2020 Mahindra Thar To Keep Up With The Times With Premium Features

• The 2020 Mahindra Thar is expected to debut at Auto Expo 2020.
• It’ll get a touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted audio controls, climate control, and more.
• The hardcore off-roader is expected to be powered by a BS6 compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine.

The first generation Mahindra Thar was known for its off-roading capability and no-nonsense nature. However, it was criticised for its basic interior design and a barebones feature list. It seems that Mahindra will address that issue with the second generation Thar as a close-to-production version has been spotted with upmarket features.  

Going by the spy shots, the next-gen Thar looks more premium than its predecessor. Its dashboard design, while still utilitarian, appears well finished. The test mule was also seen with features like:

• Touchscreen infotainment system

• Steering-mounted audio controls

• Automatic Climate Control

• Remote Central Locking (w/ Flippy Key)

• Multi-info display

• Front power windows.

We also expect the Thar to come with safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a high-speed alert as well as driver and co-driver seat belt warning. 

The 2020 Thar retains traditional design elements like the seven-slat grille, circular headlamps and a boxy silhouette. That said, it has now grown in size and looks butch when compared to the exisitng model. Further, the five spoke alloy wheels (that look like 17-inch units from the Scorpio) and flared wheel arches give it a macho stance. Topping up the list of updates are the new LED tail lamps.  

Under the hood, the 2020 Thar is expected to come with a BS6 compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine that’s likely to develop 140PS of power and 320Nm of torque. It’ll be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive for tackling the rough stuff. Further, Mahindra could offer the 2020 Thar with a petrol engine and an automatic gearbox.

Mahindra is expected to take the wraps off the next-gen Thar at Auto Expo 2020. Naturally, expect it to cost more than the Thar 700 which was priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). When launched, the 2020 Mahindra Thar will rival the Force Gurkha. Now if only Maruti Suzuki brought in the Jimmy to make things even more interesting...

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