Mahindra had launched the new gen Thar 3-door lifestyle SUV in 2020. The SUV has received an overwhelming response from buyers, as it still commands a waiting period close to 1 year. The company has announced to introduce a more practical and bigger 5-door Thar in the country in 2023. Not just Mahindra, Force Motors and Maruti Suzuki will also launch the 5-door version of the Gurkha and the Jimny respectively. These three SUVs are expected to be unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo in January.
Mahindra Thar 5-door
To be based on longer wheelbase compared to the 3-door model, the new Mahindra Thar 5-door model will offer more space inside the cabin. The current model has rear seats, but it is not a family car due to lack of space for adults and no luggage space. A 5-door model will offer a combination of both ruggedness and more space for rear occupants. It is also expected to feature a metal hard top.
It will be offered with the same 2.0L turbo petrol and 2.2L turbo diesel engines, which powers the 3-door Thar. The engines are likely to be calibrated for extra power and torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The SUV is expected to be based on a stiffer platform and will come with penta-link suspension and wider track.
Maruti Jimny 5-door
Maruti Suzuki will launch the new Jimny 5-door SUV in the country in 2023. Scheduled to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2023, the new model will be based on the Jimny Sierra and will have 300mm longer wheelbase and the length will be raised by 300mm. Dimensionally, the new model will measure 3,850mm in length, 1,645mm in width and 1,730mm in height. It will have a wheelbase of 2,550mm, while the ground clearance of 210mm. The SUV is reportedly to have a kerb weight of 1,190kg, which is 100kgs higher than the 3-door Sierra.
The new model will look slightly different from the regular model and will come with new design elements. The major changes will be made to the front fascia, featuring the brand’s new design language. The new model will have bigger boot space and will offer more practical cabin. It is likely to be powered by the Brezza’s 1.5L K15C petrol engine with mild hybrid tech. Transmission choices are likely to include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Force Gurkha 5-door
Force Motors has started testing the new 5-door version of the Gurkha lifestyle SUV on the Indian roads. The new model appears significantly longer than the regular 3-door version and is expected to offer more space inside the cabin. In fact, the new model will come in multiple seating options including 4-seats, 6-seats, 9-seats and 13-seats. It’s likely to have 400mm longer wheelbase than the 3-door Grukha.
The LWB Gurkha will be powered by the same 2.6L turbocharged diesel engine that produces 90bhp and 250Nm of torque. The top-spec model will come with the 4×4 transfer case with high and low range ratios. It will come with mechanically lockable differentials at the front and rear to ensure better traction.
