The SUV segment, in general, has seen an unprecedented boom in recent years, with more and more consumers opting for these versatile vehicles.
SUVs offer a perfect blend of comfort, space, and performance, making them ideal for both city driving and long road trips.
Mahindra has recently launched the much-anticipated Thar Roxx in the country. The SUV falls in the price range of Rs 12.99 lakh – Rs 20.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
Unlike simply extending the 3-door Thar to a 5-door model, the Roxx represents a complete redesign. It combines the rugged spirit of the original Thar with a more practical, refined, and spacious design.
News18 Auto recently had the opportunity to drive the Mahindra Thar Roxx in Kochi, Kerala—fondly known as “God’s Own Country.” Mahindra has boldly claimed that the Thar Roxx is “The SUV” for various reasons. In this article, we’ll share our first drive experience and see if it truly lives up to that title.
Mahindra Thar Roxx: What It Looks Like?
The first thing that struck us about the Mahindra Thar Roxx was its design. The Roxx maintains the Thar’s iconic look but with notable upgrades. The new double-stacked six-slot grille is a fresh departure from the traditional seven-slot design, making it stand out more distinctly.
The LED projector headlights with C-shaped DRLs and the full metal roof with a panoramic sunroof add a touch of modernity to its rugged appearance. The wider track, longer wheelbase, and those 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels give it a commanding presence on the road.
While it retains some classic Thar elements, like the exposed door hinges and side-opening tailgate, it introduces new design cues, such as a slanted C-pillar and vertical rear door handles.
One of the most significant changes is in the dimensions. The Roxx has a 2,850mm wheelbase, which is 400mm longer than the 3-door Thar’s. This longer wheelbase provides a more spacious cabin and better driving dynamics. The track has also been widened to improve balance. Additionally, the body structure has been reinforced with extra welding for enhanced safety and refinement.
The Thar Roxx’s design effectively combines its tough off-roading persona with a contemporary edge. The new grille and lighting give it a distinctive look, setting it apart from its predecessor and other competitors.
Mahindra Thar Roxx: What It Offers Inside?
Getting into the Thar Roxx, you immediately notice the premium feel of the interior. The dashboard is a significant upgrade from the 3-door Thar, with soft-touch materials replacing the previously hard plastics.
The front seats are supportive and come with ventilated options, providing comfort during long drives. The rear seats, with their ample space and adjustable backrests, make it a practical choice for long trips.
Furthermore, the Roxx is packed with modern features, including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, electronic parking brake, 360 degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS, among others. The luggage space is also much improved, making the Thar Roxx a practical choice for long trips.
The interior is a significant upgrade from the 3-door Thar. It feels well-thought-out, combining functionality with comfort. However, we did find the light-colored trims a bit impractical for a vehicle intended for off-road adventures.
Mahindra Thar Roxx: How Powerful It Is At Heart?
Under the hood, the Thar Roxx offers a range of powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol and a 2.2-liter diesel engine. We drove the petrol-automatic variant, which felt surprisingly powerful and smooth.
The 174 bhp engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, can take you a claimed 0-60 kmph in just 5 seconds. The petrol AT offers two drive modes-Zip and Zoom. Having said that, we found the “Zoom” mode a bit aggressive for everyday driving. Beside these, the engine’s refinement is top-notch, with minimal noise even at higher speeds.
Mahindra Thar Roxx: How Does It Perform On Road?
What sets the Thar Roxx apart is its debut of Mahindra’s fourth-generation (4G) body-on-frame chassis. This is a significant upgrade from the 3-door Thar, which still uses the older third-gen chassis.
The new chassis addresses some of the issues we’ve experienced with the 3-door Thar, like the bumpy ride and heavy steering, which made it less ideal for everyday driving. With the Roxx, Mahindra has implemented a stiffer and lighter ladder frame and introduced a new multi-link suspension system with a Watt’s linkage to help control body roll. They’ve also moved the suspension mounting points and shifted the rear dampers to wider positions, resulting in a smoother ride and better body control. However, despite Mahindra’s efforts, rear passengers may still experience some sway and bounce during the drive.
One of the best upgrades we noticed is the switch to electric power steering, replacing the old hydraulic unit from the 3-door Thar. This change makes steering the Roxx much easier, especially in city driving. It handles potholes and uneven surfaces with ease, thanks to its large wheels and high ground clearance.
While the ride quality is significantly better than its predecessor, it still doesn’t quite match the plush comfort found in vehicles like the XUV700 and other monocoque crossovers.
Verdict:
After driving the Mahindra Thar Roxx, it’s clear that this SUV is a game-changer. It successfully bridges the gap between a hardcore off-roader and a practical family vehicle. The Thar Roxx features a spacious cabin with seating for five and ample storage, making it a versatile choice for various needs.
While its ride quality is a significant improvement over the 3-door Thar, it still doesn’t match the plush comfort of monocoque crossovers like the XUV700. Additionally, the light-colored trims might seem impractical for off-road use. Notably, the 4×4 option is available only with the diesel variant, while the petrol version comes with rear-wheel drive (RWD) only.
With prices starting at Rs 12.99 lakh for the base model and going up to Rs 20.49 lakh for the top variant (all prices, ex-showroom), the Thar Roxx stands out as a strong contender in its segment. It offers a top-notch safety kit, including 6 airbags, Level 2 ADAS, ESP, hill descent control, and more. Overall, the Thar Roxx is well-priced for the features and capabilities it offers.
