Mahindra Thar 2020 Off-Road Features Detailed; Gets 4x4 Low-Range Transfer Case, Locking Differentials And More

The recently revealed second-generation Mahindra Thar created quite the buzz with a step up in design and powertrain. It is not only larger than before but also features an optional automatic transmission and a petrol engine for the first time. But one of the main upgrades is that it's no longer a barebones off-roader, with a proper touchscreen infotainment system for the first time. 

While this upgrade has made the 2020 Mahindra Thar a bit more mainstream, that doesn’t mean that it has swayed off what made it popular: the fact that Thar hates tar! In fact it’s got even more off-road goodies on offer. Here’s all of them explained in detail: 

Starting off, the 2020 Thar has a greater departure and ramp over angle at 36.8 degrees (+9.8 degrees) and 27 degrees (+12 degrees) as well as higher ground clearance at 226mm (+26mm), which means that the Thar can navigate steep obstacles like rocks or log better than before. However, its approach angle has dropped by 2.2 degrees to 41.8 degrees. Aside from this, it has a water wading depth of 650mm which is the limit of how the car can safely run in mostly submerged water conditions.

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Another crucial upgrade for the 2020 Thar is that it ditches the old leaf-spring suspension setup and now features a multi-link rear suspension alongside the independent double wishbone front suspension. The advantages range from better approach and departure angles, allows better flexing, and can handle abrupt forces like landings better. This suspension setup also benefits with improved ride on the tarmac. 

The next-gen Thar retains its shift-on-the-fly low-range transfer case with three modes on offer: 2H, 4H and 4L. Another part of this 4x4 system is the mechanically locking differential at the rear axle through which distribute power to the wheel with the most traction in slippery conditions. An additional feature in the new Thar is an electronically controlled brake locking differential which essentially acts as traction control in low grip conditions.

Another nifty off-road feature is an electric driveline disconnect which helps in better transition from 2WD to 4WD modes. Other features that should help in the rugged stuff include ESP with rollover mitigation and hill-hold that helps keep the car stationary on an incline, and hill descent to ease downhill excursions.

 

The 2020 Thar is set to be launched on October 2 with expected prices over Rs 9.5 lakh. It will rival the new-gen Force Gurkha, which is  also slated to go on sale around the festive season.