Mahindra had launched the second generation Thar lifestyle SUV in the end of 2020. This model received unprecedented response from buyers. The Mahindra Thar currently commands a waiting period of over 1 year. Force Motors has also revealed the new Gurkha off-roader, which will be launched on the September 27, 2021.
The new Force Gurkha will directly rival the Mahindra Thar. Maruti Suzuki is also gearing up for the launch of the new Jimny mini off-roader in our market. While the Thar and the Gurkha comes as 3-door, and 4-seater lifestyle SUVs, the new Jimny will arrive as a 5-door version. However, Force Motors and Mahindra have already announced that they are working on long wheelbase 5-door versions of the Gurkha and Thar respectively.
5-Door Force Gurkha
The 5-door variant of the new gen Force Gurkha is currently under development; however, there is no confirmed launch timeline has been announced. The company will increase the wheelbase of the SUV for the 5-door version. Based on the new modular C in C ladder frame chassis, the new Gurkha has a wheelbase of 2,400mm. It is expected that the 5-door model will have a wheelbase of 2,825mm, which is 425mm higher than the 3-door’s wheelbase.
The increase in wheelbase should liberate more space for the second row along with bigger luggage carrying capacity. It is likely to feature the existing 2.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 91PS and 250Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed gearbox.
5-Door Mahindra Thar
Mahindra has officially announced that the 5-door version of the Thar lifestyle SUV will arrive by 2024. It will be based on the modified version of the existing platform. The new 5-door Thar will have longer wheelbase, and extended body to add new rear passengers’ doors. The SUV will offer a larger boot space.
Similar to the 3-door model, the new Thar will come with two engine options – a 2.0-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol and a 2.2-litre mHawk turbocharged diesel. While the former is good for 152bhp and 320Nm, the oil burner produces 132bhp and 320Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. Four-wheel-drive layout will be offered as standard. It is expected that the new model could get a 180mStallion Pro turbo petrol engine, which will allow Thar to achieve a speed of up to 180kmph. The diesel engine could be tweaked to produce up to 160bhp of power.
5-door Maruti Jimny
The 5-door version of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny is speculated to be launched by July 2022. The new model will ride on 300mm longer wheelbase, and the length of the SUV has also been increased by 300mm. It will measure 3,850mm in length, 1,645mm in width and 1,730mm in height. The SUV will have a wheelbase of 2,550mm, while the ground clearance stands at 210mm. It will have a kerb weight of 1190kg, which is 100kgs higher than the 3-door Sierra.
The new Suzuki Jimny LWB is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with mild hybrid system. This engine produces 100bhp of power and 130Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic. The international-spec model is likely to get a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a mild-hybrid system.
