Mahindra is set to unveil the highly anticipated Thar 5-door at its annual Independence Day event this year. This will mark the fourth consecutive year that Mahindra has revealed a new product on August 15th.
In 2020, the new Thar made its global debut, followed by the world premiere of the XUV700 in 2021. Last year, Mahindra unveiled its born-electric concepts in the UK. The unveiling will take place in South Africa for this year’s event.
South Africa
Mahindra vehicles have a growing market share in South Africa. In 2022, Mahindra was the fastest-growing brand in South Africa, with sales increasing by 78% compared to 2021. Mahindra’s market share in South Africa is around 2.3%, but it is expected to grow in the coming years.
Mahindra’s popularity in South Africa is due to several factors, including the company’s strong reputation for reliability and durability. Mahindra vehicles are also known for their affordability and fuel efficiency. Additionally, Mahindra offers a wide range of vehicles to suit different needs, including SUVs, bakkies, and commercial vehicles.
Some of the most famous Mahindra vehicles in South Africa include the:
- Pik Up
- Bolero
- XUV500
- Scorpio
- Thar
Mahindra is also expanding its presence in South Africa by opening new dealerships and investing in marketing and advertising. The company is confident it can continue growing its market share in South Africa in the coming years.
Significant
The South Africa unveiling is significant because the country is expected to be one of the global markets for the Thar. Mahindra has been present in South Africa since 1996 and has seen a recent increase in business. With the introduction of the Thar to its SUV lineup, which currently includes the XUV300, XUV700, and Scorpio N, Mahindra aims to strengthen its position in the South African market.
The Thar 5-door is a logical extension of the Thar product line, aiming to appeal to a broader audience. It offers a tough, go-anywhere SUV experience with added comfort and practicality for the entire family. This is similar to the recently launched Maruti Suzuki Jimny, which also targets a similar market.
Specs
The 5-door Thar will be positioned above the 5-door Jimny. It will feature larger engines, including the same 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines in the 3-door Thar. Regarding dimensions, the 5-door Thar will be significantly more significant than the 5-door Jimny. It will have a length of over 4,000mm, compared to the 3,985mm length of the Jimny. The Thar will also be more expansive and taller at 1,820mm and 1,850mm, respectively, while the Jimny measures 1,645mm in width and 1,720mm in height.
Unlike the 4-passenger layout of the Jimny and the 3-door Thar, the 5-door Thar is expected to seat five people, with the possibility of a third row of seats due to its increased length. Spy shots of the Thar 5-door show that it will essentially adopt the design of the 3-door Thar but with the addition of rear doors and a longer body.
Specs
The wheelbase will increase by around 30mm, and the overall length will exceed 4 meters, which means it will not qualify for the small car tax benefit. Consequently, the 1.5-litre diesel engine recently introduced in the Thar will not be available in the 5-door variant. The powertrain specifications for the 5-door Thar are expected to be similar to the current 3-door model.
Following its debut, the 5-door Thar is scheduled to be launched in the Indian market in 2024, as confirmed by Rajesh Jejurikar, the executive director and CEO (Auto and Farm Sector) of Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.
Here are some other pros and cons that you may want to consider:
Pros:
- The Thar is a competent off-roader. It has a high ground clearance, a low-range transfer case, and locking differentials. This makes it an excellent choice for exploring rugged terrain.
- It s a customizable vehicle. Several aftermarket parts and accessories allow you to tailor the Thar to your specific needs.
- Relatively affordable for an off-road vehicle. This makes it a good option for buyers who are on a budget.
Cons:
- The Thar is not very comfortable on paved roads. The suspension is stiff, and the cabin is noisy.
- Does not have the best safety ratings. It has only received a 4-star crash test rating from Global NCAP.
- It does not have some standard features in other vehicles, such as rear parking sensors and a sunroof.
Conclusion
The South Africa unveiling is significant as Mahindra plans to introduce the Thar to its SUV lineup in the country, which has seen a recent uptick in business for the brand. The Thar 5-door is expected to be positioned above the 5-door Jimny and feature larger engines, similar to the 3-door Thar.
While specific sales figures for the Mahindra Thar are not available here, it is worth noting that the Thar has garnered significant attention and popularity since its global debut in 2020. The 5-door Thar is expected to further contribute to Mahindra’s sales and market presence, particularly in India, where it will launch in 2024.
Autocar India ET Statista Mahindra South Africa
