Mahindra has been developing the 5-door Thar for a long time now. Test mules of the off-roading SUV have been spotted on innumerable occasions over the past couple of years. It was confirmed a few months back that Mahindra will launch the 5-door version of the Thar sometime in 2024.
It has now been reported that the 5-door Mahindra Thar will make its maiden appearance on August 15 this year. Over the past few years, Mahindra has been unveiling major development on this particular date since it obviously coincides with India’s Independence Day.
In fact, it started in 2020 when Mahindra first took the covers off from the second generation Thar on this day, before it went on sale in December this year. The 5-door Thar will share plenty of similarities with its 3-door sibling but at the same time there will be plenty of differences between the two models.
5-door Mahindra Thar: What will be new?
Overall exterior styling like a tall boxy profile with a flat roofline and upright pillars, round headlamps, vertical taillamps, a multi-slat front grille, and tailgate-mounted spare wheel, will be carried over to the 5-door Thar. However, additions like LED headlights and taillights, and reprofiled front bumper housing circular fog lamps, will differentiate the 5-door model from the existing Thar.
Further, the 5-door Thar is evidently longer than its 3-door counterpart, with a longer wheelbase and overall length. As a result, space inside the cabin, especially for the second row will see massive improvement. The top-spec trim is expected to roll on larger 19-inch alloy wheels lending the car a more substantial presence on the road.
Inside the cabin, the dashboard layout will be new, housing a larger touchscreen infotainment system along with a new fully-digital instrument cluster. These are expected to be accompanied by new features such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, an electric sunroof, rear armrests, Type-C charging ports, keyless entry with a start-stop ignition button, a remote-operated fuel lid and auto-dimming inside rearview mirror.
When it comes to safety, the new 5-door Thar is expected to come equipped with six airbags, all four disc brakes, front parking sensors and maybe a 360-degree camera. At the moment, Mahindra has not mentioned anything about the Thar getting ADAS. It will continue to offer ESP, hill descent control, ISOFIX child seat mounts and ABS with EBD.
5-door Mahindra Thar: What will remain unchanged?
Upon launch, the 5-door Thar is expected to be available with a 4×4 drivetrain only. This means one can opt for either a 2.0-litre mHawk diesel engine or a 2.0-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol engine. However, these power mills are likely to receive a slightly higher state of tune than the 3-door Thar. Transmission duties will be carried out either by a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
A low-range transfer car with a mechanical locking differential is expected to be a standard offering. What’s likely to change is the name. Earlier reports indicate that the 5-door Thar will carry a new name, most likely “Thar Armada”, thus bringing back an iconic moniker from yesteryears.
