The anticipation surrounding the Mahindra Thar Roxx, the 5-door variant of the beloved Thar, is reaching a fever pitch as its debut approaches on August 15. Mahindra has begun teasing the upcoming SUV, giving us a sneak peek at the exterior design changes that set the Thar Roxx apart from its 3-door sibling. Let's delve into the five key exterior differences that make the Thar Roxx a standout in the SUV segment.
1. A New Front Grille Design
One of the most noticeable changes in the Thar Roxx is its redesigned front grille. Departing from the smaller six-slat grille found on the three-door Thar, the Roxx boasts a new, bolder grille design. This transformation not only gives the SUV a more aggressive look but also includes a front camera, indicating the presence of a 360-degree camera setup. This enhancement is a significant upgrade, promising improved visibility and safety.
2. New LED Headlights
Another prominent upgrade in the Thar Roxx is the lighting setup. While the current 3-door Thar features a halogen headlight configuration, the Thar Roxx steps up the game with new LED headlights. Complementing these are C-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that wrap around the headlights, adding a modern touch to the SUV’s rugged exterior. This not only enhances the vehicle's aesthetic appeal but also improves nighttime visibility.
3. Extended Wheelbase
The most significant structural change between the two versions of the Thar is the extended wheelbase of the Roxx. This elongation allows for the addition of extra doors, making the Thar Roxx a true 5-door SUV. The increased wheelbase translates to more legroom and comfort for passengers, particularly in the extra row of seats. This change is likely to appeal to families and those who require additional passenger space without compromising on the Thar’s off-road prowess.
4. New Alloy Wheels
The Thar Roxx rolls on a stylish set of 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, a departure from the monotone 18-inch alloy wheels found on the 3-door Thar. This new design not only enhances the visual appeal of the SUV but also offers a fresh take on the Thar’s robust personality. Additionally, the Thar Roxx features squarish wheel arches, replacing the rounded ones on the 3-door model, further distinguishing its exterior design.
5. New Tail Light Setup
While the rear profile of the Thar Roxx has not been fully revealed, teasers have given us a glimpse of its new tail light setup. The 5-door Thar will feature LED tail lights with an inverted ‘C’ motif, adding a distinctive look to its rear end. Moreover, the squared-off wheel arches continue to differentiate the Thar Roxx from the rounded wheel housings of the 3-door variant, giving it a more robust and contemporary appearance.
Expected Features and Safety
While Mahindra has yet to fully unveil the interior of the Thar Roxx, spy shots have revealed a beige-coloured cabin theme, suggesting a more premium and spacious interior. The Thar Roxx is expected to come loaded with features aimed at enhancing the driving experience. Anticipated features include a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, and a push start/stop button.
In terms of safety, the Thar Roxx is likely to include six airbags as standard, front and rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These additions underscore Mahindra’s commitment to safety and modern technology in its vehicles.
Expected Powertrain
Under the hood, the Thar Roxx will share the same petrol and diesel engines as the standard Thar but with potential performance tweaks. Buyers can expect a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 2.2-litre diesel engine, both available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Thar Roxx will likely be offered in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations, catering to a variety of driving preferences and needs.
Expected Price and Rivals
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is expected to start at around Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom). Positioned as a larger alternative to the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, the Thar Roxx will also compete directly with the 5-door Force Gurkha. This new variant aims to carve out a niche for itself by blending the rugged capabilities of the Thar with added practicality and comfort.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is set to make a significant impact in the SUV market with its debut on August 15. The combination of a redesigned exterior, extended wheelbase, and enhanced features positions it as a compelling choice for both off-road enthusiasts and families. As the anticipation builds, the Thar Roxx promises to be a game-changer, offering a perfect blend of style, performance, and practicality.
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