Mahindra Thar facelift spotted testing

Utility vehicle major Mahindra has started testing a refreshed version of the Thar. A test mule of the vehicle was recently spotted in Satpur, Nasik. The vehicle was said to be carrying an "On Test" sign on the dashboard.

Images of the Thar show light camouflage on the side panels and bonnet, indicating that these could receive minor tweaks. The dashboard is also seen wearing camouflage, suggesting that it could be updated as well. While more information on the vehicle is not available, it is being speculated that Mahindra is working on improving the quality and mechanicals of the car.

At present, the Thar is available with a choice of two engines:

• 2,498 cc, 4-cylinder, CRDe diesel, 104 bhp, 247 Nm, four-wheel drive
• 2,523 cc, 4-cylinder, DI diesel, 63 bhp, 187 Nm, two / four-wheel drive

The facelifted version is expected to continue using these power plants. However, Mahindra could add the 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder engine from the Quanto to the line-up. Since the Thar measures less than four metres in length, the addition of this engine could see the Thar benefiting from a lower excise duty rate.

Source: Motorbeam