India welcomed the latest BS6 emission norms and upgraded to new safety norms and it was an advancement in terms of the automotive industry. However, there were some vehicles like Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha that were discontinued. And in this article, we compare 2020 BS6 Mahindra Thar vs Force Gurkha and tell you what do we know so far about the upcoming SUVs.
Before we start, Mahindra gave a farewell to Thar in September 2019 by launching the Signature Edition which was limited to 700 units only. That included ABS which was a first in its time. The new Thar will carry more features, technologies and even a petrol engine. Also, we shared exclusive info on the new Thar 2020 a few days back, so do have a look as well.
Also Read: This Blue Paintjob On Modified Mahindra Thar Just Looks Fantastic
Engines
We start with the heart of these hardcore SUVs that suits well for those people who are budget conscious. The new 2020 Mahindra Thar will ditch the old 2.5L CRDe unit for an advanced 2.2L unit that also comes with the XUV500 and Scorpio. This unit will produce close to 140 bhp and the engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with a low-ratio gearbox. At a later stage, Mahindra will launch an optional automatic as well as a petrol unit too. These will be missing from the 2020 Gurkha.
Coming towards Gurkha then Force showcased its new model at the 2020 Auto Expo. The SUV packs in new styling and it is expected to pack a new BS6 engine under the hood. Earlier, the SUV used a 2.6L turbocharged diesel which produced 90 bhp. We expect that this new engine will churn out enough power to rival against the Mahindra Thar!
New Exterior Looks
Mahindra Thar has been spotted on Indian roads several times and the spy shots make it a clear view of what we can expect from the SUV. The new-age design ensures that Mahindra will provide basic necessities and comfort features which lacked in the previous-gen Thar. The SUV will receive a factory fitted hardtop, LED DRLs with projector headlights, LED taillights and new 18-inch wheels. Both the front and rear bumpers are tweaked and the SUV retains the seven slat grille. Needless to say, the 2020 Thar picks inspiration from the Jeep Wrangler.
Coming to the design cues of Force Gurkha then the SUV more or less looks the same. It is when you fire up the internet or read the brochure and read that the Gurkha now packs in new chassis and sits on a new platform. The front profile receives tweaked bumper design with LED DRLs and new fog light housing.
Revamped Interiors And New Features
When we said above that the Thar lacked even the basic comfort features in it's previous-gen, it was true. And all of it is improved in the 2020 Thar which packs in an exciting range of features which include power window, automatic climate control (reserved for higher trims), factory fitted hardtop, multi-information display and more. It even gets a larger touchscreen infotainment system which will come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Like the Thar, Force Gurkha too was known to be the hardcore SUV in a budget. And that omitted the basic features too. However, at the 2020 Auto Expo, the Gurkha sported a new touchscreen infotainment system from JVC, power windows, new alloy wheels, manual HVAC controls, a digital multi-information display and among others. Also, Force Motors will be providing various accessories at the dealership level too!
Improved Safety
As per the new pedestrian norms, both the BS6 SUVs get updated safety features and a raised bonnet. Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha will get dual airbags, ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), high-speed alert system, front seat belt reminders and rear parking sensors as standard. It is to be seen upon their launches if they provide more safety features for higher trims or not!
Also Read: 2020 Force Gurkha BS6 All You Need To Know About Mahindra Thar Rival
Prices and Launch Date
With the addition of new features, engines and design it is expected that the prices of both SUVs will increase by a bit. Both the SUVs can be expected to see a price bracket of Rs 10 lakh - Rs 12.5 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. As far as their launches are concerned, Mahindra Thar will launch in June-July time frame and the same can be expected from Force as well.
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