The Mahindra Thar arrived in 2010 and underwent its mid-life facelift in 2015. As per a new report from Autocar India, the next generation model is scheduled to arrive before 2020 underpinned by an all-new platform.
A report from March 2016 had Dr Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, confirming the arrival of the next generation Mahindra Thar. The latest report suggests that the company is developing an all-new platform for it that will subsequently support other future products. The advanced platform will meet new crash test norms that will come into effect October 1, 2019. It will also host a BS 6 compliant engine.
The current Mahindra Thar carries forward the legacy of Mahindra Jeep CJ derivative. However, expect Mahindra to incorporate modern features like a touchscreen infotainment system, auto aircon, LED lighting and more in the next-gen off-roader.
According to reports, both Pininfarina and SsangYong could offer inputs for the second-gen Thar, along with Mahindra’s own design team. Dr Goenka has been quoted in the past saying, “For every vehicle that Mahindra develops, we will seek three proposals for its design. One each from Ssangyong, Pininfarina and our team.”
Also Read - Next-gen Mahindra Thar rendered
Last month, Mahindra launched a Thar derived off-road UV in the USA called the Mahindra Roxor. The second gen Thar is likely to be developed with the ambition of selling it stateside. Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA) could play an active role in its development.
[source - Autocar India]
