The spy shots of the 5-door Mahindra Thar suggest several new features and updates compared to the 3-door version. Here’s a summary.
Features
- Sunroof: The 5-door Thar will come equipped with a single-pane sunroof. It is positioned between the front and second rows, indicating that the vehicle may have a full metal hard top to accommodate this feature.
- LED Lighting: The presence of LED fog lamps on the test mule suggests that the production version of the 5-door Thar will have a complete LED lighting setup.
- Cabin and Features: Mahindra might offer an all-black cabin for the 5-door Thar, as seen in one of the test mules. The SUV will feature an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected car technology, auto climate control, and cruise control. Safety features may include up to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a rear parking camera.
Engine
- Engine Options: The 5-door Thar will likely have the same petrol and diesel engine options as the 3-door version. These engines are expected to be in higher states of tune. The 3-door Thar currently offers a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 150PS and a 2.2-litre diesel engine with 130PS. The 5-door Thar may also come with 2WD variants and will be available with manual and automatic gearbox options.
- Launch and Price: Mahindra has confirmed that the 5-door Thar will be launched in 2024. The expected starting price for the SUV is around Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom).
Here are some additional details about each of the pros and cons of the current Mahindra Thar.
Pros:
Rugged and capable off-roader: The Mahindra Thar is one of the most capable off-roaders in its class. It has a 4×4 drivetrain with high and low-range gears and a locking differential. It also has a ground clearance of 226 mm and approach and departure angles of 41 and 37 degrees, respectively. This makes it perfect for tackling any terrain, from the roughest trails to the most challenging off-road courses.
The Mahindra Thar has two powerful engines: a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 2.2-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine produces 150 PS and 320 Nm of torque, while the diesel engine produces 130 PS and 320 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, with an automatic one available.
Spacious and comfortable interior: The Mahindra Thar has a spacious and comfortable interior. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long journeys. The rear seats are also spacious and can comfortably accommodate two adults. The cabin is also well-appointed, with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and cruise control.
Good value for money: The Mahindra Thar is a good value for money. It offers a lot of features and capabilities for its price. A strong warranty also backs it.
Wide range of variants to choose from: The Mahindra Thar is available in a wide range of variants. This includes both 2-door and 4-door variants and a soft-top and hard-top. There are also a variety of engine and transmission options to choose from. This makes it easy to find the perfect Thar for your needs.
Cons:
Poor fuel economy: The Mahindra Thar has poor fuel economy. The petrol engine returns an average of 10-12 km in the city and 14-16 km on the highway. The diesel engine is slightly more fuel-efficient, producing an average of 12-14 km in the city and 16-18 km on the highway.
Some safety features need to be added on lower variants: Some safety features, such as airbags and ABS, are missing on lower variants of the Mahindra Thar. This is a concern because these features can be critical in an accident.
Not as refined as some of its rivals: The Mahindra Thar is less advanced than some competitors. The ride can be bumpy, and the handling can be agricultural. This is not a significant concern for off-road enthusiasts, but it may be a turn-off for those looking for a more comfortable and refined SUV.
Overall, the Mahindra Thar is an excellent choice for buyers looking for a capable and stylish off-roader. However, it is essential to consider its fuel economy, NVH levels, and lack of some safety features before deciding.
Conclusion
The 5-door Thar will offer a more extensive alternative to the Maruti Jimny and will likely compete with the upcoming 5-door Force Gurkha.
Image Source: Zigwheels