Mahindra Thar is one of the most popular lifestyle SUVs in India and is also among the most popular 3-door 4x4s among off-road enthusiasts in the country. Last year, Mahindra launched a facelift for the Thar 3-door, which came with an updated infotainment system along with a few other minor updates.
Mahindra is also working on another facelift for the Thar, and the same has been spotted testing on multiple occasions. We now have a fair idea of what the SUV would look like and what it would offer in terms of features. Here is what to expect from the Mahindra Thar facelift, which is expected to be launched in the coming weeks.
Unlike the previous update, the upcoming facelift is going to be a major update for the SUV. Mahindra will work on the exterior as well as the interior of the SUV this time. From the test mule images circulating online, it is clear that the Thar will get a heavily revised front fascia.
In fact, it will get a front-end design similar to its 5-door sibling, the Thar Roxx. The halogen headlamps will be replaced with projector LED units with ring-type LED DRLs integrated into them. The turn indicators will continue to be placed on the fender flares. The front grille on the SUV will also be replaced with a Roxx-like unit with Mahindra embossed on the top.
Mahindra will also redesign the bumper to give it a more rugged look. Coming to the side profile, the dimensions and overall design of the SUV will remain the same. The noticeable change here would be the new set of alloy wheels. It will come with a new design that will add a more premium look to the vehicle. It is expected to get a five twin-spoke alloy wheel design.
As we move to the rear, we expect to see revised tail lamps with rearranged LED elements for a fresh look. It will continue to offer a split tailgate and windscreen section, with the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. Mahindra is expected to offer the SUV only with a hardtop.
Now that you have an idea about the exterior, here is what we expect to see inside. Mahindra will continue to offer the large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system from the Thar Roxx. Along with the infotainment unit, Mahindra will update the driver display too. It will be a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster borrowed from the Thar Roxx. While the lower trims may continue to offer the analogue unit, the higher variants are likely to get the digital display.
While the layout of the dashboard and cabin is likely to remain the same, Mahindra is expected to update it with features like automatic climate control and seat ventilation. The audio system on the Thar 3-door is also expected to be upgraded to a premium Harman Kardon unit.
It is also expected that the Mahindra Thar facelift might finally come with Level 2 ADAS. This means the SUV could be offered with a host of driver assistance features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and more.
The Mahindra Thar will be offered with the same set of engine options. The lower variants will be offered with a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which is available in a 2WD configuration only. The other engine options are a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine. Both these engine options are available with manual and automatic transmission options, along with 4×4 and 2WD configurations. With all these changes in place, prices for the Mahindra Thar 3-door might go up.