Mahindra Thar 5 door likely to get multiple powertrain options at launch

It is already known that Mahindra is readying a new Thar 5-door, test mules of which have been spotted on our roads on several occasions. So far, we have got a preview of Thar 5-door’s exterior, interior and seating layout, and new spy shots now give us fresh details about the powertrain options. Like the Thar 3-door, Mahindra will also offer a 4X2 (Thar RWD) set-up on the Thar 5-door.

1. Thar 5-door to get both petrol and diesel engines
2. Two gearbox choices will be offered
3. Expected to get both 4X2 and 4X4 at launch

Mahindra Thar 5-door: petrol and diesel engine options

Mahindra is looking to offer multiple powertrain configurations with the Thar 5-door right from launch. Sources tell us that it will carry over the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines from the Thar 3-door, both of which will be offered with manual and automatic gearboxes.

The latest spy shots also reveal the absence of a 4x4 lever on the centre console, confirming that a Thar 5-door 4X2 is also being readied that could come with both the petrol and diesel engines.

In place of a 4x4 gear lever, there's an additonal storage space, similar to Thar 3-door RWD. 

Introducing an RWD version of the Thar 5-door will help Mahindra price the SUV competitively. However, the Thar 5-door will not measure under four metres in length, nor will it have the smaller 118hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine from the Thar 3-door. This means the 5-door model will not get the tax benefits that the Thar 3-door 1.5 diesel RWD qualifies for.

As reported earlier, the Thar 5-door will share its ladder-frame underpinnings with the Scorpio N, and while there are no details on power outputs, it will likely be offered in a spec of tune similar to the Scorpio N. As far as the 4WD version is concerned, the Thar 5-door will have a similar set-up as the Thar 3-door and will include a low-range gearbox.

Mahindra Thar 5-door: exterior and interior

The additional two doors will be courtesy of a longer wheelbase – expected to be 300mm more than Thar 3-door – and it is also likely to get completely new body panels. This is because Mahindra may increase the track or width between the wheels to maintain an optimum wheelbase-to-track ratio for stability. However, the Thar 5-door will still retain the signature Thar design traits with boxy proportions, flared wheel arches and rear door-mounted spare wheel.

The overall design of Thar 5-door will have very close resemblance with Thar 3-door. 

As for the interior, the overall design will again be largely similar to the Thar 3-door. There could be an addition of a few new features such as a better infotainment screen, front centre armrest and a sunglass holder that are currently missing on the 3-door version.

The Thar 5-door’s second row is expected to offer more room thanks to the longer wheelbase, but test mules spotted so far have only been seen with two individual rear seats – it remains to be seen if Mahindra offers a three-seater bench layout on the 5-door Thar. What’s certain is that it will have a considerably larger boot than the 3-door iteration.

Mahindra Thar 5-door: launch and rivals

Mahindra is expected to launch the 5-door Thar sometime this year, and its only direct rival in the market will be theupcoming 5-door Force Gurkha, also slated for a launch this year. Although not a direct rival, it will competition from the newMaruti Suzuki Jimnyas a lifestyle off-roader. To read more about the differences between these SUVs, you canclick here.