We have reported earlier that Mahindra & Mahindra is considering 5-door version of the Thar off-road SUV for the Indian market. In fact, the project received official approval. Now, the company will soon begin testing the 5-door Mahindra Thar (prototype) with Bolero’s body. The new, bigger version of the off-road SUV will be a more practical option for daily driving purpose.
Compared to the 3-door version, it’s likely to sit on longer wheelbase and offer more cabin space. That means, the SUV will be able accommodate 3 adult passengers at the rear seat with easy ingress and egress.
As of now, details of the upcoming 5-door Mahindra Thar are scanty. Though, it’s likely to share its platform, design elements, features and engine setup with the existing model. While the bigger SUV will be designed on the same GEN3 ladder-frame chassis, it will carry a differently designed body with additional doors. The signature 6-slat grille, retro-styled circular headlamps with LED DRLs and raised fenders are likely to be carried forward from the 3-door version.
As mentioned above, the 5-door Mahindra Thar will source its powertrains from the existing model. The off-road SUV comes with the 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbo petrol and 2.2L, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine options. While the gasoline unit makes power worth 152bhp and 300Nm (MT)/350NM (AT) of torque, the oil burner delivers a maximum power of 132bhp and 300Nm of torque. Both engines can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. A 4X4 system and a manual-shift transfer case with a low ratio is standard across the Thar model lineup.
Reports suggest that the Mahindra Thar (3-door) will receive a new 180mStallion Pro turbo petrol engine that will be more powerful and faster than the existing petrol unit. The same powertrain might also be offered on the upcoming 5-door Mahindra Thar.
