Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra Thar Roxx exterior

It gets a new 6-slot split grille, C-shaped LED DRLs in the front and at the rear, and full LED headlamps. The roof is fixed and comes in a grey colour. There is a thick sloping C-pillar and a unique triangular quarter glass, while the rear door's handles are concealed on the rear edge of the door. You get larger 19-inch wheels on the top-spec AX7L variant.

Mahindra Thar Roxx interior

The rear seat is spacious but the large panoramic sunroof frame eats into headroom a bit. The seat offers a generous recline angle but cushioning all around is firm. Upholstery is beige with a two-tone dash that uses soft-touch black leatherette at the top, and while quality is largely good, there are some fit-and-finish gremlins. Cupholders, door pockets and central storage are small but you get a big glovebox and a huge 644-litre boot.

Mahindra Thar Roxx features

There are more features than in the 3-door Thar, highlights of which are the huge panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, push-button start, blind-spot cameras, powered driver's seat, ventilated front seats, 360deg cameras, Connected Car Tech, 9-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, and 10.25in screens for the infotainment and dials.

Mahindra Thar Roxx safety

The Mahindra Thar Roxx has not been crash tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP yet. It gets 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, seatbelt reminders and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers and basic electronic safety aids as standard. Top versions get ADAS Level 2 features and there are now disc brakes at the rear as well.

Mahindra Thar Roxx engine and gearbox

The 2.0 turbo petrol (162hp, 330Nm in Manual; 177hp, 380Nm in automatic guise), and the 2.2 diesel (152hp, 330Nm in 4x2; 175hp, 370Nm in 4x4 guise) are both strong engines. The petrol is incredibly refined and powerful, aided by a smooth but aggressive 6-speed torque converter AT gearbox. The diesel is more relaxed but no less able, with a strong reserve of torque ever ready to go. The manual gearbox (and its clutch pedal) has long travel but is light to use. Petrol automatic versions get a Zoom sport mode, while all automatics get Snow, Sand and Mud modes.

Mahindra Thar Roxx off road

All versions get a brake-locking differential as standard, while 4x4 variants get an electronic locking rear diff and low-range transfer case. There's a low-speed off-road crawl mode as well as intelli-steer assist which brakes the inside wheel for sharp turns during offroading. Ground clearance is not revealed but is estimated to be over 230mm, while water wading ability is 650mm. Approach, departure and ramp-breakover angles are 41.7, 36.1 and 23.9 degrees, respectively.

Mahindra Thar Roxx comfort and handling

The new, lighter and stiffer chassis gives the Thar Roxx superior ride comfort compared to the Thar 3 Door and Scorpio N. It employs frequency dependent dampers and rubber rebound stops to absorb bumps better, and the tracks and suspension mountings are wider for better stability. It also moves to electronic power steering from hydraulic for much easier maneouvrability and less steering shock. It's not quite as comfy as monocoque SUVs, but is good by body-on-frame standards.

Mahindra Thar Roxx price and verdict

Priced between Rs 12.99 lakh and Rs 20.49 lakh, introductory, ex showroom, the Thar Roxx covers a wide price band. However, prices for 4x4 variants were not revealed at launch and will add a few lakhs on top. It's more than merely an extended Thar, but rather a whole new SUV whose tech and improvements will filter down the range. It combines the tech of the XUV700 with the presence of the Scorpio N and the capability of the Thar to become perhaps the best all-rounder in the Mahindra range, and perhaps at this price point as well.