Mahindra has been selling the Mahindra Thar since 2008 and it is available in a fixed roof style. But for 2019, the company is expected to add a new option of a convertible hard-top.
This variant would provide an opportunity to use the vehicle as a daily driver without having to worry about getting it dirty or scratched. It would also help with attracting more customers who are looking for an affordable convertible SUV, which is not currently available in India.
The company seems to be responding to customer demand with this new variant of the Thar - hoping that the new option will boost sales of the vehicle. However, it's unclear whether there will be enough demand for this variant in India.
The fixed soft-top roof was offered only with the base model AX of Thar but that option soon got discontinued as the car couldn't meet safety standards with it. This test mule of the Thar looks nearly the same as the existing hard-top variant. However, if you take a closer look, you will notice that the roof consists of three segments instead of two like the fixed hard top.
The company has always been committed to their customers, but they need to make changes in order to stay relevant in a changing automotive industry. But, they need more change if they want to stay competitive in India's ever-growing SUV market, which is set for a boom in 2020 with almost 6 million SUVs predicted for sale.
A convertible hardtop variant of the Mahindra Thar would be one way that would keep them ahead of their competitors. It would allow people who like driving with wind blowing through their hair an opportunity not just on highways.
The rear-screen mounts seem slightly different which may indicate the car could be a convertible. If paying respect to the open-air experience is your thing, you're in luck - removing the existing fixed hard-top variant's roof will be possible. But, this will invalid your car's warranty. Mahindra doesn't even recommend this because a thicker sealant might make it difficult to get the roof back down again. It's not easy or recommended, in any way.
Industry experts estimate that a convertible hard-top variant of the Mahindra Thar might be on its way to the Indian market soon. If this happens, then it would be the first sports utility vehicle (SUV) in India with such capability. This makes it an attractive proposition for those who need 4x4 power and require a tough looking SUV for their adventurous pursuits but have no clue about driving off-road or even camping in that matter!
A convertible hard-top may just be the key to unlocking what an off-road vehicle provider needs. People who own Mahindra Thars are passionate about off-road driving and they love having the flexibility to change vehicle modes. A convertible roof provides the option to drive with the top down when you want to feel the wind in your hair during a beautiful drive, then put it up when entering urban or highway driving. The car's top flaps a lot when driving at higher speeds to the point where it becomes distracting. This means often the passengers have an unpleasant time
To date, Mahindra have not commented on whether a convertible version is planned for their cars nor when this may come to market. The Thar is available in four different variants, with prices starting at INRs 12.10 lakh and going up to INR 14.15 lakh (ex-showroom).Although the Thar currently does not have any direct competition, it will soon see new challengers from cars like the BS6 Force Gurkha and India-bound Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
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