The highly demanded 5-door Mahindra Thar is set to make its debut in the middle of 2024, as announced by Rajesh Jejurikar, the executive director and CEO of the auto and farm sector at Mahindra & Mahindra, during an investor meet. While the exact launch date is not confirmed, there is speculation that Mahindra may unveil the 5-door Thar on August 15, 2024, coinciding with India's Independence Day, following the company's tradition of showcasing new products on this significant date.
Powertrain Options
The 5-door Thar will be equipped with the same engine options as the 3-door 4WD model: a 2-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel engine. Both engines will be available with manual and automatic transmission choices, and are expected to offer both four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive configurations. It is speculated that the engines might be tuned differently for the 5-door version, potentially offering higher power output similar to that of the Scorpio N.
Features and Safety
The upcoming 5-door Thar is expected to boast a range of features including a larger touchscreen infotainment system, possibly a 10.25-inch unit, a fully digital driver's display, dual-zone climate control, push-button start/stop, and a single-pane sunroof. Safety features are likely to include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold and descent control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a 360-degree camera.
Pricing and Competition
The starting price for the 5-door Mahindra Thar is anticipated to be around Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom). It will directly compete with the upcoming 5-door Force Gurkha and serve as a larger alternative to the Maruti Jimny.
Overall, the 5-door Mahindra Thar is poised to be a significant addition to the Indian SUV market, offering a blend of rugged off-road capabilities with enhanced practicality and comfort for families.