2021 Mahindra Thar revealed, looks like Jeep Wrangler

KUALA LUMPUR: The Indian automaker, Mahindra & Mahindra, has recently pulled the wraps off the second-generation Thar. Just after preview, the SUV created a buzz in the international market as it features sparkling similarities with the Jeep Wrangler. Well, this has been done intentionally and cautiously by Mahindra, provided its history of building the Willys Jeep in India back in 1940; it still possesses the license, even though FCA owns the brand now.

Like Jeep Wrangler, the all-new Thar has a seven-slot grille that is flanked by Jeep-like circular headlamps, though the SUV features a meatier front bumper and squished fenders with black plastic flares. At the rear end, there is angled bodywork, square taillights, and three different tops - hardtop, convertible and fixed soft-top. 

The SUV is exclusively available as a two-door vehicle with two seating configurations - 4 front-facing seats & 2+4 side-facing seats.

Under the skin, the new Mahindra Thar is a legitimate off-roader, with four-wheel-drive, low-range, and a rear differential lock. The SUV has approach, departure, and break-over angles of 41.8°, 36.8°, and 27°. The ground clearance is 226 mm, and the wading depth measures 650 mm.

It is powered by two engine options - a 2.0-litre TGDi petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel. The former is good to generate 152 PS of power and 320 Nm of peak torque while the latter churns out 132 PS and 300 Nm. Both engines come with the choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic.

The list of creature comforts comprises a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof-mounted weather-resistant speakers, a coloured multi-info display for the instrument panel, steering-mounted controls and cruise control.

Unlike the first-generation, the new iteration comes with a good number of safety bits, including two airbags, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, hill hold assist, electronic stability control with roll-over mitigation, and hill descent control.

Although the new Mahindra Thar price is still undisclosed, it is slated to launch in India on October 2.

Also read: 2022 Jeep Wagoneer teased again