Mahindra and Mahindra have been conducting tests on the 5-door version of the Thar for a considerable period now, with expectations for the new SUV to hit the market later this year. Recent spy shots reveal that Mahindra is making several cosmetic adjustments to distinguish the 5-door Thar from its 3-door counterpart. Notably, the latest images display the Thar 5-door sporting a new set of larger alloy wheels compared to the 18-inch units on the 3-door model. The 5-door variant will feature 19-inch alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish.
In addition to the alloy wheels, there are several other modifications to the Thar 5-door. The headlights will be upgraded to LEDs, accompanied by new LED Daytime Running Lamps. The rear tail lamp units have also been revamped with redesigned LED elements. Moreover, the front grille has undergone tweaks, and the rear door handles are now positioned on the C-pillar.
While the interior layout remains largely unchanged, there are a few updates expected. For instance, the steering wheel will be borrowed from the XUV700 model. The most significant change to the dashboard will be the introduction of a new infotainment system sourced from the XUV400, albeit without some EV-related features. This larger infotainment system operates on a newer user interface and supports wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Furthermore, the Thar 5-door was recently spotted undergoing high-altitude testing in Landour. Automakers often subject their vehicles to testing in various environments, including high altitudes, to ensure trouble-free performance across different conditions. This rigorous testing regimen helps address any potential issues before the vehicle reaches consumers, occasionally necessitating ECU upgrades or minor mechanical adjustments post-launch.