The 5-door Mahindra Thar Armada has been leaked online ahead of the launch and we compare the exterior with the iconic Jeep Wrangler. Everyone is aware of the fact that these vehicles bear an uncanny resemblance. The real reason for that is the fact that Jeep had a partnership with Mahindra back in 1949. That is when Mahindra started manufacturing the Wills CJ3A Jeep. That tradition kept going on. Today, the front fascia of the regular Thar and Wrangler have many fundamental similarities. But the former is much smaller. In the 5-door iteration, however, the dimensions will also be almost identical.
5-Door Mahindra Thar Armada Leaked
TI have attached the image of the front section of the Jeep Wrangler to allow a direct comparison. To be honest, the Indian auto giant has worked hard to ensure that the resemblance remains minimal this time around. Hence, the round headlamps now get integrated LED DRLs and a slightly redesigned unit at the centre which is different from the Wrangler. Apart from that, the major distinction is the grille. Mahindra has introduced a horizontal element in the slats of the grille. You can see in the image that it makes the Thar have its unique identity.
Sure, the fender-mounted turn indicators and the clamshell bonnet are still quite similar. However, the bumper section and the fog lamp housing are unique. On the sides, the door panels have their own identity. In fact, the rear door has the door handles mounted on the side in the Thar, whereas the door handles on the Wrangler are in the traditional position. Apart from that, the alloy wheel design and the side steps make the two different from each other. Even the wheel cladding is not identical. All in all, Mahindra has taken concrete measures to set itself apart from the Jeep Wrangler this time around. Hence, it will have its individual identity in the 5-door guise.
Our View
Mahindra Thar is the most popular and successful hardcore off-roader in India. It has been the go-to choice for off-roading enthusiasts in India for years. However, the regular Thar is compact and slightly impractical. The space on the inside is limited, the boot compartment is almost non-existent and the lack of second-row doors makes the ingress and egress characteristics cumbersome. The 5-door avatar aims to remedy all of these issues which is what makes it special. More details will emerge at the launch ceremony.
You may also like: 4 Upcoming Mahindra SUVs in India – 5-door Thar to XUV.e8
