A new media report claims that the trial production of the new-generation Mahindra Thar has already been started. The new lifestyle SUV is scheduled to be launched during festive season, before Diwali. The upcoming Thar has already been spotted in production guise, suggesting a near launch.
With new Thar, Mahindra is aiming to target a wider audience. While the previous model was designed and developed for off-road enthusiasts, the new Mahindra Thar will offer much more in terms of everyday comforts. It will have all the modern day comfort and convenience features available in regular city cars.
The new model will be equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a new instrument console with colour MID, reverse camera and powered ORVMs. The SUV will also receive a factory-fitted hard-top model, forward-facing second row of seats and others. Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, seat-belt and speed alert will come as standard safety features.
The next-gen Mahindra Thar will be based on the new ladder frame chassis, which is likely to be the modified ZEN3 platform (Underpins Scorpio and TUV300). The SUV will also receive new suspension system, which offers improved on-road comfort.
The new-gen Mahindra Thar will come with multiple engine-gearbox combinations. It will be powered by a new 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine, which was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2020 as the mStallion engine. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer. The diesel version will get the BSVI compliant 2.2L mHawk unit, which is expected to offer around 140bhp of power. Transmission options are likely to include a 6-speed manual and an Aisin-sourced 6-speed torque convertor automatic. Both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants will be on offer. The new model will take on the likes of the upcoming Force Gurkha and the 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
Source – AutoCarIndia
