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As the highly-anticipated Thar Armada five-door nears launch, Mahindra intends to leave no stone unturned when it comes to features. Automobile enthusiasts keep spotting test mules of the SUV, some camouflaged. Multiple sources tell us that this offroader will share major underpinnings with the Scorpio N, ranging from suspension setup to engine family.
Being a new entrant to the UV-maker’s stable, Thar Armada will receive new-age technologies and features over the Scorpio N. Here are a few notable features that you should look out for:
Currently offered with XUV 3XO and XUV 700 SUVs, the larger Thar will reportedly get Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety. The ADAS package uses radar and camera systems for driving autonomy. The addition of ADAS will allow Mahindra to market the SUV in international markets with stricter safety requirements. It remains to be seen how aggressively Mahindra prices the car with ADAS’ addition.
Unlike its three-door iteration which misses out on a sunroof of any type, Mahindra will debut a sunroof in lower variants of the Thar five-door. Its range-topping trim is likely to get a panoramic unit, another first-in-class increment. Scorpio N gets a sunroof only. This is made possible due to the longer wheelbase.
Mahindra has fitted a touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, both measuring 10.25 inches each in its cabin. They may be borrowed from the XUV700 which also gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Early this year, Mahindra had downsized Scorpio N’s wheel size to 17 inches. However, the upcoming Thar may be equipped with 19 inchers finished in a diamond cut design. Thars in the middle order may sport alloy wheels.
As seen with the Thar RWD, its elder sibling will boast a 1.5-litre diesel mill producing 119 horsepower and 300 Nm of pull force. This variant, mainly bought due to its road presence and affordability, contributes to nearly 50% of Thar's sales. Similarly, Mahindra will price the RWD Thar Armada in the lower price band. Thar rivals like Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Force Gurkha come solely in the 4x4 drive type. The other two ICE engines - 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.2-litre diesel - will be borrowed from Scorpio N in a similar tune of power.
Also read - Mahindra Thar Armada 5-Door: Top 10 Things To Know