Mahindra’s much anticipated 5-door Thar, internally referred to as the “Thar Armada,” was expected hit the Indian market in mid-2024 as per the rumours. But now, the same has been confirmed by Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director and CEO, Mahindra and Mahindra, through an earnings call. This extended version of the iconic off-roader (Thar 3 door) will cater to a broader customer base who want a proper off-roader without losing the practicality of a normal car.
Mahindra has also addressed the existing long waiting period for the 3-door Thar which have gone around 1.5 years. Jejurikar has confirmed that the Armada will be built on a separate production line. This dedicated assembly line signifies the company’s commitment to fulfilling the demand for the 5-door variant. This means that the launch of 5-door Thar Armada won’t increase the waiting period of 3 door Thar.
The longer wheelbase (22% longer than the existing Thar as per reports) of the Thar Armada promises improved cabin space and practicality which makes it a more family-friendly option compared to the 3-door model. For the roof, the 3 door Thar comes with soft convertible top and hard fibreglass roof options, both of these are ditched in the Armada which will now come only with a metal roof along with a soft roof liner which the 3 door Thar doesn’t have.
The Thar Armada is likely to have more powerful engine options than the existing Thar. Expected to be powered by the Scorpio-N’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines. The petrol engine will deliver 200bhp with 370Nm or 380Nm of torque, while the diesel engine will produce 172bhp with 370Nm or 400Nm of torque. The transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The car is expected to launch with both 4×4 and 4×2 option at the same time.
Additionally, the 5-door Thar has a feature-rich cabin with a new 10.25 infotainment system, wireless phone connectivity and automatic climate control, setting it apart from the 3-door Thar. The interior of Armada is in a theme of beige and black as compared to all black in 3 door Thar.
The Thar Armada is expected to carve a unique niche in the Indian market, offering a compelling combination of off-road capability, practicality, and modern features. The upcoming 4X4 does not have any direct rivals but it might indirectly (thanks to price overlap) compete with compact SUVs like the Creta and Seltos in terms of features and pricing. Sales of the Maruti Jimny, whose big selling point is the practical 5 door layout in comparison to the Thar’s 3 door layout, could also be impacted by the arrival of the 5 door Thar Armada.
The post 5-Door Mahindra Thar (Armada) Launch Confirmed for Mid-2024: Fresh Details Emerge first appeared on Cartoq.
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