Production-spec Mahindra Thar To Get Protective Mesh Behind Its Slatted Grille

It will protect the engine components from oncoming objects and keep out muck and insects

Update (02/10/2020): Mahindra has launched the second-gen Thar with prices beginning from Rs 9.80 lakh (ex-showroom). Read more about it here.

• The Thar’s redesigned grille has large gaps between the imposing slat design.

• To protect the engine components from oncoming objects, it will have a mesh behind the grille.

• The mesh is discrete and not the most noticeable until you’re up close to the car, unlike before.

• 2020 Thar will launch on October 2 with prices likely to start from under Rs 10 lakh.

Mahindra has built the second-gen Thar as an all-new model with fresh underpinnings and revamped design while staying true to its iconic origins. As such, the new Thar also gets large vertical slats for the grille. The carmaker has now confirmed that the final customer model will also feature a protective mesh behind the grille.

The mesh design is a discrete one and much needed to protect the engine components like the radiator from oncoming objects such as rubble, muck, pebbles and even insects. Given the large gaps of the imposing grille design, it could even allow small birds to enter it when the Thar is parked up but the mesh stops that too. This mesh was not present on the unveil model that we drove earlier but will be a standard fitment on the final production-spec model.

The previous version of the Thar did not come with a protective mesh for the grille from the factory and instead it was available as an official accessory from Mahindra. This steel mesh was fitted on top of the grille which affected the overall aesthetic of the front fascia. It is still available for older Thar models at just under Rs 1,500 plus installation charges.

The new Thar will be available in three trims and varying roof options. It will be offered with the choice of 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, both with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic too. In its most practical avatar, the top-spec variant, it comes with features like electric AC, front facing rear seats with ISOFIX child seat anchors, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with roof mounted speakers and cruise control. 

Also read: New Mahindra Thar: What The 3 Variants Have To Offer

Mahindra will be launching the 2020 Thar on October 2 with prices expected to range between Rs 9.89 lakh and Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom). It won’t have any direct rivals till the launch of the new-gen Force Gurkha later this year while its pricing would put it in the same range as compact SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks and Kia Sonet.