Mahindra Thar Roxx: The rugged terrain of Mahindra’s Igatpuri test facility transformed into an adventure playground yesterday as automotive journalists experienced the much-anticipated Thar Roxx. This five-door variant of India’s beloved off-roader promises to solve the eternal dilemma – choosing between weekend adventure capability and daily family practicality.

Adventure enthusiast and mother of two, Kavita Sharma, perfectly captured the market sentiment after her test drive. “I’ve wanted a Thar since forever, but two doors meant constantly folding seats for my kids. The Roxx changes everything. I can drop kids at school Monday and tackle mountain trails Sunday. It’s the compromise I never thought possible.”

Design Evolution Maintains Character

The Roxx stretches 300mm longer than the three-door sibling, but clever design ensures it doesn’t look ungainly. The iconic seven-slat grille remains, now flanked by LED projector headlamps with C-shaped DRLs. The longer wheelbase improves proportions while maintaining the upright, purposeful stance Thar owners cherish.

Side profile reveals the major change – rear doors integrated seamlessly into the classic design. The doors open wide at 85 degrees, easing entry/exit for rear passengers. Black wheel arch cladding flows continuously, maintaining visual cohesion. The spare wheel still mounts on the tailgate, preserving the adventure-ready appearance.

Multiple roof options cater to different preferences. The hard top provides security and refinement for daily use. The convertible soft top enables open-air experiences. The removable panels option offers compromise – structured safety with optional openness. Each configuration maintains structural rigidity for serious off-roading.

Interior Space Transforms Usability

The extended wheelbase liberates rear passenger space dramatically. Adults sit comfortably without knees touching front seats. The flat floor enables three passengers when needed. ISOFIX mounts on outer rear seats accommodate child seats properly – impossible in three-door versions. It’s genuine five-adult capacity, not marketing optimism.

Material quality sees significant upgrades throughout. Soft-touch dashboard plastics replace hard surfaces. Leatherette seats resist wear while being easy to clean after muddy adventures. Rubber floor mats come standard, acknowledging owners will bring the outdoors inside. The dual-tone black and brown interior adds sophistication without losing ruggedness.

Technology integration respects modern expectations. The 10.25-inch touchscreen runs Mahindra’s AdrenoX interface smoothly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly. The digital instrument cluster displays off-road statistics like tilt angles and compass headings. Physical controls remain for critical functions – important when wearing gloves or dealing with muddy fingers.

Powertrain Options Balance Needs

Two engine choices cater to different priorities. The 2.0-liter mStallion turbo-petrol produces 150 bhp and 320 Nm torque for those prioritizing refinement. The 2.2-liter mHawk diesel generates 130 bhp and 300 Nm for torque lovers and fuel efficiency seekers. Both engines pull the heavier five-door body without feeling strained.

Transmission options include six-speed manual and six-speed torque converter automatic. The manual offers mechanical connection enthusiasts prefer, with well-spaced ratios for varied terrain. The automatic suits daily traffic better while offering manual override for challenging sections. Low-range transfer case comes standard, maintaining serious off-road capability.

The additional weight affects performance marginally. Zero to 100 kmph takes about 12 seconds with the petrol engine – adequate rather than thrilling. But Thars aren’t about straight-line speed. The engines provide smooth, predictable power delivery crucial for technical off-roading. Fuel efficiency ranges from 12-15 kmpl depending on engine and driving conditions.

Off-Road Capability Remains Uncompromised

Mahindra ensured the longer wheelbase doesn’t dilute capability. Ground clearance stays at 226mm. Approach angle of 41.8 degrees and departure angle of 36.8 degrees remain impressive. Water wading depth of 650mm matches the three-door. The Roxx tackles everything its smaller sibling conquers.

The mechanical locking rear differential comes standard on 4×4 variants. Electronic brake-lock differential manages traction on 4×2 versions effectively. The dedicated off-road modes – Snow, Sand, and Mud – adjust throttle response and traction control intervention appropriately. Hill descent control maintains controlled speeds on steep declines.

Suspension tuning accommodates the weight increase brilliantly. The independent front suspension and multi-link rear setup balance on-road comfort with off-road articulation. Body roll stays controlled during road driving while allowing wheel travel needed for obstacles. It’s masterful tuning serving dual purposes.

Safety Features Address Family Concerns

The Roxx introduces safety features absent in three-door variants. Dual front airbags come standard, with six airbags available on higher trims. Electronic stability control with rollover mitigation provides confidence. The steel cage construction exceeds global crash norms. Rear parking sensors and camera prevent expensive scrapes.

Advanced features include hill hold assist, preventing rollback on inclines. The electronic stability program can be partially disabled for serious off-roading while maintaining rollover protection. ISOFIX mounts and three-point seatbelts for all passengers show family focus. Even small details like puddle lamps under doors prevent muddy surprises.

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Mahindra Thar Roxx Market Positioning Looks Strategic

Expected pricing between ₹15-21 lakhs positions the Roxx brilliantly. It undercuts most five-door SUVs while offering genuine off-road capability. The lifestyle appeal attracts urban buyers, while rural customers appreciate practical toughness. It’s accessible adventure for growing families previously excluded from Thar ownership.

Booking numbers already exceed projections. Dealers report 65% inquiries from families upgrading from compact SUVs. Weekend adventure groups show strong interest in the passenger capacity. Even commercial operators appreciate the combination of people-carrying ability and go-anywhere capability.

The Mahindra Thar Roxx solves a uniquely Indian challenge – balancing joint family needs with individual adventure desires. By adding doors without diluting character, Mahindra created something special. It proves practical vehicles needn’t be boring, and adventure machines can accommodate car seats. Sometimes the best innovations simply remove previous limitations.