The new-generation Thar has been caught on camera, undergoing testing, multiple times in India. We even managed to get a glimpse of its interior. Now, however, a hard top version of the rugged off-roader has been spotted undergoing testing on public roads.

Mahindra’s dedicated off-roader may come with a hard top roof in the future

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• New Thar spotted while undergoing testing.
• Seen wearing a hard top.
• Mahindra might offer a hardtop variant of the Thar this time around.
• Should get the new 2.0-litre BS6 compliant engine.
• Likely to be revealed at 2020 Auto Expo.

The current Thar is offered with a hardtop roof, albeit as an accessory. While it was expected that Mahindra would do the same with the new model, but the carmaker might just offer a hardtop variant of the off-roader this time around.

The hardtop version of the Thar will make it suitable for those who don’t buy the Thar to only take it off the road. It will make it a better all-weather vehicle.
The new Thar will have a greater focus towards creature comforts and safety, and that would make it more friendly to drive in the urban environment compared to the outgoing model. The hardtop variant is to be more expensive than its soft top counterpart. For the current model, Mahindra charges around Rs 1.32 lakh additional for the hard top kit.

Apart from the mandatory safety features like ABS with EBD, driver airbag and rear parking sensors, the new Thar will come equipped with a new diesel engine that will comply with BS6 emission standards. It could be the 2.0-litre diesel engine that is expected to replace the 2.2-litre mHawk engine in the Scorpio and XUV500. Details of this engine are not officially available at the moment but we expect it to make power in the range of 140PS. Torque figure is expected to be around the 320Nm mark.

The transmission will also be a six-speed unit, unlike the 5-speed unit on the current Thar. Mahindra will retain the four-wheel drive system along with the low-range gearbox, as the Thar, like always, will continue to be a hardcore off-roader.

Mahindra is expected to take the covers off the new Thar at the 2020 Auto Expo, which will be held in February next year. Expect it to get a bump in prices, which currently start at Rs 6.72 lakh and go up to Rs 9.49 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi).
(Source: www.cardekho.com)