The choice of Kochi as the backdrop for the Mahindra Thar Roxx media drive was perplexing. While undeniably picturesque, the city’s urban landscape seemed at odds with the rugged, off-road character of the Thar. One envisions this SUV conquering Himalayan passes, traversing Western Ghat trails, or tackling muddy coffee plantations—not navigating Kochi’s smooth tarmac. It felt like casting a fish out of water.
However, Mahindra had a different plan. The company boldly dubbed the Thar Roxx ‘The SUV’, a far more assertive tagline than the previous ‘Scorpio-N’ and ‘Big Daddy of SUVs’. True to form, they marked the launch with a grand spectacle, assembling an impressive fleet of 150 Thar Roxx vehicles for the media drive. This unprecedented display underscored the significance of this model, signalling a potential landmark moment for Mahindra.
Mahindra, true to its tradition, chose Independence Day to unveil the Thar Roxx, a strategic move that felt like a declaration of automotive independence and to set the brand apart from its other foreign competition. The car seemed to echo this sentiment with a small plaque proudly proclaiming its ‘Made in India with Pride’ origins, a subtle yet powerful statement on the dashboard.
The Thar Roxx is more than just a stretched version of its predecessor. The addition of rear doors is a game-changer, transforming accessibility to the backseat from a contortionist’s act to a simple manoeuvre.
The rear cabin is a marked improvement over the original Thar. While headroom and legroom are adequate, the under-thigh support could be more generous. The seat recline options are limited, with the most comfortable position leaning towards the upright. Despite these minor shortcomings, the overall quality, ergonomics, and fit and finish of the rear seats are a significant step up. The inclusion of centrally-mounted AC vents and a USB-C charger enhances comfort and convenience.
A standout feature is the massive panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy and spacious ambience. This is a stark contrast to the claustrophobic feel of the 3-door Thar’s interior.
While the Thar Roxx boasts improved materials and fit and finish, the choice of cream-colored interiors might prove impractical for many. Some plastic components still feel a bit downmarket. The front seats offer ample space, but the rear seats could benefit from better lumbar support. Conversely, the front seats might offer excessive lumbar support for some.
The Thar Roxx’s dual 10.25-inch screens present a modern and visually appealing interface. The driver display effectively integrates crucial information like speed, navigation, and camera feeds, enhancing the driving experience. While the infotainment system’s UI has seen improvements, it’s evident that there’s still room for software refinement. Occasional glitches, such as intermittent phone disconnections, mar the overall user experience. Nonetheless, the range of features on offer is commendable.
The Thar Roxx also impresses with its audio setup. A Harman Kardon sound system delivers crisp and clear sound. This unexpected touch of luxury complements the SUV’s rugged character, offering a harmonious blend of off-road capability and acoustic pleasure.
Mahindra’s decision to prioritise physical controls is a welcome one, especially considering the Thar’s off-road capabilities. The tactile nature of buttons offers a more intuitive and reliable interaction, especially in challenging driving conditions. The soft-touch materials on the upper dashboard contribute to a more premium cabin atmosphere, but the quality takes a noticeable downturn on lower surfaces and door panels.
View this post on Instagram
Pratap Bose and his team have successfully imbued the Thar Roxx with a distinct identity while preserving its core ruggedness. The car commands attention with its imposing stance, accentuated by large wheels and a bold new grille. The latter’s unique pattern, though reminiscent of an iPhone case, adds a modern touch. The headlamps offer a refreshing departure from the previous generation.
However, the design isn’t without its quirks. The B and C pillars blend awkwardly, disrupting the car’s silhouette. The two-part tailgate, while adding to the off-road character, creates unnecessary complexity. A single-piece tailgate would have been more practical.
The Thar Roxx truly shines in its side profile. The combination of 19-inch wheels, exposed hinges, and strong lines creates a muscular appearance. Mahindra has also added subtle design touches like hidden silhouettes of the car and desert camels in the window panes, showcasing attention to detail. The spare tyre mounted at the rear is a classic off-roader element that completes the rugged look. While the Thar Roxx is undoubtedly a head-turner, some design elements could have been refined for better practicality.
The Thar Roxx comes with a thorough set of safety measures. The foundation consists of six conventional airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a 360-degree video system. The integration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control improves overall safety.
However, for me, the addition of rear disc brakes was a great addition. This upgrade significantly bolstered braking confidence and overall vehicle stability, especially during hard braking manoeuvres. While official crash test ratings are still pending, the Thar’s predecessor achieved a commendable four-star rating, suggesting that the Roxx is likely to follow suit.
The real thrill began behind the wheel. Mahindra has significantly refined the Thar with the Roxx. Our test car was equipped with the 2.2-litre four-cylinder, mHawk diesel engine generating 173 bhp and 33.65 kgm of torque mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The diesel powerplant is a gem. Its smooth, refined, and surprisingly quiet demeanour is compared to the Thar’s rugged reputation. The gearbox complements the engine perfectly with smooth shifts and a well-judged clutch. The steering, too, feels more connected and precise than before. The overall driving experience is far more civilised than its predecessor.
On the highway, the Thar Roxx is a capable cruiser. Overtakes are effortless, and the car maintains triple-digit speeds with ease. The engine’s low-end torque provides ample pulling power, making highway driving a relaxed affair. The various drive modes offer noticeable differences in throttle response, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s behaviour to their preference.
Our drive took us through the scenic landscapes of Kochi, culminating in an off-road course set against the backdrop of a busy airport where we could spot planes taking of and landing. Unleashed on a purpose-built off-road course featuring water wading, rock crawling, steep inclines, and a thick, slushy pit, the Thar Roxx proved its mettle. Its off-road capabilities are impressive, to the point where almost anyone could tackle the terrain with relative ease.
While the pre-production models we tested experienced some electronic glitches requiring a restart to engage driving modes, Mahindra assures us that these issues will be resolved for production vehicles.
The standout feature, however, is the wheel lock differential. This system dramatically reduces the Thar’s turning radius by locking up the rear wheel on tight turns, allowing it to pivot almost on a dime. Witnessing this technology in action was truly fascinating.
Mahindra has pulled off a remarkable feat with the Thar Roxx. This isn’t just a stretched Thar; it’s a completely evolved product. The combination of rugged charm, modern amenities, and impressive off-road capabilities makes it a compelling package. The starting price of Rs 12.99 lakh for the RWD variant is aggressive and will undoubtedly attract a wide audience.
The Roxx is a far more mature and refined SUV compared to its predecessor. It offers a comfortable ride, a decent feature set, and impressive safety standards. While the 4×4 variants are yet to be priced, the RWD option is likely to suffice for most buyers.
View this post on Instagram
With its strong product offering and aggressive pricing, the Thar Roxx is poised to be a massive success. Mahindra’s prediction of a two-year waiting period seems plausible. We’re eager to put the Thar Roxx through its paces on more challenging terrains, including the Western Ghats and the Himalayas, to fully assess its capabilities.
