Thar ROXX: In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian automobiles, Mahindra has once again demonstrated its engineering prowess with the launch of the highly anticipated Thar ROXX.
This formidable 5-door SUV has created ripples across the automotive sector, offering a perfect blend of rugged appeal, modern amenities, and exceptional performance capabilities. Let’s delve into what makes the Thar ROXX a game-changer in the competitive SUV segment.
A Bold New Chapter in the Thar Legacy
The Mahindra Thar has long been revered for its iconic design and off-road capabilities. With the introduction of the Thar ROXX, Mahindra has expanded this legacy by creating a more family-friendly version without compromising on its adventurous DNA. The five-door configuration represents a significant evolution, addressing the practical limitations of its three-door predecessor while maintaining the distinctive charm that Thar enthusiasts adore.
Unlike typical SUVs that prioritize either urban comfort or off-road prowess, the Thar ROXX seamlessly integrates both worlds. Its design philosophy centers around versatility – capable of conquering challenging terrains during weekend adventures while comfortably navigating city streets during weekday commutes. This duality is precisely what makes the Thar ROXX a unique proposition in today’s market.
Commanding Exterior: Brawn Meets Sophistication
At first glance, the Thar ROXX commands attention with its imposing stance and muscular proportions. Standing tall with a ground clearance of 226mm, this SUV projects confidence and capability. The extended wheelbase of 2850mm not only enhances its road presence but also contributes to improved stability during high-speed cruising and challenging off-road maneuvers.
The front fascia features a bold grille complemented by advanced LED projector headlamps and distinctive C-shaped daytime running lights. These modern lighting elements contrast beautifully against the Thar’s classic boxy silhouette, creating an interesting juxtaposition of heritage and innovation. The circular LED fog lamps further enhance visibility during adverse weather conditions while adding a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
Moving to the side profile, the additional doors are seamlessly integrated, maintaining the SUV’s cohesive appearance. The flared wheel arches housing impressive 19-inch alloy wheels emphasize the vehicle’s robust character. Customers can choose from a palette of seven captivating colors including Tango Red, Stealth Black, Everest White, Deep Forest, Nebula Blue, Battleship Grey, and Burnt Sienna – each highlighting different aspects of the SUV’s personality.
Premium Interior: Where Comfort Meets Functionality
Step inside the Thar ROXX, and you’re immediately greeted by a thoughtfully designed cabin that balances luxury with practicality. The additional doors translate to significantly improved ingress and egress, especially for rear passengers – addressing one of the main limitations of the standard Thar. The extended wheelbase has resulted in generous legroom, transforming the back seat experience from merely acceptable to genuinely comfortable.
The dashboard features a contemporary layout with premium materials and excellent fit and finish. At the center stage is a sophisticated 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a digital instrument cluster of matching size. This dual-screen setup not only looks modern but also provides intuitive access to vehicle information and entertainment functions. The Harman Kardon 9-speaker sound system delivers exceptional audio quality, enhancing the overall in-cabin experience.
Mahindra has introduced two interior theme options – the standard Mocha Grey and an alternative Mocha Brown for the higher variants. Both themes create a premium ambiance with their contrasting elements and quality materials. The panoramic sunroof – a segment-first feature – floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy atmosphere that contrasts with the vehicle’s rugged exterior.
Practicality hasn’t been overlooked, with thoughtful additions like ventilated front seats, a sliding co-driver armrest, reclining rear seats with a center armrest, and ample storage spaces throughout the cabin. The 447-liter boot capacity is sufficient for weekend getaways, and the rear seats can be folded to accommodate larger items when needed.
Powerhouse Performance: Conquering Every Terrain
Under the hood, the Thar ROXX offers a choice of two robust powertrains – a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine and a 2.2-liter diesel mill. Both engines demonstrate Mahindra’s commitment to delivering outstanding performance without compromising on refinement.
The 2.0-liter mStallion turbo-petrol engine generates an impressive 174 bhp of power and 380 Nm of torque. This powerplant offers eager acceleration and strong mid-range performance, making it ideal for both city driving and highway cruising. Despite its performance credentials, the petrol variant delivers a reasonable fuel efficiency of up to 12.4 km/l under ARAI testing conditions.
For those who prefer the characteristic torque delivery of diesel engines, the 2.2-liter mHawk unit produces up to 173 bhp and 370 Nm of torque. This engine particularly shines during off-road excursions, where its abundant low-end torque helps navigate challenging obstacles with ease. The diesel variant boasts a more economical fuel efficiency figure of up to 15.2 km/l, making it the preferred choice for those covering longer distances regularly.
Both engines come paired with either a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission or a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic. The availability of rear-wheel drive across the range, with the option of four-wheel drive in select diesel variants, provides customers with flexibility based on their driving preferences and requirements.
The Thar ROXX’s off-road credentials are further enhanced by its impressive approach angle, departure angle, and breakover angle. The independent front suspension featuring double wishbone with coil springs strikes an excellent balance between off-road articulation and on-road comfort. This sophisticated suspension setup, combined with the robust chassis, helps absorb road imperfections while maintaining composure during demanding off-road scenarios.
Advanced Safety: Protection for Every Adventure
Recognizing that adventure shouldn’t come at the cost of safety, Mahindra has equipped the Thar ROXX with an extensive array of safety features. The standard inclusion of six airbags across all variants demonstrates the manufacturer’s commitment to occupant protection. The electronic stability program with rollover mitigation helps maintain control during emergency maneuvers, while hill hold and hill descent control assist in navigating inclines with confidence.
Higher variants benefit from Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which include forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. These technologies not only enhance safety but also reduce driver fatigue during long journeys. The 360-degree camera system provides excellent visibility while maneuvering in tight spaces, complemented by front and rear parking sensors for additional guidance.
The robust chassis construction and high-strength steel used throughout the body shell contribute to excellent crash protection, reflecting Mahindra’s focus on structural integrity. This comprehensive safety package provides peace of mind for both daily commutes and adventurous expeditions.
Technology Integration: Connected and Convenient
The Thar ROXX embraces modern technology with its comprehensive suite of connected features. The AdrenoX connected car technology enables remote vehicle functions, over-the-air updates, and personalized driving profiles. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration for navigation and entertainment purposes.
Convenience features abound, including keyless entry and start, electronic parking brake with auto hold, dual-zone climate control, and wireless charging. These amenities elevate the overall ownership experience, bringing luxury-segment features to the adventure SUV category. The intuitive user interface of the infotainment system and the availability of physical controls for frequently used functions strike a good balance between digital integration and tactile operation.
Variant Strategy: Finding Your Perfect Match
Mahindra has adopted a comprehensive variant strategy for the Thar ROXX, offering 22 distinct configurations across different price points. The lineup begins with the MX1 variant, which focuses on essential features while maintaining the core Thar experience. The mid-range MX3 and AX3L variants add comfort and convenience features, appealing to those seeking a balance between affordability and equipment.
The AX5L variant introduces more premium amenities like the panoramic sunroof and larger infotainment screen. At the top of the range sits the AX7L, which comes loaded with all the bells and whistles, including ADAS, Harman Kardon sound system, and premium upholstery. This varied lineup ensures that customers can find a Thar ROXX variant that aligns perfectly with their requirements and budget.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Purchase
Mahindra has worked to enhance the overall ownership experience of the Thar ROXX through various initiatives. The extensive service network provides convenience for maintenance and repairs, while the comprehensive warranty package offers peace of mind for new owners. The manufacturer has also developed a range of genuine accessories that allow for personalization without compromising the vehicle’s integrity or warranty coverage.
The Thar community, known for its passionate enthusiasm, welcomes ROXX owners into its fold, organizing regular meet-ups and off-road expeditions. This sense of belonging adds an intangible but valuable dimension to the ownership experience, creating connections and memories that extend beyond the vehicle itself.
Market Positioning: Carving a Unique Niche
The Thar ROXX occupies a distinctive position in the market, bridging the gap between hardcore off-roaders and family-oriented SUVs. Its primary competitors include the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny in the adventure-oriented segment, though its five-door configuration and extensive feature list also place it in contention with conventional SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
With pricing starting at ₹12.99 lakh for the base petrol variant and extending to ₹23.09 lakh for the top-spec diesel 4WD automatic (ex-showroom), the Thar ROXX represents good value considering its capabilities and equipment. This pricing strategy positions it as an attractive proposition for buyers seeking something beyond the regular urban SUV without venturing into premium territory.
A New Benchmark for Versatile SUVs
The Mahindra Thar ROXX successfully addresses the limitations of the standard Thar while introducing new dimensions of comfort, technology, and practicality. It stands as a testament to Mahindra’s understanding of evolving customer preferences without compromising on the core values that made the original Thar an icon.
For adventure enthusiasts with family responsibilities, the Thar ROXX represents the perfect compromise – capable of weekend excursions while comfortably handling the school run. The extensive feature list, robust powertrains, and thoughtful design elements combine to create a compelling package that appeals to both emotion and logic.
As India’s automotive landscape continues to evolve, the Thar ROXX establishes a new benchmark for versatile SUVs, demonstrating that practicality and adventure can indeed coexist harmoniously. Whether tackling urban jungles or exploring uncharted territories, the Thar ROXX proves itself as a faithful companion, ready for whatever journey lies ahead.
With the Thar ROXX, Mahindra hasn’t just created another SUV – they’ve crafted an experience that resonates with the aspirations of modern Indians who refuse to be defined by conventional boundaries. It represents freedom, capability, and the spirit of exploration, packaged in a form that acknowledges the practical realities of everyday life. In doing so, Mahindra has not only expanded the Thar family but also redefined what an adventure SUV can be in the contemporary context.