Mahindra Thar Spotted Testing Again; Looks Beefier Than Before

• Next-gen Mahindra Thar is expected to be bigger than the current version.
• Will feature Mahindra’s new BSVI-compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine.
• Next-gen Thar is likely to comply with upcoming safety regulations as well.

The upcoming second-gen Mahindra Thar has been spotted testing yet again. Seen wearing a soft top, it looks considerably larger than the current version. Although the test mule was wrapped in camouflage, it does give us a fair idea of what the next-gen Thar could look like.

For starters, it retains the same Jeep CJ5-inspired design, bigger 17-inch wheels and muscular wheel arches. The front grille, the spare tyre mounted on the tailgate and the side facing rear seats seem to have been carried forward from the current-gen Thar. View it from the rear, and the increase in width becomes quite apparent. Although not visible here, the next-gen Thar could also get a set of more modern headlamps and tail lamps as well.

As far as the powertrain is concerned, the next-gen Thar is likely to be fitted with Mahindra’s all-new 2.0-litre BSVI-compliant diesel engine. The new engine will replace the BSIV-compliant 2.5-litre CRDe (106PS/247Nm) and 2.6-litre DI (64PS/195Nm) engines. The new engine is expected to produce 142PS of power and 300Nm of torque. Being a hardcore off-roader, expect the Thar to retain the four-wheel drive layout and low range gearbox. Mahindra could also give it a mechanical locking rear differential which will enable the SUV to pull itself out of sticky situations.

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Meeting new emission regulations is only half the problem. The next-gen Thar will also have to pass more stringent safety norms that are set to be implemented soon. To do this, expect Mahindra to stiffen the ladder frame chassis and equip the Thar with dual airbags, ABS, reverse parking sensors, seatbelt reminders and a speed alert system as standard.

The next-gen Mahindra Thar is expected to debut at the 2020 Auto Expo. Likely to be priced at a slight premium over the current model which is priced from Rs 6.83 lakh to Rs 9.60 lakh, the next-gen Thar will renew its rivalry with the Force Gurkha.