The Mahindra Thar has long been known as a rugged off-road icon in India. With its powerful capabilities and strong presence, it has earned a loyal fan base. However, with the introduction of the Thar Roxx in 2024, Mahindra has taken a significant step forward, making the Thar more versatile and appealing to a broader audience. This article explores the Mahindra Thar Roxx, focusing on its design, features, performance, and market positioning.
Design: Modernizing the Classic Look
The Mahindra Thar Roxx retains the iconic rugged silhouette of the original Thar but with a modern twist. One of the most notable changes is the addition of two extra doors, transforming it into a five-door SUV. This makes it far more practical for daily use, especially for families.
The front end keeps the classic Jeep-inspired seven-slot grille and round headlights, but now they feature modern LED technology. The redesigned bumpers offer a more premium look while still ensuring the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The larger alloy wheels give the Thar Roxx an imposing stance, while the panoramic sunroof adds a luxurious touch, providing an open and airy feel to the cabin.
Interior: Comfort and Technology Redefined
Inside, the Thar Roxx is a significant departure from its predecessor’s utilitarian cabin. The dashboard is modern and functional, highlighted by a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This is complemented by a fully digital instrument cluster, bringing the Thar Roxx in line with more premium SUVs.
The materials used inside have been upgraded, with leatherette upholstery and soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels. These additions give the interior a more refined and upmarket feel. The seats are more comfortable, with ventilated front seats and improved legroom in the rear. The bench-style rear seating now offers better comfort for family use.
Technology: Advanced Features for a Modern SUV
The Thar Roxx comes equipped with several advanced tech features, many of which were not available in earlier models. The 10.25-inch infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto, although Apple CarPlay is missing at launch. The system can display Android Auto maps on the digital instrument cluster, improving navigation ease.
For music lovers, the Thar Roxx offers a 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, which delivers exceptional sound quality with rich bass. Additionally, a 360-degree camera system helps with both off-road navigation and urban parking.
One of the standout additions is the inclusion of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in higher variants. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking, which enhance the safety and convenience of the Thar Roxx.
Performance: Off-Road Prowess Meets On-Road Refinement
Under the hood, the Thar Roxx offers two engine options:
- A 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine
- A 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine
Both engines are paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Roxx is available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The 4WD system includes a low-range gearbox and a mechanical locking differential, ensuring that the Thar Roxx retains its legendary off-road capabilities.
On the road, the Thar Roxx has improved stability thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider track. The suspension has been fine-tuned to offer a more comfortable ride while maintaining its off-road prowess. Multiple drive modes—Normal, Wet, and Rough—allow the vehicle to adapt to various terrains, making it a capable off-roader as well as a refined urban SUV.
Safety: Enhanced Protection Features
Safety has been a key focus for the Thar Roxx. It comes with several standard safety features, including:
- Six airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- ABS with EBD
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
In higher variants, the inclusion of Level 2 ADAS further improves safety by adding features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. While crash test results are still pending, Mahindra is confident that the Thar Roxx will perform well in safety tests, continuing the strong performance of the three-door Thar.
Market Positioning: Competing in the Premium SUV Segment
With the introduction of the Thar Roxx, Mahindra has expanded the Thar’s appeal beyond off-road enthusiasts. The Thar Roxx now competes with more urban-focused SUVs, such as:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- MG Hector
- Tata Harrier
Although the Thar Roxx may not match these vehicles in terms of on-road refinement, it offers a unique combination of off-road capability, modern features, and comfort. This makes it a compelling option for those who want a vehicle that can handle both city roads and challenging terrains.
Pricing and Variants: A Premium Offering
The Thar Roxx is available in multiple variants, with prices ranging from approximately Rs. 12.99 lakh to Rs. 22.49 lakh (ex-showroom prices as of 2024). This pricing strategy places it in the premium compact SUV segment, offering unique features and capabilities that justify the higher price point.
Conclusion: A New Era for the Thar
The Mahindra Thar Roxx marks a significant evolution of the iconic Thar. By blending the vehicle’s rugged off-road heritage with modern features, technology, and improved comfort, Mahindra has created a more versatile SUV that appeals to a broader audience. Whether it will be remembered as a successful expansion of the Thar legacy or a dilution of its off-road roots remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain—the Thar Roxx has generated significant buzz and has the potential to redefine the Indian SUV landscape.
