The all-new Mahindra Thar Roxx : The Next Evolution of Mo:gen! In the world of ever-changing off-road vehicles, Mahindra has introduced a game-changing SUV that balances practicality and adventure, the Thar Roxx.
This five-door variant of the legendary Thar lineage is a giant step ahead for those who wish to seek the wild without sacrificing the charm of daily usability.
Far more than just a long-wheelbase version of its three-door sibling, the Thar Roxx is a meticulously crafted evolution, perfectly balanced between rugged functionality and urban sophistication.
A design revolution: Preserving heritage while being modern
The Mahindra Thar is known for its unique silhouette for years – boxy, workhorse-like and a throwback to classic 4-wheel drives that once upon a time, paved their way into the unknown.
The Roxx retains this visual DNA but successfully adds two more doors. The lengthened wheelbase has not compromised its proportions but rather improved its road presence.
The designers at Mahindra have managed a difficult thing here: they’ve transformed the Thar into a fundamentally broader proposition while retaining its identity.
While the front fascia remains quintessentially Thar, with its round headlamps and seven-slot grille echoing its legacy. But subtle tweaks to the bumper and lighting help keep its design fresh.
Faux chrome accents are used sparingly, yielding to an expensive feel without venturing into gaudiness.
Also, the slightly higher beltline works well with the longer extended profile and gives the Roxx a sporty stance, even when in a idle position.
Perhaps most stunning is how well the extra bag length is blended in. Few extended versions, at least from rear three-quarter views, pull off the afterthought look, and the Thar Roxx is a refreshing exception.
They extend back naturally into the bodywork of the rear quarter panels, while the roofline keeps its distinctive shape with minimal compromise.
Offering hard-top and convertible configurations, the Roxx is far more versatile than nearly all of its competitors.
Interior: A Congruence Of Space And Sophistication
Once you step into the Thar Roxx, the advantages of the five-door layout are immediately evident.
It feels big inside, with five full-size adults fitting comfortably – a huge improvement over the claustrophobic three-door model.
Legroom and headroom in the back are fair, with what was once a difficult space now the more comfortable of the two for extended trips.
The material quality is another step up. Key touchpoints on either side of the cabin feature soft-touch surfaces instead of hard plastics, and the overall fit and finish are indicative of painstaking attention to detail.
The dashboard layout stays practical and drives orientated, with controls positioned intuitively within reach.
Waterproof upholstery options show they know adventurous owners will sometimes track the outside in, and that functionality hasn’t been sacrificed on the altar of comfort.
Integrating technology is a firm step into the future. It has a centrally mounted touchscreen infotainment system with Mahindra’s new user interface, and comes with both wireless smartphone connectivity.
All of this is easily accessed through the hub via voice commands, navigation and vehicle diagnostics.
The digital instrument cluster is configurable, enabling drivers to access the data that’s most crucial to their trip – be it performance data for off-roading or fuel economy stats.
There’s climate control for all rows, and plenty of storage cubbyholes for the family or the adventurer.
In and around the dashboard, there are multiple USB ports and charging options which is sensible given our modern reliance on powered devices even when heading into the great outdoors.
Performance: Domain-Conqueror
Powering the Thar Roxx are a couple of smooth powertrains that deliver a good degree of performance.
This, along with the powerful numbers of the mStallion 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, continues to alter when it comes to acceleration highway driving and rough terrain.
As for the 2.2-liter mHawk diesel option, that one is destined for buyers who want the classic low-end torque delivery that makes off-road driving less difficult.
A six-speed manual and an automatic, which offers specially calibrated modes for varying terrain, are available for transferring power to the wheels.
Seamless transitions system for 2H, 4H and 4L modes (2 wheel with the option of 2 high and 4 low and 4 high capabilities).
The mechanical locking differentials will only allow the wheels with traction to receive power, so that nobody is spinning their wheels uselessly in wet or, more crucially, slippery ground.
Also worthy of special mention is the suspension setup. Engineers tuned the system to withstand extreme off-road scenarios without sacrificing on-road comfort – a very fine line not many vehicles walk convincingly.
The front independent suspension is paired with a multi-link rear setup that keeps the wheels tied to the ground, even when navigating uneven terrain, while while filtering out any harshness during normal driving.
The massive wheelbase does not cut ground clearance, and the approach and departure angles of a legitimate off-roader are retained.
Full wading depth specs mean you can water through major obstacles, and for those who regularly do battle with challenging river crossings, snorkel options are on the tables.
Technology: Digital Adventure
21st-century explorers expect tech-enabled assistance even when getting off the grid, and the Thar Roxx delivers — in spades.
The AdrenoX connected car platform offers real-time vehicle tracking, geofencing capabilities, and remote diagnostics – adding benefits to security as well as convenience.
The integrated nav system has off-road mapping, and there’s an inclinometer and compass for when a homing pigeon would be more reliable than a GPS signal.
Driver assistance systems are another area the Roxx blesses with its dual-purpose nature.
A hill descent control, electronic stability program, and traction control systems adjustable need be, so as mounted on terrain.
The multiple cameras provide the ability to see around the vehicle, especially when navigating tight spots off-road where exact wheel placement is important.
Over-the-air updates means vehicle can only get better with time. For the audiophiles, the premium audio system sounds as good on the highway as it does at a campsite.
Everyday New: Pioneering Practicality
The primary differentiation of the Thar Roxx over its predecessor is its improved daily practicality. There are extra doors that make access to the rear seats a not-a-contortionist affair like before.
Cargo-carrying capacity has swelled, hauling luggage for road trips or camping gear for weekend getaways. The rear seats fold in a versatile 60:40 configuration, and when maximum cargo space is needed, the load floor remains flat.
Levels of noise, vibration, and harshness have been dealt with extensively such that the cabin remains reasonably hushed even at highway-speed.
This refinement alters the driving experience, making long journeys less tiring and chats between passengers more natural.
Fuel efficiency, a common compromise when designing off-road-focused vehicles, has been noticeably improved via effective aerodynamic refinements and powertrain optimization.
Putting aside that the Roxx is still a big truck with big-truck fuel needs, it does manage to avoid the “can’t realistically be a daily driver” consumption rate.
Sàfety: Shîng from every enviròmentors
Given its intention as a family car, the Thar Roxx gets a good amount of safety features as standard from Mahindra.
Basic protection comes in the way of multiple airbags, three-point seatbelts for all positions, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
The chassis is reinforced with crumple zones and a cage to protect a passenger compartment in case of a rear-end collision.
Electronic aids comprise an advanced braking system complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control and rollover mitigation — especially important considering the vehicle’s elevated center of gravity.
Its hill hold control withstands unwanted backward roll on hill starts, its tire pressure monitor warns against poisonous tire pressure in due time.
Other safety features such as pedestrian protection have also been integrated into the overall design of the front-end that goes a long way in cementing Mahindra’s holistic safety philosophy that seeks to protect all road users and not just occupants.
Market Positioning: Finding a Unique Space
The Thar Roxx has an interesting place in the market. It is more capable than mainstream SUVs but also offers more comfort than hardcore off-roaders.
That middle ground has become an alluring proposition for buyers who enjoy outdoor lifestyles but don’t want to sacrifice the compromises that come with highly specialized vehicles.
Aimed for the spot between compact SUVs and premium mid-size, the Roxx’s pricing strategy is good value — thanks to its dual-purpose capability.
With its capabilities, the Thar Roxx starts at an attractive price when compared to its International competitors. Mahindra is known for giving a lot of capability for a good price and this seems to do what its predecessor did and more.
The Next Step in Evolution
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is not just an added set of doors; it is a philosophical progression.
If the three-door Thar was somewhat of a niche product, albeit with a fiercely loyal following, by addressing the practical limitations that restricted its appeal, Mahindra has broadened the Thar’s appeal significantly without diluting any of the core attributes that made the original Shackles so compelling in the first place.
And for existing Thar fans apprehensive of PTSD-like compromises, Roxx’s retains quintessential Thar-ness in structure, true blue off-road prowess and unequivocal design language.
For newcomers put off by the limitations of the three-door configuration, the Roxx represents an attractive entry into adventure vehicles.
The Thar Roxx, in the fast-growing lifestyle-centric SUV segment, stands apart with great authenticity.
Unlike crossovers that often talk a good game of off-road capability through cosmetic treatments, the Roxx is the real deal with mechanical substance to back up its larger-than-life looks.
But it does so without demanding the kind of sacrifices usually associated with these kinds of vehicles.
Mahindra Thar Roxx is not simply an evolution of a model; it is the coming of age of a philosophy – that adventure and practicality can coexist.
In bringing these worlds together, Mahindra has built more than a simple means of transportation; it creates enablement, a vehicle to upend the existing possibilities, rather than limiting them.
