The Thar will get BS6 engine options for the first time, and both petrol and diesel engines will be on offer. Diesel engine is expected to be the 2.2-litre unit from Mahindra’s portfolio that makes around 140PS of maximum power. The petrol engine will be a 2.0-litre unit. We expect manual and automatic transmission options to be on offer with both the engines. Given that the Thar will be a thorough off-roader, a 4WD setup should be on offer with both the engines.
The Thar will also receive a comprehensive upgrade to its safety kit. Features like dual front airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, seatbelt reminder and high-speed alert will be on offer on all variants.
In addition, we expect Mahindra to equip the new model with some creature comforts too, like a rear parking camera and electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs. Also expect some modern-day features like a touchscreen infotainment system and LED DRLs in higher variants. The new Thar will also feature front-facing rear seats, making it more car-like for passengers. It is also reported that a factory-fitted removable hard top will also be on offer.
Expect the updated Thar’s prices to start from under Rs 10 lakh -- a price-point where both B2- and C-segment soft-road SUVs retail. It will be interesting to see just how urban will the new Thar be compared to the outgoing version.