India’s love affair with rugged, capable SUVs has just been taken to a whole new level with the introduction of the Mahindra Thar ROXX. This five-door marvel builds upon the legendary Thar legacy while embracing cutting-edge technology.
Gone are the days when off-road enthusiasts had to sacrifice comfort for capability. With the Thar ROXX, Mahindra has pulled off an engineering feat that seemed impossible just a few years ago. Five doors, spacious interiors, and advanced tech features – all wrapped in that unmistakable Thar DNA that’s been conquering Indian terrain for decades.
Let’s dive into the exciting innovations that make the Thar ROXX a game-changer in the Indian automotive landscape.
A New Era of Accessibility
The most significant innovation in the Thar ROXX is immediately apparent – it’s a five-door vehicle. This seemingly simple addition brings a world of difference, transforming the Thar from a niche off-roader to a versatile family SUV. Let’s delve into the implications of this design change:
Family-Friendly Design
- Ease of Entry: The addition of rear doors eliminates the need for awkward clambering into the back seat. Passengers can now enter and exit with grace and ease, making it particularly convenient for families with children or elderly members. Test drive it to know it!
- Improved Safety: Rear doors provide a safer entry and exit point, especially when parked on busy streets. Children can be securely fastened into car seats without the gymnastics required in the three-door version.
- Versatile Seating: The five-door configuration allows for various seating arrangements, potentially accommodating up to five adults comfortably – a significant upgrade from the four-seater three-door model.
Spacious Comfort
- Extended Wheelbase: The Thar ROXX boasts a longer wheelbase of 2850 mm compared to its three-door sibling. This extension translates to:
- Increased legroom: Rear passengers can stretch out with an estimated 8-10 cm more legroom.
- Improved Ride Quality: The longer wheelbase typically results in better stability and a smoother ride, especially at highway speeds.
- Enhanced Interior Space: The Length of 4428 mm and the width of 1870 mm allow for more headroom and shoulder room, reducing the claustrophobic feel some passengers experience in the three-door model.
Practicality Meets Adventure
- Increased Boot Space: The extended body of the Thar ROXX provides significantly more cargo capacity. Early estimates suggest a boot space increase of up to 40% compared to the three-door version.
- Flexible Storage: The rear seats likely feature a 60:40 split-folding mechanism, allowing for various cargo and passenger configurations.
- Roof Rack Compatibility: The longer roof provides more options for mounting roof racks and cargo boxes, further expanding storage capabilities for adventure gear.
- Uncompromised Capability: Despite the increased size, Mahindra has maintained the Thar’s impressive approach and departure angles, ensuring it retains its off-road prowess.
By introducing the five-door Thar ROXX, Mahindra has effectively broadened the appeal of its iconic off-roader. It now caters not just to adventure enthusiasts but also to urban families seeking a rugged yet practical daily driver. This evolution represents a significant step in Thar’s journey, potentially positioning it as a strong contender in India’s competitive SUV market.
Powertrain Prowess
Under the hood, the Thar ROXX flexes some serious muscle:
Petrol Power
- 2.0-litre mStallion turbo engine
- 160 bhp and 380 Nm of torque
- Perfect for those who crave smooth, responsive performance
Diesel Dynamite
- 2.2-litre mHawk engine
- 150 bhp and 370 Nm of torque
- Ideal for long-distance tourers and off-road enthusiasts
Both engines come paired with either a 6-speed manual or a slick 6-speed automatic transmission. This level of choice puts the Thar ROXX in a league closer to its more premium siblings like the XUV700 and Scorpio.
Tech-Savvy Cabin
Step inside the Thar ROXX, and a surprising level of sophistication greets you:
- Twin 26.03 cm HD Digital Screens: A fully digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment system.
- Wireless Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- Adrenox Connected Car Technology: With Alexa built-in and 83 connected features.
- Climate Control Comfort: Automatic climate control with rear AC vents.
- Ventilated Front Seats: Beat the heat in style.
- Harman Kardon™ Premium Audio: 9-speaker system with DTS sound staging.
- Wireless Charging: Keep your devices powered up without cables.
Safety First
The Thar ROXX doesn’t skimp on safety features:
- Up to 6 airbags for comprehensive protection
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with 35+ safety features
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- 360-degree Surround View Camera
But here’s where it gets really interesting – the Thar ROXX introduces Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to the lineup. Features like Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control were once the domain of luxury vehicles. Now, they’re making their way into this rugged adventurer, showcasing Mahindra’s commitment to cutting-edge safety tech.
Exterior Enhancements
The Thar ROXX retains its iconic silhouette while introducing some modern touches:
- New grille design for a fresh face
- C-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
- Projector headlamps for improved visibility
- Stylish dual-tone alloy wheels
- Rectangular LED tail lights – a departure from the classic round units
- R18 or R19 Diamond Cut Alloy wheels
Color Options:
Nebula Blue, Stealth Black, Deep Forest, Everest White, Burnt Sienna, Battleship Grey, and Tango Red (all with Black accents)
Pricing and Availability
The Thar ROXX starts at a competitive Rs. 12.99 lakh for the petrol variant and Rs. 13.99 lakh for the diesel (ex-showroom prices for the base MX variant). This pricing strategy positions it as an attractive option for buyers looking to upgrade from smaller SUVs or even premium hatchbacks.
Good news for eager fans – Mahindra is now accepting offline bookings at dealerships across India. So, if you’re itching to get behind the wheel of this innovative new Thar, head to your nearest Mahindra showroom using a dealer locator.
The Verdict
The Thar ROXX represents a bold step forward for Mahindra. It takes the beloved Thar formula and injects it with a healthy dose of practicality and technology. While purists might argue that it strays from the original’s bare-bones appeal, the ROXX opens up the Thar experience to a whole new segment of buyers.
With its blend of rugged capability, family-friendly design, and surprising tech features, the Thar ROXX is poised to shake up the Indian SUV market. It’s no longer just a weekend toy—it’s a legitimate contender for your everyday driver who can still tackle the toughest trails when adventure calls.
So, are you ready to answer the call of the wild in comfort and style? Book your Thar ROXX today!
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