2020 Mahindra Thar Revealed, Launch On 2nd October
The all-new Mahindra Thar has finally been released in full after scores of spy photos and a seemingly endless wait. It’s no accident that Mahindra chose India’s 74th Independence Day to unveil their next-gen off-roader, as she wants to see her new 4×4 as a symbol of independence.
Mahindra is looking for the new-gen Thar to further the off-roader ‘s legacy, which traces its origins all the way back to the 1949 CJ3A. The baton was passed on to the CJ3B over the years, then to the MM540, the Original, Major, and Legend, until the Thar came onto the scene in 2010. The second generation, Mahindra Thar, is here a full decade later.
2020 Mahindra Thar, as a deliberate decision by the design team, retains its predecessor ‘s recognizable shape, itself a throwback to Mahindra ‘s classic 4x4s, along with its signature design features – circular headlights, a seven-slot grille, chunky wheels, and boxy taillights – all updated to look suitably modern.
Given their shared history, the Thar will naturally resemble the Jeep Wrangler, and its overall dimensions are identical, but Mahindra gave the seven-slot grille and the front-end look their own distinct theme.
Another important thing to note is that the 2020 Mahindra Thar is based on a new ladder-frame chassis and also has an all-new suspension, including the drastic change from a rigid, non-independent leaf-spring rear suspension to a multi-link setup which should do wonders for the quality of the ride. Six colors to choose from will be available-Red Rage, Magical Copper, Napoli Black, Aquamarine, Galaxy Grey, and Rocky Beige.
Previously, Mahindra has confirmed its intention to make the new Thar more of a conventional vehicle without losing its off-road capability, adding more creature comforts to the new 4×4 gene. The kit will include a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof-mounted weather-resistant speakers, an instrument cluster color multi-info panel, a rearview camera, steering controls, cruise control, and power-folding mirrors.
There is a forward-facing rear bench seat with a 50:50 split-folding feature, and a factory-fitted hardtop or optional soft-top can be used to have the new Thar. Security package for four passengers will include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Isofix child seat supports, hill-start and descent support, ESP with roll-over protection, and three-point seatbelts.
Although the original Thar was only available in diesel-manual configuration, for the first time the 2020 Mahindra Thar will come with several engines and gearbox choices including a petrol engine and an automatic gearbox choice. The Thar is debuting a new 152hp, 320Nm, 2.0-liter ‘mStallion’ petrol engine that standardly gets a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic option as well.
A 132hp, 300Nm, 2.2-liter mHawk engine is the latest Thar’s diesel engine, which will be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox as well as an automatic 6-speed torque converter from Aisin.
Of course, a four-wheel-drive system with both the petrol and the diesel models will come as standard, as will a manual-shift transfer case. Mahindra reports an unloaded ground clearance of 226 mm, a maximum water-wading depth of 650 mm, and a 42 degree, 27 degrees, and 37-degree approach, ramp-over and departure angles, respectively. It obviously bodes well for its off-road capabilities.
The 2020 Mahindra Thar will be released on October 2 following its release today. This will face pressure from the new Gurkha Force which is also expected to arrive in the months ahead.
There will be two New Thar models going on sale-AX and LX. The Thar AX is targeted at serious off-road enthusiasts and offers the basics, such as a fixed soft top, regular side-facing rear seats, 16-inch white steel wheels, mechanical locking diff, power windows, power steering, manual air-con, central locking, and rear parking sensors. The 2020 Mahindra Thar AX will have both engine options, but only with a manual gearbox will be available.
With more creature comforts, the Thar LX targets more lifestyle-oriented customers. You get the option of a convertible or hardtop, the standard 4-seat configuration with front-facing bench, dual-tone bumpers, 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 255/65 R18 all-terrain tires, LED DRLs and fog lamps, eight-way driver seat adjustable, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tire-pressure monitoring system, auto AC, and ESP. This version comes in the form of petrol-auto, diesel-manual, and diesel-automatic.
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2020 Mahindra Thar Bookings Open
