Next-gen Mahindra Thar testing continues ahead of early 2020 launch

13/09/2019 - 14:22 | ,  ,   | Prashant Singh

The current-gen Mahindra Thar has reached the end of its life-cycle and will be replaced by a completely new model which was spotted doing rounds on the public roads once again recently.

2020 Mahindra Thar Spied 1
The next-gen Mahindra Thar sits on the same ladder-frame chassis as the next-gen Mahindra Scorpio.

The spy shots suggest that the Mahindra Thar has grown considerably in size moving to its second generation. A wider body lends it a better stance. The all-new model will be a more comfort-oriented vehicle which can be driven on a daily basis, unlike the outgoing model which is seen as a secondary vehicle. By making the Thar a better daily runner, Mahindra will achieve greater sales as it will appeal to a wider set of audience.

The all-new Mahindra Thar has been built on a more robust ladder-frame chassis and makes use of a stronger body structure which makes it safer and capable enough to pass the upcoming BNVSAP crash tests norms which will be seen in action from 1 October 2019. This ladder-frame chassis will be the basis of the 2020 Mahindra Scorpio.

Carrying an evolutionary design, it retains all the signature elements like seven-slot vertical grille, front fender-mounted direction indicators, a broad and flat bonnet, circular halogen headlamps, vertical brick-shaped combination lamps and a side-hinged tailgate with a spare wheel. While on the inside, it will look newer with a fresher design. As per previous spy shots, the new Thar utilizes a redesigned, all-black dashboard, a digital-analogue instrument panel with a huge, mid-placed MID, a new, multifunction steering wheel, round AC vents, new AC control dials with silver finishes and a new, repositioned passenger grab-handle. Furthermore, another big change inside the cabin will be the use of front-facing in the rear seats instead of side-facing seats. This has been done for more comfort and safety of the rear passengers.

Under the hood, expect the 2020 Mahindra Thar to make use of a new-born, BS-VI compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine which will develop 140 PS of maximum power and 300 Nm of peak torque. This engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. An optional, manually-operated 4WD system is expected in the all-new Thar.

2020 Mahindra Thar Spied 3
The next-gen Mahindra Thar will likely break cover at Auto Expo 2020.

Also Read: 2020 Mahindra TUV300 Plus (facelift) spied on test again

In terms of safety, the 2020 Mahindra Thar will feature front, ABS driver airbag, rear parking sensors, speed alert system and more as standard. It will likely break cover at Auto Expo 2020.

[Source: Facebook]

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