The Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha have long been titans in the Indian off-roading segment, each carving out a dedicated fan base. With the recent launch of the Force Gurkha in a 5-door variant, anticipation is building for the Mahindra Thar 5-Door, set to debut on August 15. As the countdown to its unveiling continues, numerous spy shots have surfaced, hinting at exciting features that could give the Thar a competitive edge over its rival. Here, we explore ten standout features expected in the Thar 5-Door that are poised to set it apart from the Force Gurkha 5-Door.
1. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
One of the most notable upgrades anticipated in the Thar 5-Door is the inclusion of an advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) suite. Borrowed from Mahindra’s flagship model, the XUV700, this feature is becoming increasingly standard across Mahindra’s lineup, with even the compact XUV300 now offering ADAS. This enhancement not only elevates safety but also improves driving convenience.
2. Panoramic Sunroof
In the modern automotive landscape, a sunroof is a highly sought-after feature among buyers. Despite the Force Gurkha’s recent updates, it lacks this luxury. However, leaked images confirm that the Thar 5-Door will come equipped with a panoramic sunroof, adding to its appeal and comfort.
3. Larger Infotainment System
The infotainment system is crucial for a modern driving experience, and the Thar 5-Door is expected to up the ante with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a step up from the Force Gurkha’s 9-inch display. This larger system will support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity for users.
4. Fully Digital Driver’s Display
Alongside the bigger infotainment screen, the Thar is likely to feature a fully digital driver’s display measuring 10.25 inches, enhancing the instrument cluster's functionality and aesthetics. In contrast, the Gurkha offers only a semi-digital cluster, making the Thar a more attractive option for tech-savvy buyers.
5. Wireless Phone Charging
With smartphone usage on the rise, the need for convenient charging solutions has become paramount. The Mahindra Thar 5-Door is expected to feature wireless phone charging, eliminating the hassle of tangled cables and ensuring devices remain charged on the go.
6. 360-Degree Camera
Safety and maneuverability are critical in off-road scenarios. Recent spy shots suggest that the Thar 5-Door may come equipped with a 360-degree camera, enhancing visibility around the vehicle. The Force Gurkha, however, does not offer this feature, which could give the Thar a significant advantage.
7. Dual-Zone Climate Control
Comfort in varying weather conditions is essential, and the Thar 5-Door is expected to incorporate dual-zone climate control, similar to that found in the XUV700. This feature allows for customized temperature settings for the driver and passengers, whereas the Gurkha is limited to manual air conditioning.
8. Enhanced Safety with 6 Airbags
Safety standards are a critical consideration for modern vehicles. The Mahindra Thar 5-Door is likely to come equipped with six airbags, significantly surpassing the Force Gurkha's two airbags, which only meet the minimum government-mandated requirements.
9. A More Potent Powertrain
Under the hood, the Thar has a reputation for offering robust engine options, and the 5-Door variant is expected to follow suit. It is likely to feature a more powerful diesel engine alongside a turbo-petrol variant, along with an automatic gearbox option. This versatile powertrain setup sets it apart from the Force Gurkha’s offerings.
10. Rear Disc Brakes
To enhance braking performance, the Mahindra Thar 5-Door is expected to come with rear disc brakes, a feature spotted on previous test mules. In contrast, the Force Gurkha only offers disc brakes at the front, potentially compromising overall safety and performance.
Conclusion
As the launch of the Mahindra Thar 5-Door approaches, it appears to be a more compelling option than the Force Gurkha 5-Door on paper. While the Thar is projected to start at around ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom), the Gurkha is priced at approximately ₹18 lakh, making the Thar not only a feature-rich alternative but also a more affordable choice compared to rivals like the Maruti Jimny, which ranges from ₹12.74 to ₹14.95 lakh.
The anticipation surrounding the Thar 5-Door suggests it could set new benchmarks in the off-roading segment, and with its extensive feature list, it is poised to attract a wide array of buyers eager to take on adventurous journeys across India’s diverse terrains.
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