Butch next-gen Mahindra Thar spied during emission tests

• The next-gen Thar is expected to feature a new BS6-compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine.
• The new Thar retains the Jeep CJ-5 inspired looks.
• Expected to be underpinned by a new platform.
• The new Thar will be beefed up to comply with new crash test norms.
• Expected to debut at the 2020 Auto Expo.

Mahindra is rigorously testing the next-gen Mahindra Thar and the SUV has constantly been under the radar of cameras and automotive paparazzi. While our previous report was about the hardtop variant of the SUV, this time around it was spied during emission testing. By the looks of it, the manufacturer is testing the SUV with its own equipment to ensure that it passes BS6 emission norms.

The 2020 Thar is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre BS6-complaint diesel engine. It is expected to produce around 140PS of power and 300Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. In comparison, the current SUV is powered by a 2.5-litre CRDe (106PS/247Nm) and 2.5-litre DI (64PS/195Nm) engine. While the carmaker has axed the DI engine in the Thar, the future of the 2.5-litre CRDe engine is yet unknown. The homegrown manufacturer has also started to work on upgrading its portfolio for the upcoming BS6-emission norms and you can read all about it here.

Based on the spy shots, the next-gen Thar has grown up in size and by the looks of it, the Thar has taken some serious inspiration from the Rs 60 lakh Jeep Wrangler. Mahindra has also kept the basic Jeep CJ-5 inspired looks of the SUV intact, which is no bad thing. You still get the iconic seven-slat grille, round headlamps and the flared wheel arches as seen on the current SUV. Also new on the upcoming SUV are round fog lamps on the bumper. The SUV spied here also featured a protrusion on the bonnet, which could hint that the manufacturer might install a scoop, just like the previous-gen Scorpio.

The next-gen Thar is expected to be underpinned by a brand new platform that will also be beefed up to meet the upcoming crash test and safety norms. It is also likely to get safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, front occupants’ seatbelt reminder and high speed alert.

Features like a low-range gearbox and a locking rear differential are likely to be carried over to the new Thar to help it tackle the toughest of terrains.

Note: Image used for representational purposes only.

Mahindra is expected to take the wraps off the upcoming Thar at the 2020 Auto Expo. When launched, it is likely to be priced above the current-gen SUV, which is priced from Rs 6.83 lakh to Rs 9.60 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Mahindra will also phase out the current-gen Thar soon and to bid farewell to it, the manufacturer will soon launch a limited edition called the 700 and as the name suggests, it will be limited to 700 units only.

(Source: ZigWheels.com)