Mahindra Thar Roxx to get updated platform & advanced off-road tech
Details about the Mahindra Thar Roxx have surfaced, revealing a host of advanced features and upgrades. Set to debut globally on India’s Independence Day, the Thar Roxx is more than just an extended version of the popular Thar 3-door. It boasts a new platform, refined off-road capabilities and multiple engine options tailored to meet diverse customer needs.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is built on an updated 4G platform, a progression from the 3G platform introduced with the Scorpio N in 2022. This new platform is reportedly 40 kg lighter than its predecessor, contributing to improved efficiency and performance. The 5-door SUV features an all-metal body shell, including a robust full-metal hard top, constructed with advanced high-strength steel, especially in the pillar areas. This construction enhances the vehicle’s durability and safety.
The Thar Roxx’s suspension system is designed for off-road excellence, featuring an independent front suspension with double wishbones and a multilink rear setup with Watts linkage. Additionally, Mahindra’s ‘Frequency Dependent Damping’ technology, borrowed from the Scorpio N, is incorporated to improve ride quality, making the Thar Roxx a formidable contender in the off-road segment.
Under the hood, the Thar Roxx offers both diesel and petrol engine options, sharing some of its powertrains with the Scorpio N but with unique tuning for different variants. The diesel variant will feature Mahindra’s mHawk Gen2 2.2-litre engine, delivering 150 HP and 350 Nm of torque for the entry-level model and 172 HP and 370 Nm for higher variants. These figures represent a slight increase compared to the Scorpio N’s outputs of 132 HP and 171 HP. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
For petrol enthusiasts, the Thar Roxx comes equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, offering power outputs of 160 HP and 330 Nm for the base model and 175 HP and 380 Nm for higher variants. While these outputs are slightly lower than the Scorpio N’s 203 HP version of the same engine, they promise to deliver robust performance both on and off the road.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is equipped with Mahindra’s 4Xplor off-road setup, which includes an electronic brake locking differential (E-BLD) and an electronic locking differential (ELD). The vehicle offers multiple terrain modes, such as Snow, Sand and Mud, to cater to various off-road conditions. Unlike the Scorpio N, which features a shift-on-the-fly 4WD setup, the Thar Roxx retains a traditional lever-operated 4WD system with 2H, 4H and 4L modes, similar to the Thar 3-door.
A standout feature in the Thar Roxx is the Crawl Smart Assist (CSA) system, available in the automatic variants. This feature allows the driver to set a desired speed between 2.5 km/hr and 30 km/hr during off-road driving, enabling the vehicle to navigate challenging terrain at a consistent pace without additional driver input.
Another innovation debuting on the Thar Roxx is the ‘Intelli Turn Assist’ feature, which enhances the vehicle’s manoeuvrability in tight spaces. This system locks the rear inner wheel based on steering input to achieve a tighter turning radius, operational at speeds below 15 km/hr and for up to 15 seconds at a time. However, to engage this feature, the electronic locking differential must first be disengaged.
The Thar Roxx is engineered for serious off-road use, with an approach angle of 41.3 degrees, a departure angle of 36.1 degrees and a ramp-over angle of 23.6 degrees. It also offers a water-wading depth of 650 mm, comparable to the Thar 3-door.
The Thar Roxx will be available in over six variants, starting with the W3 variant, which is expected to be a 2WD-only model. Mid-spec variants will include 4WD options, making the Thar Roxx accessible to a broader range of customers.
In terms of features, the Thar Roxx is designed to appeal to both off-road enthusiasts and those seeking comfort and convenience. The SUV will be available exclusively as a 5-seater, with even the entry-level versions expected to be well-equipped. Notably, the entire Thar Roxx range will feature a metal hard top, with mid-spec variants offering a single-pane sunroof and higher trims boasting a panoramic setup. Other expected features include dual digital screens, LED lights and additional creature comforts compared to the Thar 3-door.
