As Mahindra continues testing the next-gen Thar on
the public roads, yet another batch of spy shots has surfaced online. These
images were clicked by Facebook user Parikshith Mithran. The next-gen Mahindra Thar looks
notably bigger than the current model. The test mule has coil spring front
suspension. Its hood and front fenders are set much
higher, leaving more room for the wheels. The design looks much
like that of the current model and that’s probably because it’s an early
prototype, though. The final design, although not a major departure, should
have inputs from Pininfarina and SsangYong as well.
Reports say that the next-gen Mahindra Thar will
ride on a newly developed platform. Along with more robust construction, the
redesigned model should have several active and passive safety features, such
as dual-front airbags, front SBR, ABS, speed warning system and rear parking
sensors. Inside, it will feature an all-new dashboard and expect a touchscreen
infotainment with GPS navigation and smartphone integration support.
Mahindra offers the current Thar with two 2.5-litre
diesel engines: M2DICR and NEF TCI- CRDe. The former produces 105 BHP and 247 Nm of torque, while the latter develops 63 BHP and 195 Nm of
torque. In the next generation model, it may employ a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel
engine.
Mahindra hasn't announced a launch timeline for the
next-gen Thar, but it has indirectly confirmed that 2019 is not the year. Last
year, Dr. Pawan Goenka, MD, Mahindra & Mahindra, said that after the XUV300
in early 2019, the other “new platform launches will start from 2020.”
