The Mahindra Thar Roxx is one of the most anticipated SUVs of the year. It’s Mahindra’s answer to popular mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. But does it live up to the hype? After driving the Thar Roxx’s diesel-automatic, rear-wheel-drive variant for six days and covering over 10,000km, here’s a detailed breakdown of its performance.
Ride Comfort of the Mahindra Thar Roxx
One of the key highlights of the Thar Roxx is its ride comfort. Unlike its competitors that typically feature a monocoque chassis, such as the Hyundai Creta or Skoda Kushaq, the Thar Roxx uses a ladder-on-frame structure. This leads to a slightly bumpier ride at lower speeds, particularly over uneven surfaces. While it’s a vast improvement over the older 3-door Thar, it doesn’t offer the same level of smoothness as monocoque SUVs on city roads.
However, the Thar Roxx’s 19-inch wheels with high-profile MRF Wanderer tyres help it handle rough roads with ease. The tyres’ large 790mm rolling diameter absorbs bumps well, letting the vehicle glide over potholes without needing to slow down significantly. Though you’ll still feel the road’s imperfections, the Thar Roxx allows you to maintain speed better than most SUVs.
One of its standout features is the hydraulic bump stops and advanced suspension. The Penta-Link rear suspension with Watt’s linkage provides excellent stability, reducing the sideways movement of the rear axle. This makes the Thar Roxx far more stable in a straight line compared to the 3-door Thar, which often struggled on rough roads.
Steering and Handling of the Thar Roxx
The steering system of the Thar Roxx has also received an upgrade. It now features electric power steering instead of the hydraulic steering found in the 3-door model. While driving enthusiasts may miss the tactile feedback of hydraulic systems, the electric steering is significantly lighter and more suited for long drives. This light steering reduces driver fatigue, a crucial factor when we drove the vehicle for 20 hours straight.
Build Quality and Toughness
The build quality of the Thar Roxx is one of its most vital assets. Its chassis feels incredibly sturdy, giving the impression that this SUV can handle rugged terrains effortlessly. It feels like a more refined, durable version of the 3-door Thar. Mahindra’s head of product development, Velusamy R, shared that the Thar Roxx uses the brand’s 4th-generation ladder-frame chassis, which is 150% stiffer in terms of torsional and bending stiffness compared to industry standards. This enhanced stiffness is key to the Thar Roxx’s resilience and durability.
Refinement, Engine Performance, and Fuel Efficiency
The refinement of the cabin is one of the first things you’ll notice. The diesel engine is impressively quiet, even at cruising speeds, allowing for easy conversations inside the vehicle. While there’s a slight hum of tyre and wind noise, it’s minimal compared to many other SUVs in its class.
In an era where diesel engines are becoming less common, the Thar Roxx’s diesel powertrain is a welcome change. The engine provides plenty of torque, making overtaking on highways an easy and safe task. It’s not raw power but the torque that shines, ensuring a relaxed and smooth driving experience at higher speeds.
However, one of the drawbacks is its fuel efficiency. We recorded about 10.4 km/l with the diesel-automatic variant during our tests, which isn’t the best in its segment. The petrol variant is expected to perform even worse, delivering around 7 km/l on similar routes.
Areas for Improvement in the Thar Roxx
While the seats offer decent support, more under-thigh support would enhance comfort, especially during long trips. The choice of white interiors was questionable as they tend to get dirty very quickly. After just six days of testing, the interior looked noticeably soiled.
The lack of bottle holders in the cabin is another inconvenience. Additionally, the start-stop system in the diesel-automatic variant doesn’t function as smoothly as competitors, often taking too long to engage.
The wiper quality could also use some improvement, and the LED headlights don’t perform well in certain conditions. While effective in pitch-black situations, halogen lights might have been a better option for diffused or rainy weather.
We also encountered a few minor quality control issues with our test unit. The aluminum-effect covers on the pedals came off, and there were a few loose screws in the cubby hole. However, these might be pre-production issues.
Final Verdict on the Mahindra Thar Roxx
After covering 10,000km, we can confidently say that the Mahindra Thar Roxx is an exceptional vehicle for road trips across India, especially at its price point. Its ride comfort, durability, and performance make it ideal for long journeys. The metal roof enhances cabin refinement, while the boot space and overall handling are well-suited for extended travels. The brakes are responsive, and the ADAS features work smoothly without unnecessary intervention.
Overall, we’d rate the Mahindra Thar Roxx a 9 out of 10. The only downside is the lack of clarity regarding the pricing of the diesel-automatic AX7L variant. Nevertheless, it’s a highly capable SUV that brings together Mahindra’s off-road legacy with a more refined, on-road experience.
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