Mahindra is gearing up for a significant launch in the Indian automotive market with the introduction of the Thar 5-door, slated to hit the showrooms in the latter half of this year. This much-anticipated model has been undergoing extensive testing across India for more than a year, and insider sources reveal that it is set to enter series production around June.
The Thar 5-door will be manufactured on the same assembly line as its 3-door counterpart, which is currently experiencing a substantial backlog of orders. However, insiders assure that the introduction of the 5-door model will not impact the production of the existing model. There is speculation that the new variant might be named the Thar Armada at launch, with a production goal of approximately 4,000 units per month.
Anticipated Features of the Mahindra Thar 5-Door
The upcoming Thar 5-door is poised to boast a more comprehensive range of features compared to the 3-door model. Recent spy images from South India suggest that the SUV is nearing its final production form. Design-wise, the Thar 5-door will showcase a distinctive front bumper and grille design, subtly revised rear bumpers, and slightly altered tail-lamps. It’s also expected to feature new alloy wheel designs, varying across different variants.
The interior of the Thar 5-door will include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, first seen in the updated XUV400, and it will be capable of Over-The-Air (OTA) updates. To accommodate this larger screen, the dashboard design has been slightly revised. This advanced unit, boasting enhanced interface and graphics, will also be a feature in the upcoming XUV300 facelift, which is scheduled to be released before the Thar 5-door.
The switchgear is likely to remain the same as the current Thar model, while the steering wheel is expected to be borrowed from the XUV700. In addition, the new Thar 5-door is designed to enhance passenger comfort with armrests for both front and rear occupants, along with dedicated grab handles for the second row. The top-end variants of the Thar 5-door (or Thar Armada) are also expected to feature a sunroof.
Powertrain Options for the Mahindra Thar 5-Door
Under the hood, the Thar 5-door is anticipated to retain the same engine options as the 3-door variant: a 2.2-liter diesel and a 2.0-liter petrol engine. These will be paired with the existing 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The off-road capabilities will be carried over from the 3-door model, though the SUV will undergo suspension adjustments to accommodate the different powertrains.
In essence, the Mahindra Thar 5-door is set to offer an enticing combination of rugged capability and enhanced comfort, making it a highly awaited addition to India’s off-road vehicle segment.
