Remember the Armada? The name could make a comeback with the 5 door Mahindra Thar

Mahindra is gearing up for an exciting addition to its lineup, and recent trademark registrations suggest the company has big plans for the upcoming Thar 5-door. Seven new nametags have been filed, and these include intriguing options like Thar Armada, Thar Centurion, Thar Cult, Thar Gladius, Thar Rex, Thar Roxx, and Thar Savannah.

The resurrection of the Armada name for the Thar 5-door sparks curiosity, given the historical significance of the Armada, which was originally launched in 1993 and discontinued in 2001. The Armada was known for its versatility, available both as a 5-door SUV and a double-cab pickup.

Drawing design inspiration from the Armada, the Thar 5-door boasts a rugged appearance with a long bonnet and wide front fenders, aligning with its robust off-road capabilities.
The upcoming Thar 5-door is expected to share the same engine options as its 3-door counterpart. This includes a powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine generating 130 BHP and 300 Nm of torque, along with a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 150 BHP and 300-320 Nm. Both engines are likely to offer a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Thar Armada and the six other trademarked names are creating a buzz in anticipation of the new Thar version set to launch in 2024. As Mahindra expands its Thar lineup, the 5-door variant is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the off-road segment.

Compared to its 3-door counterpart, the Thar 5-door is set to feature subtle design enhancements, including a redesigned grille, new LED taillights, and updated alloy wheels. Inside, customers can look forward to additional comforts such as an electric sunroof, a front armrest, cup holders on the centre console, and an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system.

In terms of competition, the Thar 5-door is poised to rival vehicles like the five-door Maruti Jimny and the upcoming five-door Force Gurkha. With its unique design elements, enhanced features, and a legacy-inspired name like Thar Armada, Mahindra aims to capture the imagination of off-road enthusiasts and adventure seekers in the Indian market. The five door Thar will be aimed at enthusiasts who want classic ‘Jeep’ styling with an additional dose of practicality. In essence, the Thar range’s Jimny-like model that combines great off road ability in a very usable, everyday car-like form factor. The 5 door Thar is expected to be priced similar to the Scorpio-N as the SUV is essentially the Jeep bodied version of the former. Most buyers won’t mind the higher prices though.