Mahindra’s Upcoming Thar Will Be Powered By A BS6 2.0-litre Turbo-Petrol!

• The 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine produces 190PS and 380Nm of torque.
• It’ll be offered with the option of a 6-speed manual and an automatic gearbox.
• This motor will also be available in the Scorpio and second-gen XUV500.
• Expect the all-new Thar to be launched later this year.
• It will take on the Force Gurkha as well as the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Jimny.

While Mahindra had a vast lineup at Auto Expo 2020, the 2020 Thar didn’t make it to the show floor. Instead, we’ve got more information on what will power the rugged off-roader. With Mahindra unveiling its new mStallion range of BS6-compliant, turbo-petrol engines, it was revealed that the 2020 Thar will be powered by a 2.0-litre TGDI petrol motor. The second-gen Thar has already been spied several times, and it is expected to be unveiled later this year. The fact that the Thar is set to receive a turbo-petrol motor as well as the Renault Duster receiving a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol motor at Auto Expo 2020 suggests that SUVs powered by turbo-petrol engines is set to be the latest fad in the country. 

The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine will generate 190PS of power and 380Nm of torque. Transmission options are likely to consist of a 6-speed manual and a torque converter with four-wheel-drive. Aside from the Thar, this 2.0-litre engine will also make its way to the Scorpio and the next-gen XUV500. A BS6-compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine will also join the Thar's engine lineup, with expected output figures of 140PS of power and 320Nm.

Previous spy shots reveal that the 2020 Thar will look similar to its predecessor despite being larger. Highlights include the trademark Mahindra seven-slat grille, round headlamps, flared wheel arches, new five-spoke alloy wheels and new LED tail lamps.   

Interior spy shots reveal a revamped cabin with bits like a touchscreen infotainment system that is expected to get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control and steering-mounted audio controls. Also expect features like a multi-info display, remote locking, central locking as well as front power windows. In terms of safety, the new Thar will get dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, driver and co-driver seatbelt warning as well as a high-speed alert to comply with the latest safety norms in the country.  

Expect the 2020 Thar to be launched shortly after its unveil later this year. It is likely to be priced at a premium over the Thar 700 which starts at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Once launched, it will take on the likes of the Force Gurkha as well as the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, which was unveiled at Auto Expo 2020 and is slated for a 2021 launch.