When Mahindra launched the Thar in a modern avatar in 2020, it took the market by storm. Thar received a record breaking number of bookings with a waiting period spanning 2 years. The reason for such an incredible response from customers is that the new-gen Thar is one of the few 4WD SUVs on the market that combines all the creature comforts of a typical modern car with on-road driving maturity. Also offers dynamics.
That being said, the new Thar’s Achilles heel is its interior. Rear-seat passenger space and boot space inside the SUV are plentiful as large wheel arches intrude into the cabin and its body-on-frame construction further reduces available room.
Thar 5-Door work in progress?
To address the space issue, the automaker is working on a 5-door version of the Thar based on the Scorpio N. This will not only open up more space for passengers inside, but also enable longer journeys where luggage is to be carried. Buyers looking to own an off-road capable vehicle without compromising on their daily errands and family trips can also consider the 5-door iteration of this rugged cutter off-roader.
Also Read: Mahindra Thar 5 Door Spotted Testing First Time!
Engine specs? Powertrain options?
Since the 5-door version will be heavier and have more cargo capacity, we expect the automaker to power the Thar with similar powertrain options as the Scorpio N. This will basically mean that it will get the Scorpio N’s 2.0-litre. The four-cylinder mStallion turbo-petrol engine produces 200 bhp of maximum power and 370/380 Nm of maximum torque depending on its manual and automatic variants.
Talking about its diesel engines, the 2.2-litre mHawk turbo diesel engine comes in two guises on the Scorpio N, 130hp 300Nm with manual transmission and 172hp 370/400Nm with the higher manual and automatic variants. Mahindra may use engines with minor changes in power and torque figures to suit the larger Thar.
Is everything known?
Camouflaged test prototypes of the 5-door Thar have been spotted a few times on the country’s roads. Looking at the test mules, we can easily see the extended wheelbase of the 5-door Thar and that means Mahindra will also increase the car’s track width to maintain stability. The automaker followed a similar approach with its Scorpio NSUV, which is itself built on a stretched version of Thar’s ladder-frame chassis. Although the longer wheelbase will result in a lower breakover angle which may affect the Thar 5 Door’s off-road capability.
Thar seems to be a 5-door.
Despite the increased proportions, we expect the 5-door iteration of the SUV to resemble its smaller 3-door version. Hence, it will have a similar boxy silhouette, squarish windows, upright pillars, large wheel arches with thick fenders running all around, and a black hard top. One notable item is the inclusion of a single-pane sunroof that was recently spotted on one of the test prototypes.
The Thar, in its 5-door guise, will compete with the likes of the upcoming Force Gorkha and the 5-door version of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. However, the current Thar’s popularity has established a strong foothold in the segment, paving the way for its elder brother to disrupt the segment as well.
Overall, the 5-door Thar, once launched, will appeal to a wide segment of customers due to its added practicality, powerful powertrains, and great road presence.