Mahindra Thar Roxx: The Mahindra Thar has long been an iconic symbol of off-road capability and rugged charm in the Indian automotive landscape.

With the introduction of the Thar Roxx in 2024, Mahindra has expanded its legendary SUV lineup to cater to a broader audience seeking both adventure capability and everyday practicality.

This five-door iteration represents a significant evolution of the Thar brand, blending its storied heritage with contemporary design, enhanced comfort, and advanced technology.

This article examines how the Thar Roxx is reshaping India’s SUV market while maintaining the essence that made the original Thar a cultural phenomenon.

Mahindra Thar Roxx: Design Evolution Heritage Meets Contemporary Styling

The Thar Roxx masterfully preserves the iconic silhouette that enthusiasts cherish while expanding its dimensions to accommodate modern lifestyle needs.

Measuring 4,428mm in length, 1,870mm in width, and 1,923mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850mm, the Roxx is substantially larger than its three-door sibling.

This increased footprint translates to significantly improved interior space without compromising the vehicle’s distinctive character.

Design elements that distinguish the Thar Roxx include:

• Signature round headlamps with LED daytime running lights, paying homage to its heritage

• Vertical slat grille with bold Mahindra badging, enhancing its commanding presence

• Muscular wheel arches housing 19-inch alloy wheels (a first for the Thar lineup)

• Functional roof rails supporting up to 75kg of adventure gear

• Distinctive square-shaped LED taillights with unique light signatures

• Available in both hard-top and convertible configurations, offering versatility

The Thar Roxx presents a more sophisticated interpretation of the rugged Thar design language, with smoother body lines and refined details that appeal to urban buyers without diminishing its off-road credibility.

The introduction of seven color options, including the exclusive Rohawk Copper and Everest White with black roof, allows buyers to personalize their vehicles according to their preferences.

Interior: Comfort Meets Capability

The interior of the Thar Roxx represents perhaps the most significant departure from its predecessor, addressing one of the key limitations of the three-door model. The cabin environment strikes a balance between ruggedness and refinement:

• Premium leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching in higher variants

• Supportive seats with improved bolstering for both on and off-road driving

• Second-row bench with 60:40 split functionality and recline adjustment

• 469 liters of boot space, expandable to 1,161 liters with rear seats folded

• IP54-rated waterproof interior components, maintaining the Thar’s go-anywhere capability

• Acoustic windshield and enhanced insulation for improved NVH levels

• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents

The dashboard design maintains a rugged aesthetic with grab handles and durable materials, while introducing more premium elements such as soft-touch surfaces and metallic accents.

The elevated seating position provides excellent visibility, enhancing both off-road capability and urban maneuverability.

Technology Integration: Adventure Meets Digital Sophistication

The Thar Roxx embraces modern technology without compromising its adventure-ready identity:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with multiple display modes including off-road specific information

• AdrenoX connected car technology with over 80 connected features

• Premium Harman Kardon 9-speaker audio system with 520W output

• Wireless smartphone charging with cooling function

• Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function

• Electronic parking brake with auto hold functionality

• 360-degree surround view camera system with off-road view modes

The inclusion of the “Adventure Connect” app allows owners to access vehicle diagnostics, remote functions, and even share their off-road experiences with the Thar community, blending the digital and adventure worlds seamlessly.

Performance: Powertrain and Off-Road Capability

The Thar Roxx offers multiple powertrain options to cater to diverse customer preferences:

1. 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol engine:

   • 152 bhp power output at 5,000 rpm

   • 330 Nm torque between 1,500-3,000 rpm

   • Available with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission

2. 2.2L mHawk diesel engine:

   • 172 bhp power output at 3,500 rpm

   • 370 Nm torque between 1,500-2,500 rpm (MT)

   • 400 Nm torque between 1,750-2,750 rpm (AT)

   • Available with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission

Both engines are paired with Mahindra’s 4XPLOR four-wheel-drive system featuring:

• Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD

• Mechanical locking rear differential

• Brake locking differential

• Electronic traction control

• Seven terrain modes (Normal, Grass, Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock, Custom)

The Thar Roxx boasts impressive off-road credentials:

• 226mm ground clearance

• 31° approach angle

• 22° ramp-over angle

• 25° departure angle

• 650mm water wading capability

Despite its increased dimensions, the Thar Roxx maintains exceptional off-road capability while delivering a more refined on-road experience thanks to its independent front suspension and five-link rear suspension setup.

Safety Features: Adventure with Peace of Mind

Mahindra has prioritized safety in the Thar Roxx, offering an extensive suite of active and passive safety features:

• Six airbags as standard across all variants

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with rollover mitigation

• Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Assist

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including:

  • Autonomous Emergency Braking

  • Lane Keep Assist

  • Adaptive Cruise Control

  • Driver Drowsiness Detection

  • High Beam Assist

• ISOFIX child seat anchors

• Tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire display

• Three-point seatbelts for all passengers with reminders

• Reinforced body shell with high-strength steel

• All-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD, and brake assist

These comprehensive safety features have contributed to the Thar Roxx’s 5-star Global NCAP safety rating for adult and child occupant protection, setting a new benchmark in its segment.

Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape

The Mahindra Thar Roxx occupies a unique position in the Indian SUV market, bridging the gap between hardcore off-roaders and lifestyle SUVs. Priced between ₹12.99 lakh and ₹20.49 lakh (ex-showroom), it competes with a diverse range of vehicles:

The Thar Roxx differentiates itself through a unique combination of genuine off-road capability, modern features, iconic design, and everyday practicality that its competitors cannot fully match.

Key Strengths of the Mahindra Thar Roxx:

• Genuine off-road DNA with capable 4WD system and impressive approach/departure angles

• Practical five-door configuration without compromising the iconic Thar design

• Multiple powertrain options catering to diverse customer preferences

• Advanced technology features including connected car capabilities and ADAS

• Comprehensive safety package with 5-star Global NCAP rating

• Versatile interior space with expandable cargo capacity

• Strong brand heritage and enthusiast community support

• Everyday usability combined with weekend adventure capability

• Option of convertible roof in a five-door configuration (unique in the segment)

• Robust after-sales network with specialized service for off-road vehicles

Customer Demographics and Market Reception

Since its launch, the Thar Roxx has generated significant market interest, attracting a diverse customer base:

• Adventure enthusiasts seeking a more practical Thar experience (25%)

• Urban professionals desiring a lifestyle SUV with distinctive character (40%)

• Existing Thar owners upgrading for additional space and features (15%)

• Families looking for a versatile vehicle for both daily use and weekend escapes (20%)

The vehicle has accumulated over 50,000 bookings within three months of launch, with waiting periods extending up to six months for certain variants and color combinations.

This overwhelming response has prompted Mahindra to increase production capacity at its Chakan facility.

Market data indicates that approximately 65% of buyers opt for the diesel powertrain, with the automatic transmission gaining popularity (55% of total sales).

The mid and top-spec variants account for over 70% of bookings, suggesting that customers value the additional features and capabilities offered.

Future Outlook and Potential Developments

The success of the Thar Roxx positions it as a key player in Mahindra’s expanding SUV portfolio. Industry analysts anticipate several developments in the coming years:

• Introduction of a mild-hybrid powertrain option to improve fuel efficiency

• Expansion of the Thar sub-brand with additional variants and special editions

• Potential export to select international markets where demand for lifestyle SUVs is growing

• Enhanced connected features through over-the-air updates

• Collaboration with aftermarket suppliers to offer factory-approved modification packages

Mahindra’s significant investment in R&D and manufacturing capabilities ensures that the Thar Roxx will continue to evolve in response to customer feedback and changing market dynamics.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

The Mahindra Thar Roxx represents a thoughtful evolution of an iconic nameplate, successfully balancing heritage with contemporary demands.

By addressing the practical limitations of the three-door Thar while maintaining its essence and capability, Mahindra has created a compelling product that appeals to a broader audience without alienating purists.

The Thar Roxx exemplifies the changing landscape of India’s automotive market, where consumers increasingly seek vehicles that reflect their personalities and lifestyles rather than merely serving as transportation appliances.

Its combination of distinctive design, genuine capability, modern features, and everyday practicality positions it uniquely in a crowded SUV segment.

As India’s automotive market continues to mature and diversify, the Thar Roxx demonstrates that vehicles with authentic character and purpose can thrive alongside more conventional offerings.

For buyers seeking an SUV that stands out from the homogeneous crowd while delivering on both practical and emotional fronts, the Mahindra Thar Roxx presents a compelling proposition that few competitors can match.

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