Mahindra Thar Roxx : The Thar Roxx marks the most ambitious try by Mahindra to treat the model’s rich off-road lineage with the modern SUV buyer’s tastes.

If the standard Thar rebooted the spirit of Mahindra’s original off-roader with contemporary engineering, the Roxx goes even further into lifestyle territory without losing the character that made this nameplate so popular.

What makes this approach especially commendable is how, without shredding the Thar’s unmistakable DNA, Mahindra has made the Thar appeal to a wider audience.

Instead, the company has reimagined what a Thar can be in the modern automotive landscape, one where a vehicle must be equally up to the task on weekdays and weekends.

Mahindra Thar Roxx : Architectural Evolution

Just like the Thar, underneath its eye-catching sheet metal, the Thar Roxx gets a stretched version of Mahindra’s third-gen body-on-frame platform.

The dimensions in general are well up, the Roxx has a length of about 4.4 meters against about 3.99 meters for the standard Thar, and the wheelbase too is stretched by over 300 mm.

This increase allows for a roomier cabin, as well as proper five-door access, rectifying one of the fundamental shortcomings of the three-door Thar.

Mahindra engineers advanced impressive off-road geometry despite the bigger package. The approach angle is still just around 41 degrees, and the departure angle is still competitively about 36 degrees.

The Roxx remains confident over uneven terrain, thanks to ground clearance that’s still over 220mm.

All of this speaks to Mahindra’s efforts to imbue the Thar with genuine off-road capabilities as opposed to just creating another urban SUV with rugged styling embellishments.

Powertrain Options

The Thar Roxx features an engine lineup that strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency.

This includes the 2.0-liter mStallion turbocharged petrol engine with around 150-160 bhp on tap and a 2.2-liter mHawk diesel (very similar power, but higher torque in the range of 350-370 Nm). The engines can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic.

None the least of which is the refinement of these powertrains in the Roxx. Mahindra has put in a lot of effort to bring down NVH levels with more sound insulation, and updated engine mounts.

The result is a driving experience which is way more refined as compared to the standard Thar, but still manages to carry forward the rugged appeal that a proper off-roader needs to have.

Four-wheel drive employs an electronic shift-on-the-fly system with low-range, along with a mechanical locking differential.

That hardware, coupled with multiple terrain response modes, helps the Roxx conquer tough conditions while still being approachable for a driver without much trail experience.

Interior Practicality and Premium Touches

Inside, the Thar Roxx is a major step away from the utilitarian nature of previous Thar models. The dashboard gets a bigger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, a digital instrument cluster, and significantly better quality materials.

The front seats are better contoured and more supportive, and the rear bench actually accommodates three adults reasonably comfortably — a far cry from the side-facing seats at the back of previous generations.

Adding to the richness of the cabin is climate control, ambient lighting, and a high-performing audio system.

But Mahindra has retained practical touches such as wash-wear floor mats and water-resistant upholstery choices, recognizing that many Roxx owners will still take the vehicle off the pavement.

The longer dimensions have a huge impact on cargo capacity, making it a vehicle that would genuinely fit for family use or long-haul travel.

The backrests can fold in a 60:40 split as well, making it possible to have a combination of passengers and luggage in the cabin — a feature that’s missing in the regular Thar.

Design language: Modern but authentic

From the outside, the Thar Roxx does just enough to pay homage to the model’s signature silhouette while injecting a more refined presence.

The upright windshield, round headlamps, and vertical grille slats stay in touch with Mahindra’s roots, but the more sculpted fenders and LED lighting elements add a modern touch.

The five-door layout slots in with remarkable cohesion, avoiding the awful proportions that can afflict the lengthened derivatives of compact off-roaders.

Proportions struck with harmony instead of honeydew, The Roxx does an admirable job looking built versus sourced, despite its greater girth.

Available with both a fixed roof or convertible top option, the Roxx is geared towards users who want an all weather experience, or prefer open air motoring instead.

This versatility adds to its attractiveness as a useful family hauler or adventure-focused lifestyle choice.

Market Positioning

The Thar Roxx joins the ranks of the increasingly-bustling lifestyle SUV segment, which includes the Force Gurkha and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Jimny.

But as a package it combines real off-road hardware with increased practicality and a more refined on-road manner that most alternatives – or at least those who have not been labelled a ‘crossover’ – simply cannot match comprehensively.

Pricing has the Roxx above the standard Thar and below the Mahindra’s flagship XUV700; thus it will fill a logical gap in the automaker’s extensive SUV lineup.

It recognizes the premium nature of the Roxx’s upgraded capabilities and features, while remaining accessible to buyers looking to upgrade from a typical compact SUV to something with a little more character and capability.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

The Thar Roxx is not just another model variant; it is Mahindra’s ambition to take its beloved nameplate from niche to mainstream.

In so doing, Mahindra has managed to retain the essential character of the three-door Thar while effectively addressing the practical shortcomings that often come with such types of builds, and while doing so, has created a machine with the potential to increase the brand’s footprint here in India and abroad.

The Thar Roxx should attract attention in the category, which is seeing increased interest globally, especially in character markets around the world such as Australia and South Africa where Mahindra has been present.

Real ability blended with distinctive styling and day-to-day usability really could be what Mahindra needs to put on some international flag-carrying duties.

For buyers in India, the Roxx is both a prideful product made at home that can hold its own against international rivals at its price point, and a credible means of transportation.

In this way, then, the Thar Roxx continues both an automotive and a cultural legacy from the original Thar in the context of the lasting story of Indian automotive design and engineering.

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