emission norms kicked in, but the lockdown due to the pandemic had disrupted that launch schedule. Now that the lockdown is finally receding, Mahindra will be launching all of its updated cars in our market soon, including the next-gen Scorpio and the XUV500 facelift.

2020 Mahindra Thar Spied | Updated Looks & Features | IndianAutosBlog

Mechanically, the new generation Thar will feature some major changes. The new body-on-frame construction is expected to be lighter but stronger than before, and the vehicle is expected to grow bigger in dimensions as well. The engine options are also expected to change. The outgoing model is available with a 2.5-litre, inline-4, turbocharged, common-rail diesel engine, capable of generating 105 PS and 247 Nm of peak power and torque figures, respectively. This engine will be replaced by either the 2.2-litre engine from the Scorpio, which can generate 140 PS and 320 Nm, or a completely new 2.0-litre engine, which might belt out even more power.

Sources also suggest that there will be a petrol-powered version as well, which will be present in the lower variants of the Thar. We expect it to be the 1.5-litre, inline-4, turbocharged, ‘mStallion’ engine which was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. The engine is capable of generating 165 PS and 280 Nm, which is quite impressive. The petrol variants might only be available with a rear-wheel-drive option, while the diesel-one might get a 4-wheel-drive option as well. Transmission options might be limited to a 6-speed manual only. The next-gen model is also expected to have better equipment, better creature comforts, and better safety features as well.

Source: Team-BHP