India’s upcoming 75th Independence Day is set to bring a wave of excitement for car enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the launch of the 5-door Mahindra Thar.
According to media reports, this lifestyle off-road SUV will make its debut on August 15, 2023, at an event in South Africa.
While the Thar’s release in India has already been confirmed, it is scheduled to hit the Indian market in 2024.
With the introduction of the 5-door variant, Mahindra aims to cater to buyers seeking a more practical version of the Thar.
Although it will retain the same character as the 3-door model, the new variant will offer increased practicality.
The 5-door Mahindra Thar will feature an extended wheelbase compared to its current counterpart, expected to be around 300 mm longer.
This extension will provide additional space for passengers in the second row.
However, it remains to be seen whether Mahindra will offer individual rear seats or retain the bench seat configuration.
The new variant will boast a plethora of features, including a sunroof, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, an updated large touchscreen infotainment system, and a front center armrest.
Moreover, its overall fit and finish are likely to be superior to the 3-door Thar.
In terms of dimensions, the 5-door Thar will measure 3985 mm in length, 1820 mm in width, and 1844 mm in height.
As a result, it will be significantly larger than the Jimny, which stands at 3820 mm in length, 1645 mm in width, and 1720 mm in height.
The long-wheelbase Thar will share the same engine options as the 3-door version, including a 2.0L turbo petrol and a 2.2L diesel unit.
On the other hand, the Maruti Jimny is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine, generating 105bhp and 134Nm of torque.
The 5-door Mahindra Thar will directly compete with the recently launched Maruti Suzuki Jimny. However, it will boast a more powerful engine and a larger size.
Consequently, it is expected to carry a higher price tag compared to the Jimny, which currently ranges from Rs 12.74 lakh to Rs 15.05 lakh (ex-showroom).
