The 2020 Mahindra Thar SUV is all set to be launched at the upcoming Auto Expo in February next year. The off-roader SUV’s next-gen model has entered its final phase of testing. Santhosh Sandy, a Maxabout enthusiast, recently shared new high-resolution spy shots of the next-gen Mahindra Thar with us. The latest photos give us an insight to the exterior design of the production-ready variant of the SUV. Though heavily camouflaged, the new spy shots show some of the exciting features of the updated Thar.
Coming to the most relevant changes, the next-gen Thar’s production-ready variant has been equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 285/65 R18 MRF Wanderer tyres. Based on the similar styling details, the next-gen SUV looks rather bigger in terms of dimensions in comparison to the current-gen version.
The SUV has been further equipped with new body panels all around while the brand is expected to leave the first-gen Mahindra Thar traits behind by giving the 2020 model a Jeep Wrangler-inspired profile. The brand has reduced the body panel gaps, which will specifically reduce the outside noise coming inside the cabin. The new spy shots also reveal the next-gen Thar to be equipped with a factory-fitted hard-top shell.
Coming to the front fascia, the 2020 Mahindra Thar SUV has been equipped with halogen headlights though, the top-spec model is expected to come equipped with projector headlamps as standard. The rear of the SUV retains its old styling while gets the spare tyre mounted on the rear door. The taillight design of the next-gen Mahindra Thar has been tweaked and now features LED units. The brand will also be equipping the SUV with rear fog lights though, limited to the higher-spec variants only.
Apart from getting a new dashboard design, the next-gen SUV is expected to feature various other cosmetic changes to the cabin. Powering the next-gen Mahindra Thar will be the same 2.2-litre diesel engine though being BS6-compliant to meet the new emission norms. The engine will be capable of generating a maximum power figure of around 140HP while being mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Certain reports also suggest that the brand will be offering the next-gen Thar with a petrol engine for the first time in addition to offering an AMT gearbox as an option. More details on the next-gen SUV are expected to surface in the coming months.
