The 2020 Mahindra Thar Is Almost Here

• Powered by two BS6-compliant engines: 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel.
• Gets a major exterior and interior overhaul.
• Expected to be launched by July 2020.
• Prices likely to start around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 11 lakh.

The 2020 Mahindra Thar and the Maruti Suzuki Jimny are two highly anticipated SUVs. Although the Jimny's launch is a long way off, the 2020 Thar has been on test for what seems like an eternity! We also know a fair bit about the SUV and what it packs under the hood. According to a report, Mahindra is expected to launch the 2020 Thar as soon as the nationwide lockdown is lifted. 

The report also states that the Thar will be the first launch from the carmaker post the lockdown. This piece of information comes from Veejay Nakra, CEO, Automotive Business, Mahindra and Mahindra. He says, “Yes, it's (2020 Thar)  around the corner, and out of our next launches, that's clearly going to be the first launch." As we already know, Mahindra is upping the game and focusing on making the Thar a lifestyle product. 

From the countless number of spy shots, it certainly looks like the 2020 Thar has grown in size. Does it retain the old-school charm? You bet, still boxy as a brick! But it will be better equipped and more premium this time around. Design highlights include a 7-slat grille, round headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLs, and LED tail lamps. Although the exterior changes are substantial, it is the cabin that looks far more improved.

Gone is the rudimentary cabin for a thoroughly improved one with a new design and layout. The first thing you will notice are the larger seats followed by the cabin that now gets amenities like a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, steering-mounted audio controls, cruise control, front power windows, as well as keyless entry. Let’s hope these electricals get stronger fail safes for when you're driving through waist-deep water. More importantly, the SUV is also expected to come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. Unlike the previous generation, the new Thar will also be offered with a hard roof from the factory. 

Under the hood will be a choice of two BS6-compliant engines: the 2.2-litre diesel and the new 2.0-litre mStallion petrol unit. The oil burner is expected to develop 140PS/320Nm while the petrol might come with a 190PS/380Nm tune. Transmission duties to all four wheels will be taken care of by a manual as well as an automatic gearbox. As usual, the Thar will also come with all the off-road goodies such as low-range transfer case and a locking differential, at least at the rear 

Moving on to the most important bit, we expect the prices of the new Thar to start between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 11 lakh. As for the launch timeline, we’ll put our money on the end of June or July 2020. The Thar will take on the Force Gurkha and the much-awaited and hyped Maruti Suzuki Jimny.