As India reaches its fifth stage of COVID-19 lockdown protocols midway through, major automakers have resumed operations in green and orange zones. Manufacturing facilities, showrooms and service outlets are currently operating as part of the 'new normals' in a safe and sanitized environment. OEMs are also continuing their development activities as well as resuming production — such as prototype testing. In reality, a pair of test mules for 2020MY Thar were spotted in Nashik, Maharashtra (near the plant of Mahindra & Mahindra) right after the government relaxed the lockdown in early May.
If reports are right, by the end of this year Mahindra will most likely totally unleash the new Thar. On the other hand, at Auto Expo 2020 (held early February) the Indian automaker has already exhibited its emission-free quadricycle package. The 15th installment of India's largest biennial car show acted as a venue for the entire BS6 collection from Mahindra. But visitors were a little disappointed because of the absence of next-gen Thar.There are numerous reasons why the vehicle is eagerly awaiting the Indian market. For starters, it would be a massive improvement in terms of styling, equipment and dynamics compared to its predecessor BS4. Unlike the old model that shares most of its components with the Mahindra Scorpio, it is built on an all-new architecture. In its development, engineers have taken key input from the brand's offroad division, Mahindra Adventure. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki strangely sees no opportunity in the Jimny project. The 2020 Thar will be available in both gasoline and diesel formats, with automatic transmission options.