This is the new 2020 Mahindra Thar. After numerous spy shots and delays, Mahindra has finally taken the wraps off the new generation SUV and what better day to do that than India’s 74th Independence Day. The first gen Thar is a legend in its own right, and what you see here is a big leap forward. Mahindra wants to broaden the appeal of the Thar with the new one, something that wasn’t the case with its predecessor. I got to drive the new Thar for around three hours in Mumbai city just to get a feel of the new machine. This is not a detailed review but more of a first driving impression and all the details of the new Thar. How it does off the road is obviously what everyone wants to know, and I’m sure I will get a chance to check that out before the launch. There will be two trims on offer: AX (Adventure variant) and LX (Lifestyle variant). The feature list will be distributed accordingly.

The new Thar according to Mahindra is based on an all new platform, a third gen ladder frame setup. It is lighter, stronger and stiffer as well. This same platform also unpins the Scorpio. As as suspension is concerned, its gets an independent suspension up front and multilink layout at the rear. Brakes are upgraded and ABS is standard.

2020 Mahindra Thar Exterior

The new Thar retains its legendary design cues but comes with more modern touches. It is wider than the predecessor, and at 2450mm, has a longer wheelbase as well. The bonnet with latches is typical of a jeep and there are large plastic bumpers with round foglamps. The front fenders feature LED daytime running lamps. I didn’t quite like the looks of the six slat front grille. It looks out of place but nothing that an aftermarket solution can’t solve. And I’m sure there will be plenty of them. The ORMVs are large and get ‘Thar embossing on them. The wheel arches are squarish at the front and circular at the rear and come with black cladding along with a footstep at the doors. The 18 inch alloy wheels are sporty and come finished in grey. There’s Thar branding on them too. They come mated to 255 65 R18 All Terrain tyres. The AX versions get you 16 inch steel wheels. The new Thar comes with the choice of three roofs, Hardtop, Soft top and a Convertible Soft top. The windows of the hardtop are quite large and will help making the cabin feel airy and bright. The trademark Thar 4×4 badge finds place just above the rear wheel arch. Look closely and you will find at Easter egg on the left side of the front windshield. A Thar followed by two camels in the desert with a cactus plant in the distance. Looks quite cool. At the rear, there are LED tail lamps with ‘Thar’ embossed on them. You get a split tailgate with the new Thar, where you open the lower portion to access the boot and then you can also lift the rear windshield. The tailgate mounted spare wheel gives the rear a complete look, and what’s more it’s an alloy too.

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