In an exciting development last week, spy shots
revealed that Mahindra has started working on the next-gen Thar. Just days
after CarDekho released the first images of the future model, Team-BHP forum
member satya180 has come up with new spy shots that show the front-end.
The next-gen Mahindra Thar will feature a modernized
design that stays true to the original. The spy shots suggest that it will have
a much bigger body and the increased width gives it a squat stance. Reports say
that the length will see a marginal increase. An all-new platform will underpin
the second generation model, and Mahindra will use this base for other
nameplates.
To appeal to wider band of customers, Mahindra will
make the Thar plusher with the full model change. A completely new dashboard is
a given, as the company will need to fit airbags that unavailable in the
current model. Expect a number of other new safety features mandated by the
government in 2019 but unavailable in the current model, such as speed alert
system and driver and co-driver seatbelt reminder.
The Mahindra Thar is available with the M2DICR
2.5-litre diesel engine that produces 63 bhp and 195 Nm of torque and the
2.5-litre that develops 105 bhp and 247 Nm of torque. The next-gen model may
get new, BSVI-compliant diesel engine delivering higher fuel economy and better
refinement.
The second generation Mahindra Thar will arrive not
before 2020. Dr. Pawan Goenka, MD, Mahindra & Mahindra, has said that after
the S201 in early 2019, the company’s “new platform launches will start from
2020.”
