Mahindra has revealed a more practical version of its Jeep Wrangler-esque Thar off-roader.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx features a longer wheelbase and a pair of extra doors, offering seating for five.
The Thar Roxx range opens at 12.99 Lakh, or around A$23,000, and goes on sale in India in October.
“Our primary focus in the immediate future is on meeting the robust demand for the Thar Roxx within the India market,” said a Mahindra spokesperson.
“We appreciate the interest shown from international audience regarding Thar Roxx. We will provide updates as appropriate should there be any new developments regarding the Thar Roxx.”
Mahindra says the Thar Roxx is underpinned by its new M_Glyde platform, which it claims offers the “refined urban sophistication” of its unibody XUV700 with “unparalleled, tech-enabled off-road capabilities”.
It features independent double-wishbone suspension with coil springs up front, and a live axle with a Watt’s linkage down back.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, with a part-time four-wheel drive system optional.
| Petrol | Diesel | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.2-litre four-cylinder |
| Power | 119-130kW @ 5000rpm | 119kW @ 3750rpm 128.6kW @ 3500rpm |
| Torque | 330-380Nm @ 1750-3000rpm | 330-370Nm @ 1500-3000rpm |
| Drive type | Rear- or four-wheel drive | Rear- or four-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 6-speed torque converter auto | 6-speed manual 6-speed torque converter auto |
It closely resembles the existing Thar, with a pair of round headlights, a boxy body, and a side-hinged split rear tailgate with an externally mounted spare wheel.
The headlights are LED items with automatic high-beam available. The tail lights use LEDs, too.
| Mahindra Thar Roxx | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4428mm |
| Width | 1870mm |
| Height | 1923mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850mm |
| Wading depth | 650mm |
| Approach angle | 41.7° |
| Departure angle | 36.1° |
| Rampover angle | 23.9° |
Inside, there’s an available 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and integrated Amazon Alexa.
Other available equipment includes a wireless phone charger, Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a power driver’s seat, a leatherette-wrapped dashboard and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
You can also remotely start up the car, open or close the sunroof, and adjust the climate settings.
Available safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as adaptive cruise control with stop/go, a blind-spot view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic sign recognition.
Mahindra announced in 2020 it wanted to bring the Thar to Australia – before backtracking in 2021 and telling the Federal Court it wouldn’t sell the car locally in its current iteration.
Mahindra Thar
At the same time it was locked in a legal battle with Jeep Australia’s parent company, which alleged the Thar impinged on its design trademarks.
Mahindra made no admission of fault at the time, suggesting a Thar with a different design could come Down Under eventually.
“We’ll be closely evaluating that space, and we will disclose that when we have finished our planning,” said a Mahindra executive last year when asked if the more practical Thar would come to Australia.
“As of now, India is our priority market.”
