What to Expect from the Upcoming Thar ROXX Launch

The Thar, Mahindra’s iconic off-roader SUV, has been a runaway success story in India. Its distinctive retro-modern styling, unrivalled capability over varied terrains, and competitive pricing have made it hugely popular. However, Thar’s standard limited rear seat space and accessibility have been pain points. Now, Mahindra aims to address these shortcomings while building on Thar’s core strengths with the upcoming 5-door ‘ROXX’ variant.

Christened the Thar ROXX, this new iteration retains the 3-door model’s essence but adds much-needed practicality via two extra doors and an extended wheelbase. The Thar ROXX promises to enhance practicality and comfort without compromising on the Thar’s go-anywhere appeal that buyers love.

Let’s take a closer look at what the five-door Thar ROXX has to offer.

Familiar Yet Distinct Styling

The basic silhouette and body lines of the Thar ROXX are similar to the three-door model that we’ve all come to love. Upfront, the familiar seven-slat grille flanked by round headlamps continues to grab attention. However, a closer inspection reveals plenty of small yet distinct touches that help differentiate the Thar ROXX. These include C-shaped LED daytime running lamps, restyled front and rear bumpers, wider fender flares and newly designed dual-tone alloy wheels.

At the rear, the spare wheel has moved from the tailgate to the rear bumper, while the tail lamps retain their rectangular shape but now use LED lighting elements. Overall, the styling continues to reflect the Thar’s go-anywhere capability while also looking more polished and upmarket.

Feature-Loaded Cabin

While the exterior retains the essence of the original, the interiors have been completely revamped. The dashboard layout is all-new and focused around a large 26.03cm touchscreen display with the latest connectivity options. You also get a fully digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats.

The seats get a dual-tone treatment along with lumbar support for the driver. And audiophiles will love the Harmon Kardon-tuned sound system. Apart from the apparent increase in space, the rear bench seat also reclines for added comfort. So, despite its rugged underpinnings, the ROXX’s cabin feels thoroughly modern and packed with features you’d expect in an urban Mahindra SUV.

Thar ROXX Variants

It remains to be seen what variants the Thar ROXX will be available in, but Mahindra has announced that the base model will be called MX1. The 3-door Thar is sold in AX Option and LX trims currently. We expect at least 3-4 variants for the Thar ROXX similar to the standard Thar lineup. Details regarding features, transmission and drivetrain options for specific Thar ROXX variants will only be disclosed closer to its launch. However buyers can expect multiple configurations to choose from, allowing customisation as per need and budget. Given its positioning as a more lifestyle-focused SUV, the Thar ROXX could also get additional exclusive variants focused on luxury and tech.

Capable Mechanicals

Under the hood, Mahindra has equipped the five-door Thar with the same powertrain options as the three-door model. So you can choose between a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motor or a 2.2-litre diesel mill, churning out 150 bhp and 330 Nm of torque. Transmission options include 6-speed manuals or 6-speed automatics. As before, there’s a shift-on-fly 4WD system with a low-range gearbox for serious off-roading.

The petrol motor should appeal to anyone looking for an effortless drive while the diesel promises better pulling power and efficiency. You retain the same excellent off-road hardware, including mechanical locking differentials, high ground clearance, and water-wading capacity. Simply put, the Thar ROXX promises better comfort without diluting any of the OG Thar’s immense capabilities.

Mahindra has made it easy to find the showroom nearest to you. Just head over to their official website and use the dealer locator option. Simply enter your city or pincode and it will instantly display contact details and addresses of authorized Mahindra showrooms in your vicinity. You can then visit your preferred local dealership, check out the ROXX first-hand and also place an early booking to reserve one ahead of the festive season.

Safer Than Before

Given its additional length and weight increase over the standard Thar, rigidly reinforcing the chassis was key for dynamic stability. To that effect, Mahindra has used high-tensile steel in essential areas to retain torsional stiffness. Safety has also been boosted with the addition of up to six airbags, electronic stability control, rollover mitigation and more. There is also a driver assistance tech package on offer which includes adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking and more.

While crash test ratings are yet to be revealed, we can also expect similarly high scores as the four-star Global NCAP rating achieved by the three-door Thar. Features like ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill-hold assist, and brake disc wiping further add to the safety quotient. Overall, the Thar ROXX feels like an authentic upgrade that enhances comfort and practicality without removing the off-road SUV’s character, which buyers love.

Expected Prices

Mahindra has launched the Thar ROXX in India at an introductory starting price of Rs 12.99 lakh for the base petrol version and Rs 13.99 lakh for the base diesel (all prices ex-showroom, pan India). This makes it around a lakh more affordable than an equivalent three-door Thar. Depending on the specs chosen, top-spec Thar ROXX model's cost would increase by lakh, keeping it an enticing value proposition.

With the five-door Thar ROXX, Mahindra has played it smart. They’ve built upon the runaway success of the original Thar formula without tampering too much with it. You get an authentic Thar experience but with the added space, easier access and modern comforts that customers desire. It retains the same off-road hardware, has an upmarket cabin loaded with goodies, gets added safety, and even undercuts its three-door twin on pricing.

The Bottom Line

The wait is finally over as Mahindra unveils its Practical yet Authentic iteration of the Thar SUV to the world - the Thar ROXX. By retaining the original Thar’s essence and augmenting it judiciously with enhanced space, access and features, the Thar ROXX has all the elements to appeal to thrill-seeking families. Its authentic design, modern creature comforts, generous features and enhanced safety make for an alluring package. Most importantly, Mahindra SUV has priced it smartly too. If initial impressions convert into sales numbers, the legendary Thar story is ready for an exciting newROXX-ing chapter that could redefine the adventure-ready SUV space.