The Thar has always been a brand about hardcore offroading especially with the first generation model. However, with the second generation, the Thar became more of a lifestyle SUV and despite being a niche product, it went on to sell in large numbers. Mahindra now has gone to the other extreme direction and wants to make the Thar a premium SUV which would help it to further add to its sales. The Thar Roxx is the result and it is not a 3-door Thar with an extra pair of doors but a different product yet still within the Thar brand. Launched at very competitive prices, the Roxx is a 5-seater SUV designed for wider palates.
Hence, it is more related to the Scorpio N with its body on frame chassis and yet looks unmistakably like a Thar. That said, it also looks a bit different from the 3-door, with a length of 4428mm and a wheelbase of 2850mm, it is certainly bigger and has more presence. Plus the grille at the front is the talking point with 6 body coloured slots while there are new LED projector headlamps. At the side you see the length and also the large 19inch alloys while the C-pillar treatment is unique along with the doors handle position. It looks busier than the 3-door but has a huge presence while getting a lot of attention on the drive. The size and the extra bulk adds to it.
The interior on the other hand is a shock to the Thar 3 door owner as it is completely new. Luxurious leatherette upholstery, soft touch dash and a large new touchscreen greet you along with a digital instrument cluster. It is way more luxurious now and feels well built too. There are more features too including cooled seats, a powered driver seat, a panoramic sunroof, 360 degree cameras, powered handbrake, ADAS, armrests, rear AC vents, remote fuel lid opener and more. The Harman Kardon audio system is lovely too while the touchscreen response is crisp. The camera display is not best at this price though and the door pockets have near zero storage but other than that it is a surprisingly premium cabin- more luxurious than the Scorpio N even.
The Thar Roxx is a tall car and getting in and out requires some effort but there is a grab handle. The rear seat again has plenty of room and excellent headroom despite the panoramic sunroof while the flat floor means three can comfortably sit too. The seat base is a bit short though and you sir a bit knees up but otherwise it is well done. Even the 664litre boot is large and commodious.
Fire up the 2.2-litre diesel and it is very quiet, power figures are slightly less than the petrol but 173bhp and 370Nm are more than enough for the size of this car. However, it is not the power but the new electric steering which is the surprising bit. It makes the big Thar Roxx much more easier to park and drive at low speeds over the 3-door version while making it more practical. We drove the 4x2 diesel automatic with the 6-speed auto and this gearbox suits the Roxx. It is smooth and matches up to the engine plus while there are no steering paddles, the immense torque of this engine comes in handy. Like on the Scorpio N, it is smooth and power is plenty which means highway cruising is its USP. Out in the city, its size is not an issue at all and you get used to it very quickly with an excellent commanding driving position. Compared to the regular 3-door Thar, it is much less bouncy too and the ride flattens the road with its poise.
The suspension is excellent and enables it to have a sense of confidence to take it everywhere. Sure, the ride is still a bit firm due to the larger wheels, but it is much more comfortable than the 3-door while being similar to the Scorpio N. The steering also weighs up and has enough direct feedback but for enthusiasts, especially off-road lovers, a bit more feedback from the steering would have been better. Under hard acceleration, the Roxx stops and goes with much better control and while again there is body roll, it is much better managed. You soon enjoy it and like driving it. There are drive modes- Zip and Zoom while there are terrain modes for even the RWD too. Off-road, the Roxx is less nimble than the 3-door but still does very well with its 650mm water wading ability plus optimum approach and departure angles.
With a starting price of Rs 12.99 lakh, the Thar Roxx expands the Thar name to a much wider audience with its newfound practicality, features and sophistication. It is not a niche enthusiast car but a proper rugged family SUV that is great value for money. Is it a proper Thar? Yes but it is now a much more improved product and has plenty of appeal in this congested Rs 10-25 lakh space.
What we like- Looks, space, interior, features, performance, suspension
What we do not like- No petrol 4x4 option, in-cabin storage could be better, 3-door a better off-roader
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