Mahindra began a new chapter in its passenger vehicle (PV) industry with the launch of the second generation Thar in late 2020. The car was way more evolved and sophisticated over its predecessor and yet maintained the inherent ruggedness of a ladder-on-frame off-roading SUV. It’s been almost five years since the Thar hit the roads and it hasn’t received a single facelift as of now.
That will change soon as Mahindra is gearing up to launch the Thar facelift in the near future. Test mules of the updated 3-door Thar have been spied on multiple occasions in the last few years. Now, a production-model of the same has been caught on camera reaching a dealership yard, indicating a market launch is around the corner.
Mahindra Thar facelift: Styling updates
In the YouTube video posted by Shivuz Garage, a production-spec Mahindra Thar is seen being taken out of a trailer and parked on a dealership yard. In the video, the new 3-door Thar comes with a wrapping on the front grille suggesting some updates on this part. Essentially, the Thar 3-door facelift will come with an updated grille with vertical slats similar to the one seen in its 5-door sibling — Thar Roxx.
At the rear, it gets a rear wiper and washer which is a welcome addition. We also see five alloy wheels including the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate which was changed to a steel unit some time back. Apart from this, there are no visual changes that can be seen in the latest images.
Mahindra Thar facelift: Expected Features
Inside the cabin, the facelifted 3-door Thar gets some very crucial updates. It gets a new steering wheel and a free-standing 10.2-inch infotainment screen, shared with Thar Roxx. The touchscreen infotainment system is more advanced and intuitive than the current unit. Other notable feature additions include a wireless charging pad, front armrest, new door trims with revised power window buttons and soft-touch elements.
However, it still misses out on some crucial features such as ventilated front seats, auto-dimming IRVM, auto climate control, keyless go with push-button start, an electric sunroof, a TFT instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, electronic parking brake and more. The 3-door Thar seen in the video is a rear-wheel drive version of the SUV and all the updates seen will be carried over to the 4WD version.
Mahindra Thar facelift: Powertrain specs
Mechanically, the facelifted Mahindra Thar will most likely remain unchanged. Hence, it will continue to offer three engine options: a 1.5-litre mHawk diesel (117 bhp and 300 Nm), 2.0-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol (150 bhp and 300-320 Nm), and 2.2-litre mHawk diesel (130 bhp and 300 Nm).
The 1.5-litre diesel unit comes with a rear-wheel drive configuration exclusively mated to a 6-speed manual whereas the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol are offered in a part-time 4WD layout. Transmission options for the latter two options include 6–speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
