When Mahindra launched the Thar in a modern avatar back in 2020, it disrupted the market. The Thar received bookings in record-breaking numbers with its waiting period stretching as long as 2 years. The reason behind such an incredible response from consumers is that the new-gen Thar is one of the few 4WD SUVs in the market that also offers matured on-road driving dynamics along with all the creature comforts of a normal modern-day car
That being said, the Achilles heel of the new Thar is its interior space. Rear seat passenger space and boot space inside the SUV are at a premium due to the large wheel arches intruding inside the cabin and its body-on-frame build further reducing the room available.
Thar 5-Door In The Works?
In order to address the space issue, the automaker has been working on a 5-door version of the Thar based on the Scorpio N’s underpinnings. This will not only open up more room on the inside for passengers but also make long journeys possible where luggage is to be carried. Buyers who wish to own an off-road capable vehicle without compromising on their day-to-day tasks and family trips can also consider the 5-door iteration of this rugged hardcore off-roader.
Also Read: Mahindra Thar 5 Door Spotted Testing For The First Time!
Engine Specs? Powertrain Options?
Since the 5-door version will be heavier and have a larger load-carrying capacity, we expect the automaker to power the Thar with the same powertrain options as the Scorpio N. This would essentially mean that it would get the Scorpio N’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder mStallion turbo-petrol engine churning out 200 bhp of max power and 370/380 Nm of max torque depending on its manual & automatic variants.
Talking about its diesel engines, the 2.2-liter mHawk turbo-diesel engine comes in two states of tunes on the Scorpio N, a 130hp 300Nm tune with manual transmission and a 172hp 370/400Nm tune with higher manual & automatic variants. Mahindra could use the engines with slight changes in the power and torque figures to suit the bigger Thar.
What All Is Known?
Camouflaged test prototypes of the 5-door Thar have been spotted on the country’s roads a few times. Looking at the test mules, we can easily notice the stretched wheelbase of the 5-door Thar and this means that Mahindra will also increase the track width of the car to maintain stability. The automaker followed the same method with its Scorpio N SUV which itself is built on a stretched version of the Thar’s ladder frame chassis. Although a longer wheelbase would result in a reduced break-over angle which could affect the off-road ability of the Thar 5-door.
Thar 5-Door Looks
Despite the increased proportions, we expect the 5-door iteration of the SUV to bear resemblance to its smaller 3-door version. So, it will sport a similar boxy silhouette, squarish windows, upright pillars, large wheel arches with thick cladding running all around, and a blackened hard top. One notable thing is the inclusion of a single-pane sunroof that was recently spotted on one of the test prototypes.
The Thar, in its 5-door guise, will rival the likes of the 5-door versions of the upcoming Force Gurkha and the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. However, the popularity of the current Thar has created a strong foothold in the segment which has paved the road for its bigger sibling to also disrupt the segment.
All in all, the 5-door Thar, once launched will appeal to a wider section of customers due to the added practicality, powerful powertrains, and larger road presence.