Mahindra is working on a second-gen Thar to replace the first-gen model that has become obsolete because of the more stringent safety norms coming into effect this month. Here's a rendering showing the future model's rear three quarters, made by IAB's digital artist Shoeb Kalania.
As depicted in the rendering, the next-gen Mahindra Thar will have an evolutionary design and will be slightly longer and wider than its predecessor. It will take together all the classical design elements such as the signature seven-slot vertical grille, front fender-mounted turn indicators, a wide and flat bonnet and round halogen headlamps, and present them in a refreshed form with a touch of modernity. At the back, it will pack a spare wheel bolted onto its side-hinged tailgate and small, brick-shaped combination lamps placed vertically.
As for the interior, the next-gen Mahindra Thar will have a completely redesigned dashboard and cabin layout in order to be a more family-oriented model. The old model wasn't perceived as a daily driver and attracted mainly off-road enthusiasts. There will be an all-black dashboard, a digital-analogue instrument panel with a big MID integrated between the dials, a multi-function steering wheel, round AC vents, new AC control dials with silver outline and a repositioned passenger grab-handle. Other than that, it will also get more comfortable seats along with contrast stitching and another big update inside the cabin will be the use of front-facing rear-seats.
The all-new Mahindra Thar will have a more robust construction in order to make it safer and meet the upcoming BNVSAP crash tests norms (1 October 2019). Furthermore, in addition to ABS, its safety kit will include features like driver airbag, rear parking sensors, speed alert system and more to comply with the AIS-145 safety norms which kicked in on 1 July 2019. The new generation model will also have a body-on-frame construction.
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Under the hood, the next-gen Mahindra Thar will have a newly developed BS-VI 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 140 PS and 300 Nm. This engine will come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. A manually-operated 4WD system will likely be optional. Expect the debut to take place at Auto Expo 2020.
