All You Need To Know About The Upcoming 2020 Mahindra Thar

Indian car giant Mahindra is set to launch the all-new Thar in 2020. The Thar has been spied being tested on Indian roads under heavy camouflage many times. We expect the car to debut in the 2020 Auto Expo along with next-gen Scorpio. Mahindra first launched the Thar in India in 2010, and it is one of the most practical and value-for-money off-roader in the country. Since its launch, the car has done exceptionally well in the Indian market. Now the company has decided to replace the aged model by launching a new-gen version of Thar. The next-gen Thar will be a classic-looking vehicle, and is expected to get retailed in some international market too. Here are some interesting things which you should know about the upcoming 2020 Mahindra Thar.

. The new-gen Thar will be a retro-modern-looking vehicle

1) The SUV now underpins a stronger platform

The upcoming Mahindra Thar based on an all-new platform that will be shared with the new-gen Mahindra Scorpio, along with some other elementsand features. Moreover, both these SUVs will be launched at the same time. The new model is expected to be more rugged as compared to outgoing Thar, and should help in improved road handling and vehicle dynamics. The new platform will also help the 2020 Mahindra Thar to comply with strict safety norms.

2) Will carry a modern yet contemporary design

The all-new 2020 Mahindra Thar will get a retro design language with a modern flavour. The car will wear its conventional robust looks. Spy images reveal that the new Mahindra Thar looks quite similar to the current model, with elements like round conventional (halogen) headlamps, signature 7-slat grille, and side blinkers mounted on the muscular wheel-arch. We expect the new-gen Thar to acquire a redesigned bumper up front.

 Thar looks quite similar to the current model, with some subtle changes

3) Feature loaded cabin

The 2020 Mahindra Thar expected to come equipped with all the modern features that are offered in other Mahindra SUVs, and maybe even more. When the SUV was launched in India, it was raw, with bare-bones equipment. In contrast, the current-gen model comes equipped with features like an A/C, 12-volt charging slot, and power steering. The upcoming model will employ some more modern features, which will increase creature comfort and enhance the feel of the cabin. We expect the new SUV to come loaded with features like automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment unit, dual-front-airbags and leather upholstery which will provide a sufficient amount of side and under-thigh support.

Mahindra will offer a lot of premium equipment on the upcoming Thar

The car will also get a brand-new instrument cluster which features an analogue tachometer on the left and an analogue speedometer on the right, along with a MID (Multi Information Display) unit at the centre which will give all the crucial information about the car. The car could also feature a new steering wheel which gets steering mounted controls for accessing the infotainment system.

4) Derive power from a new 2.0-litre diesel engine

Powering the new-gen Mahindra Thar will be an all-new oil-burner which will be much more refined, reliable, and fuel efficient, compared to the current model’s 2.2-litre motor. The new diesel mill is expected to churn out max power and torque outputs of 140 PS and 320 Nm respectively. Transmission duties will be done by a 6-speed manual gearbox and 4x4 will be offered as a standard feature. The new 2.0-litre diesel engine will also power the upcoming Mahindra Scorpio and XUV500. Rumours are out that Mahindra is also planning to launch a petrol motor at a later stage. The petrol engine will comply with the BSVI emission norms, and might be offered as an entry level variant.

Mahindra Thar will feature both hard-top and soft-top variants

5) Available in both hard and soft roof configurations

Spy shots reveal that the new-gen Mahindra Thar will come available with both hard and soft rooftops. The current-gen Thar only comes with a soft-roof top. Due to the unavailability of a hard top, the owners of the Thar usually get an aftermarket hard-top unit. The hard-top roof will not only be convenient, it will also enhance the safety quotient of the SUV. Soft roofs are not well insulated and can get damaged easily in bad weather conditions and during accidents.

6) Touchscreen infotainment system offered for the first time

This is the very first time when Mahindra will offer a touchscreen infotainment system in a Thar. The infotainment system will come with a black dashboard with centre housing for a touchscreen system. The infotainment system will support Apple Car Play and Android Auto along with satellite navigation.

The infotainment system [representation only] will support Apple Car Play and Android Auto along with satellite navigation

7) Priced aggressively

The current-gen Mahindra Thar falls in a Price bracket of Rs 6.83 lakh to Rs 9.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The new-generation model will demand a slight premium over the outgoing one. We expect the 2020 Mahindra Thar to carry a price tag of Rs 10 lakh. The exact date of launch is not yet confirmed by Mahindra, but we expect the company to showcase the all-new SUV at the 2020 Auto Expo.

Stay tuned to Indian Auto for more updates on the upcoming 2020 Mahindra Thar.