A Much-Needed Break & The Perfect Ride
After three months of non-stop work on projects, Teena, Joel and I decided it was time for a well-deserved break. The plan? A thrilling road trip from Mumbai to Jaisalmer. We then asked Parth if we could get a car for the drive. The journey required a powerful, rugged and reliable SUV, and we were hoping we don’t get a run of the mill hatchback, a low-slung sedan or a pseudo SUV. We were hoping for a proper SUV and Parth got us just that, the Mahindra Thar Roxx. With its robust 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and 4×4, it was built to handle every challenge on the way.
The Road Trip Begins: Mumbai to Ahmedabad
The journey kicked off at the iconic Gateway of India, where Joel and I waited for Teena, who was as usual, running late. When she did arrive, we quickly filled its massive 447 litre boot space, and took off. The first leg of the trip was to go from Mumbai to Ahmedabad, cruising along the Vadodara Expressway. With 370 Nm torque available from just 1500 RPM, the drive was smooth and effortless. As night fell, LED headlights provided excellent visibility, making night driving comfortable and safe.
After a long day of driving, we decided to head to one of the most popular places in the city for street food, Manik Baug. Taking the large SUV through the narrow lanes was an easy affair and the size definitely drew a lot of attention. After some tawa pulao and butter-loaded pav bhaji, and then some delicious kulfi, we were full and ready to hit the bed.
Onward to Jaisalmer: A Test of Power & Comfort
Fueled up and ready to roll, we embarked on the long journey to Jaisalmer. The Thar Roxx proved its exceptional ride quality once again. Teena chose to ride shotgun, as she liked the Thar Roxx for its quiet cabin, comfortable and ventilated seats which made the drive enjoyable for her.
While cruising through Rajasthan, we reflected on Jaisalmer’s history, and discussed the origins of the Golden Fort (Sonar Kila) and the legendary Raja Jaisal. When Joel was navigating through the narrow lanes of the fort, he thought it would be a challenge but the light electronic power steering and the 360-degree camera meant it was even more easier than he had hoped it would be.
Off-Roading Like a Pro in the Thar Roxx
Jaisalmer’s dunes provided the perfect playground to test the off-road beast. The CrawlSmart feature was a game-changer, allowing the SUV to maneuver effortlessly without manually using brakes or the accelerator when we got stuck in the sand dunes. The Thar Roxx also has another trick up its sleeve called the IntelliTurn, which essentially locks the inside rear wheel while making a tight turn to reduce the turning radius significantly.
For Teena, this was her first real off-roading experience, and it was nothing short of thrilling. Engaging 4×4 mode for dune bashing was an absolute blast! The Thar Roxx handled the extreme conditions with ease, proving why it’s India’s go-to off-road vehicle.
After a long day of adventure, I swapped the driver seat for the rear seat and handed over the keys to Joel. I found myself surprisingly comfortable in the rear seats, catching up on much-needed sleep—testament to Mahindra’s new M_Glyde platform, which the Thar Roxx uses. This meant I wasn’t being tossed around like on other ladder frame SUVs and offered ride comfort which was in a league of its own.
A Historic Stop: Longewala War Memorial
The next day, we set off for the Longewala War Memorial, a site that commemorates India’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The roads leading to the memorial were in pristine condition, making the drive even more enjoyable.
The Penta-Link suspension ensured a smooth ride, even on rugged terrains. Exploring the war memorial, Tanot Mata Mandir and seeing the historic battle tanks made the journey even more meaningful.
A Journey to Remember
The Thar Roxx made this entire trip an unforgettable experience—from its rugged off-road capabilities to its luxurious comfort. Whether it was dune bashing, covering 600 km in a single day, or cruising the highways, the Thar Roxx proved its versatility every step of the way.
And while the trip seemed flawless, an unexpected twist awaited. When we were in the desert, the SUV started on its own in the middle of the night just when Joel was heading to his room! Definitely something that gave Joel the chills, but soon, everyone realized it was just a prank by Parth as he was using the connected car feature from his phone—a hilarious moment that added even more fun to the trip.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Road Trip Companion
For anyone planning an off-road adventure or a long-haul road trip, the Thar Roxx is the perfect choice. It blends power, safety, comfort and off-road excellence, ensuring that every journey is an unforgettable one.
If you crave adventure, get the Thar Roxx and hit the road—you won’t regret it!
