There are many SUVs world over which are available in 3-Door and 5-door versions. And that has now trickled down to India as well. While Force launched the 5 door version of their Gurkha, Maruti launched the Jimny in India in 5 door config only. Clearly just stretching the Jimny hasn’t worked well after seeing the sales figures of what is a very popular SUV globally. Which now brings us to the Mahindra Thar. After the first gen Thar launch in 2010 followed by the facelift in 2015, the second gen model that came in 2020 blew everyone away. Even Mahindra didn’t anticipate such a frenzy and success. But the 2020 Thar wasn’t without its limitations. The 3 door layout was impractical and the ride quality was far from comfortable. It just couldn’t be the primary vehicle of the household, 2nd or 3rd at best. And that’s where the idea of a 5 door Thar came from. Say hello to the Mahindra Thar Roxx. And it isnt just a Thar with two extra doors by any stretch of imagination. So what is it? We spent this year’s Independence Day driving this new SUV around Kochi down south. Here’s all you need to know.
Mahindra Thar Roxx Exterior
The Mahindra Thar Roxx features the new 4th gen body on frame chassis. This is the biggest differentiator vs the 3 door Thar. It has a stiffer and lighter ladder frame with a new multi-link suspension system with a Watt’s linkage to control body roll. Now coming to the dimensions. The Thar measures 4428 mm in length, 1870 mm width and 1923 mm in height. The 2850 mm wheelbase is 400 mm longer than that of its 3 door sibling. The track has also been widened for better driving dynamics.
At the front, there are notable changes like the 6-slat grille, redesigned bumper and C-shaped DRLs with LED headlamps and fog lamps. The front windshield, bonnet, front fenders and the front doors are identical to the 3 door Thar.The front fender gets the Thar Roxx logo finished in chrome. The top end AX7 L gets 19 inch diamond cut alloys. While the design is nice, I feel the 18 inch alloys on the 3 door are a little more butchy. The lower variants get 18 inch alloys or steel wheels. Moving to the back, the C-shaped design is carried forward rather backwards (here) to the tail lamps along with a redesigned bumper. The split tailgate remains the same as 3-Door, however a rear wiper is a welcome addition. There is tail gate mounted full size spare tyre with alloy wheel. The reverse camera is integrated into the spare wheel. The Thar Roxx gets a full metal top along with a slanted C pillar and a distinct rear quarter glass. The rear door handle is placed vertically at a higher position. The dual tone black metal roof is standard across the variants. The Thar Roxx is offered in 7 exterior colours – Stealth Black, Tango Red, Everest White, Deep Forest, Nebula Blue, Battleship Grey and Burnt Sienna.
