Maruti Suzuki is currently selling the Jimny lifestyle SUV in the 5-door avatar in the country. The SUV has received an overwhelming response from car buyers. This segment currently has two more products – the Force Gurkha and the Mahindra Thar, both are offered in 3-door form. However, things will change in the near future as 3 new 5-door lifestyle SUVs will be launched sometime in 2024-25.
Mahindra Thar 5-door
Mahindra has recently showcased the Thar EV concept, which previews the 5-door version of the Thar off-roader. In fact, the 5-door Thar has been caught testing numerous times on the Indian roads. The new model will be designed and developed on the new Scorpio-N’s platform and will share the suspension setup as well as engine options. It will ride on longer wheelbase to create more space inside the cabin. The new Thar 5-door will receive significant changes inside as well. The SUV will have a larger touchscreen infotainment screen, centre armrests, a single-pane sunroof and others.
It will be offered with two engine options – a 2.0L turbocharged petrol and a 2.2L turbo diesel. The turbo petrol engine is capable of producing 200bhp of power at 5,000rpm and a peak torque of 370-380Nm. The turbo-diesel engine offers two states of tunes – 172bhp & 370Nm with MT & 400Nm with AT, and a 130bhp and 300Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.
Force Gurkha 5-door
Force Motors is preparing to launch the 5-door version of the Gurkha that has been spotted at a dealership. The new model will rival the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the 5-door Maruti Jimny. Compared to its 3-door version, the Gurkha 5-door will have longer wheelbase and come with four seating configurations – 6, 7,9 and 13-seats. It will be powered by a 2.6-litre turbo diesel engine that does duty in its 3-door version. This engine produces 91bhp and 250Nm of torque. The off-road SUV will have 4X4 drivetrain system with the mechanically lockable front and rear differentials.
Tata Sierra
Tata Motors will introduce the new-gen Sierra lifestyle SUV in the country by 2024-25. The Sierra will rival the likes of the Mahindra Scorpio-N and the Thar 5-door. The new model will be offered with two powertrain options – petrol and electric. It will come with two seating options – 5-seat and 4-door lounge version It will be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 170PS and 280Nm of torque. It will be offered with manual and automatic gearbox options. The electric version is likely to be fitted with an 80kWh battery pack with dual-motor setup.
