Mahindra Thar Armada 5 Door sheds camouflage ahead of September debut
The Mahindra Thar Armada, also known as the Thar 5 door, has entered its final phase of testing. Recently, a test mule of the highly anticipated SUV was spotted near the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) facility in Pune, suggesting that the launch is imminent.
The latest sightings indicate that this particular Thar 5 door is likely the range-topping variant, featuring new 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Previous spy shots revealed three different wheel options for the vehicle. Additionally, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, borrowed from the Mahindra XUV 3XO, was visible in the prototype.
The Thar Armada will offer several upgrades over the existing Thar 3 door model. These enhancements include a new grille, redesigned bumpers, larger foot steps, fixed roof, rear wiper and a remote fuel-filling cap. The long wheelbase SUV will also be equipped with LED lights all around, a fully digital instrument cluster, push-button start-stop, front and rear centre armrests, sunroof and rear AC vents, among other modern features.
Powering the Thar Armada will likely be the same engines found in the Mahindra Scorpio N. This includes a 175 HP, 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine and a 203 HP, 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol engine. It will be available in 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options for both diesel and petrol engines. Both 4WD and 2WD options will be available, catering to a range of driving preferences.
Following the recent launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO, the Thar Armada is poised to be Mahindra’s next major release in India. The SUV is expected to hit the market in the second half of this year. Pricing is anticipated to be slightly higher than that of the Scorpio N, with an estimated starting price around Rs. 15 lakhs (ex-showroom). It will compete with the recently launched Force Gurkha 5 door.
