2020 Mahindra Thar has all the bells and whistles to make a big impact in the Indian market and is offered with a host of new technologies

The second generation Mahindra Thar created a huge buzz like no other in the recent Indian automotive history upon its global premiere on the Independence Day in August. Today, the all-new model’s prices have been unveiled as it costs between Rs. 9.8 lakh and Rs. 13.75 lakh (ex-showroom). The reservations for the 2020 Mahindra Thar are already underway across Mahindra showrooms present in the country.

The new-gen Thar has been made available in LX, AX and AX(O) trims. The first unit of the Thar has already been auctioned out for Rs. 1.1 crore and the proceeds will go for a good cause. The off-roader was on sale for more than ten years as the original model was given the fare well through a Final Edition limited to just 700 units.

The new model is based on a heavily upgraded ladder frame chassis and it is longer as well as wider than the previous model with a longer wheelbase stretching 20 mm more at 2,450 mm. The leaf springs are replaced by independent wishbones at front and multi-link rear suspension for better ride quality while the shift-on-fly low-range transfer case has 2H, 4H and 4L options.

It comes with mechanically locking differential at the rear as standard and there is also the presence of electronically controlled brake locking differential for better grip during low traction conditions. The 2020 Mahindra Thar has been improved on the technological and safety front for better behaviour on- and off-road as it gets Electronic Stability Program with rollover mitigation, Hill Hold Control and Hill Descent Control.

The electric driveline disconnect helps in quicker transition from 4WD to 2WD. Other improvements lead to the new Thar having best-in-class water wading capacity of 625 mm, higher ground clearance of 226 mm, improved approach angle of 42 degrees, departure angle of 37 degrees and break over angle of 27 degrees. The off-roader has received an evolutionary upgrade to its design elements.

It features a flatter bonnet with the traditional vertical grille slats facing a modern revision, round=-shaped headlamps as before, new LED Daytime Running Lights on the flared wheel arch fenders with turn signals below them, rectangular LED tail lamps, spare wheel mounted on the tailgate as before, sturdy body panels, upright pillars and so on.

The old Thar had factory-fitted soft top while the new one comes in fixed soft top, convertible soft top, and hard top choices. The cabin has been through comprehensive revisions and it has helped in the Thar being transitioned from a bare basic off-roader to a lifestyle SUV courtesy of upmarket features. The interior is IP54 water and dust rated with washable footwells and water draining provision.

It comprises of height-adjustable driver seat, new centre console and dashboard, new multi-functional steering wheel with mounted controls, round AC vents, premium material touches and finishes, new instrument cluster with digital MID, roof-mounted water-resistant speakers, power windows, cruise control, keyless entry, TPMS, etc. The high-end trims get a touchscreen infotainment system and forward-facing rear seats.

As for the powertrains, the 2020 Mahindra Thar comes equipped with a new 2.0-litre mStallion four-cylinder petrol and a 2.2-litre four-cylinder mHawk diesel engine. The latter is more powerful than the old CRDe engine by 25 PS and 53 Nm as it develops 130 PS maximum power and 300 Nm of peak torque. The gasoline unit makes 150 PS and 320 Nm. Both are paired with either a six-speed MT or a six-speed torque converter AT with 4WD system as standard.