2020 Mahindra Thar SUV: Old Vs New

Latest Update: Mahindra has launched the second generation Thar at a starting price of Rs 9.80 lakh (ex-showroom). Click here to read the full story.

We all were desperately waiting for the official news on Thar and now that it has finally been revealed. From the first look, one can easily assert that the update comes across as a major one, with a fresh design, the new engine options on offer, updated feature list, factory fitted hard roof-top and soft-top roof as an option, couple of variants, and much more that has already got us excited.

Since this is a major update, and as discussed in the introductory paragraph, that there have been a host of changes and they are evident inside out, through this particular article we will be comparing the updated Thar with the BS-4 version in order to give the proper idea of all the extensive updates that it has brought along.

Mahindra Thar Off-Roader: Old Vs New

Design

The conventional boxy design of the Thar has necessarily remained the same over the past few decades, these retro looks work in Thar’s favor as buyers have loved it in this way. The Thar received the last facelift around a decade back and the design certainly started feeling a bit dated. With the latest update, Thar retains classic boxy silhouette legacy but still looks a lot fresher, crisper, and visually appealing.

As far as the face is concerned, it might remind you of the Jeep Wrangler with a similar-looking grille and Wrangler-inspired headlight placement.  The Mahindra SUV now gets a redesigned dual-tone bumper, raised fenders, LED DRLs which are positioned on the fenders.

Things at the rear remain pretty much the same except for LED treatment with the taillights, the spare wheel comes mounted on the tailgate, and gladly it happens to be an alloy.  

To increase the family-friendliness of the car, it is now offered with a hard roof-top as well in addition to a soft roof-top and manually convertible roof with removable panels.

Features

Another front where the Thar felt dated and Mahindra has completely revamped it with the update. The old ordinary 2-DIN music system is now replaced by a 7-inch touchscreen unit that comes equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and also provides interesting adventure statistics to enhance the off-roading experience.

The MID barely existed, but with the update, Thar gets a colorful unit with a host of important ride information on display. even the basic manual AC is being replaced by an automatic climate control unit.

In addition to these updated Thar gets features like cruise control, steering mounted audio controls, keyless entry, height and lumbar adjustable driver’s seat, and premium fabric upholstery.

With the update, it now is safer than ever. It gets a host of advanced safety features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Isofix child mounts, rear parking sensors, Electronic Stability Program with roll-over mitigation, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, tire pressure monitoring system, tire direction system, etc.

Also Read: All-New Mahindra Thar: Variants explained

Seating configuration

The updated Thar definitely comes across as much more family-friendly as compared to the previous generation, and the updated seating configuration on offer has had a pivotal role in the same.

The company has carried the seating configuration offered with the previous generation (2 front + 4 at the rear- side facing), but it will be offered only with the base AX AC trim. The mid-spec AX optional trim and the top-of-the-line LX trim are offered with a 4 seater configuration (2 front + 2 at the rear, front-facing).

Engine Options 

The previous generation Thar was available only with the option of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, that was used to generate a power output of 130 HP and a peak torque of 320 Nm. This engine was offered only with a paired 5-speed manual transmission.

The updated Thar gets a completely new 2.2-litre diesel motor with improved performance output (130 HP/320 Nm). Mahindra offers the choice of both manual and automatic with the same, while the manual gearbox happens to be a 6-speed unit, a 6-speed torque converter gearbox is offered as the automatic gearbox with the updated Thar.

It is also available with the choice of 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which manages to excel in the diesel unit as far as performance figures are concerned (150 HP/ 320 Nm), the petrol engine is offered with the same transmission options.

Off-Road capabilities

Thar’s off-roading credentials have never been under doubt, in fact, it is an SUV synonymous with brilliant take-anywhere capabilities. The update has meant that the Mahindra car now gets a shift on fly 4X4 transfer case with a mechanical locking differential offered as standard across the range.

In addition to this, second-gen Thar also gets all-terrain tires as standard, improved approach and departure angles, electro-mechanical driveline disconnect (front-axle), and brake locking differential lock. All these inclusions mean that the updated Thar will offer a better off-roading experience.

Price

Though the official price will be revealed only with the launch, but with all the additions and updates, the price of new Thar is expected to witness a hike over the previous model. Even the base variant of the 2020 Thar fares better than its predecessor in terms of equipment levels on offer This could mean an approximate premium of Rs 40,000-50,000 over the BS4 Thar (Ex-Showroom price Rs 9.60 Lakhs) for the base variant.

The mid-spec AX optional and the top-of-the-line LX trim will be even pricier and the latter can be expected to retail at the price of around Rs 12 Lakhs.