[DevendraG]

Pricing is bang on for Thar ROXX, not to forget the overall package too. However I believe the current market conditions forced Mahindra to price it aggressively so they can take advantage of the initial lot and then increase prices as we move ahead. Currently it is a buyers market and if times turn back (and it will), they’ll play with Thar 3D in comparatively lesser price zone to keep those cheques coming in.

And with BE just around the corner, Mahindra are on a roll.

[justwheels]

Originally Posted by Bibendum90949

It's high time we all started mentioning Thar 3 door as Thar and 5 door as Thar Roxx or just Roxx, now that Mahindra has "spectacularly" named it. I'm also guilty of using 3D, 5 D in earlier posts. The same sentiments was shared by fellow enthusiasts too. At least in T BHP, let's make a start.

It's a different matter when you write or spell Roxx, there's that acerbic tone that filters through. How I wish this car was named Thar Armada, Thar Marshal or Thar Commander. All those monikers had enough pull among people.

On a lighter note, imagine this, someone(a petrolhead kid) reading this line 20 years down the line - "or may be I am used to the hydraulic steering of the 3 Door" and they would wonder why the hell were they using steering for doors and that too hydraulic

Point taken and can surely be adhered to . It's contexual though, I feel.
Nonetheless, I guess we all agree that "Thar Roxx" or "Roxx" is quite a cheeky moniker to have on a product that has so much history and image.

[for_cars1]

Originally Posted by Zinger_Winger

...I'll pull the trigger on the Scorpio N facelift though, whenever it comes.

Typically facelifts come in 5 year cycles. The Scorpio N has already undergone a silent facelift (addition of ventilated seats, Auto IRVM and removal of MLD ).
If you are refering to a full facelift where the expectation is to correct the following features, then you have to wait till atleast 2027 or more.
1. Improve the rear of the Scorpio-N to be more curvy and in tune with the rest of the car and redesign the rear tail lights and give it a wider stance at the top and eliminate Wagon-R looks.
2. Move the DEF tank from its current position right behind the rear bumper.
3. Incorporate the lighter but stiffer chassis design of the Roxx to the Scorpio-N.
4. Apply the more centered and more precise steering layout without play of the Roxx to the Scorpio-N.

[Jaggu]

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

Do you foresee these changes rolling into the Thar 3D ?

Very difficult to predict a product plan and Mahindra team was tight lipped and just listening to the question and taking it more as a feedback with no replies.

Originally Posted by Bit

Can I ask a question honestly: Did Mahindra ask for any *official* feedback in proper written form (be it online or on paper) by your extended driving of Thar?
===
I don't know what is the usual manufacturing cycle and whether Mahindra has already started producing the first batch of deliveries. Is there any chance of further improvements for 2024 manufactured cars, based upon influencer's feedback?

First question did Mahindra take an official feedback from us? Short answer No, but offline all the officials were taking as much feedback as possible without any undue defence on short comings. They all do watch TeamBHP keenly, though am not a regular reviewer I was surprised by the way certain officials recognised my screen name. Yes I do personally know few of the folks in Mahindra more on personal relationship from Offroad circles, having been part of personal Adventure trips, as well as from being from same hometown etc and we do freely speak about the products.

Second part, I am aware that, certain trims in the vehicles we drove were not final, Apple CarPlay license is applied but not yet given, certain configs are still being fine-tuned and worked upon. So we should wait for the first batch of customer deliveries to see the final production product. Will there be tweaks going forward, definitely there would be and I sure hope the Upholstory option is one such. But all this would be minor and mostly cosmetics at best. So if the question is to wait out for a year or two, I would not be in favour. Unless you are inot actively looking for a purchase. In our economy and car industry, things are going to get expensive in the short to medium term. So might as well bag a great deal right at the beginning. Mahindra's and Tata's do provide good silent recall and upgrades for anything major so I would not be worried to buy the Roxx.

Originally Posted by kaushalswarup

I had one doubt though. Does changing the wheels to steelies, say 16-18” and adding on more off-road focused AT tyres, cause any issues with the ADAS system? While I assume the ADAS works off the radars and cameras across the car, it’s calibrated according to the stock setup. Could the change to the wheels and tyres mess the system up, or can the calibration be updated to handle the change?

As long as the overall diameter of the wheel is not compromised beyond limits (usually 2-3% is acceptable), there should not be any such issues. So it is not really dependent on rim diameter. It is a different matter that if one uses very heavy wheels and tyres, the braking efficiency as well as acceleration figures do get affected.

I am actively planning to get a set of OE 16" rims for my 3 door Thar to get a set of Offroad oriented tyres for the vehicle. 16" gives me more options as well as competitive price for tyres.

Originally Posted by sridhar-v

How would you compare the ride and handling, for both 4x4 & 4x2 variants, of the Thar Roxx vis a vis your 2.4L Grand Vitara?

Between 4x2 and 4x4 Roxx handling and ride difference if any, is miniscule.

Now comparing it to my 2.4 GV, handling from a steering perspective at lower speeds Roxx is more sharper. The EPS steering is a huge plus in Roxx. Comfort obviously GV will be plusher. At higher speeds (over the speed limit) GV wins through out due to an entirely different chassis and suspension geometry.

Comfort wise the stock suspension of GV is far better since it is totally different class of vehicle. Ask any GV owner, it is very hard to find a replacement even from all that is available in the current market. Be it space, comfort, composure, toughness.. that silly old car beats almost all current gen softroad SUV's. One of the reason why I still am undecided if I should give her off or retain. Do note GV is not a hardcore SUV even though it has a 4x4 low ratio box, it has its limitations due to articulation and axles it comes with. So it maybe a very unfair comparison for both GV as well as Roxx.

[GhostRider28]

Originally Posted by Jaggu

Yes I do personally know few of the folks in Mahindra more on personal relationship from Offroad circles, having been part of personal Adventure trips, as well as from being from same hometown etc and we do freely speak about the products.

Did any hints crop up in your conversations on whether they plan to offer 4x4 on the petrol in future?

[shashanka]

Great review as always - specially on such short notice. For me the important take-aways were :

a) the electric power steering - I have the 3-door LX petrol. manual, which has a hydraulic power steering.
b) the 360 deg camera, factory fitted - also lacking in the 3-door.
c) climate control - a cool addition.
d) the LED lighting - another boon.

The boot space is really ample - for us this lack of luggage space was a headache. Now, well, the 5-door will remain in the pipe-line till the financial weather improves a bit!

Once again, thanks for an excellent to-the-point review as expected.

[Jaggu]

Originally Posted by GhostRider28

Did any hints crop up in your conversations on whether they plan to offer 4x4 on the petrol in future?

Having active interest for this variant for personal purchase, this was the first question I had, but response was mostly in the negative. Even with Scorpio after initial interest numbers were less for 4x4 Petrol as per these folks and they are ok with losing that. So in short for the short term they have taken the conscious call not to offer. Mid to long term the response was “let’s see” :-/

[Kashi053]

@Jaggu - Did Mahindra talk about any accessories for Roxx.

Found this reels where they showcase the Roof Top Tent and said its from Mahindra. Any info about this?

https://youtu.be/Qr8onHJ8SJM?si=C_qPeJ00yTa3I7Vs

[aerohit]

Originally Posted by Vid6639

Here are my observations - The Jimny and 3-door Thar feel crude compared to this.

A. Jimny was TC Automatic, has good NVH and suspension, is Petrol. So it is not clear why it felt tiring compared to diesel. Maybe because driver was already tired. Maybe because thar was driven on highway and jimny was driven in city traffic. Or maybe because it is some kind of confirmation bias. Maybe something to do with seats. Brand new cars tend to feel nicer and fresh. A center arm rest makes a difference to fatigue, which Jimny lacks, cant think of anything else. I dont own Jimny but I know it was intended to be smaller, maybe because in Japan they dont have culture of "my car is bigger than yours". For day to day use in city, Jimny may be better, no?

B. Roxx - Maybe there was technical limitation, but the uneven rear door roofline is a deal breaker. The angle in the rear quarter panel makes things worse. If the front is inspired from Jeep , then what stops from copying side and rear profile from a Wranger which looks much more proportionate. Maybe people will get used to it because these days many companies apply tricks to mask such irregularities with black tape or plastic.

C. Agree about Fortuner, it is past its prime. At a global level, India is the biggest market for this vehicle, with majority ~30% sold in India and remaining few % distributed across SEA countries and hand full in South Africa and AUS. Except India, their use case is not family vehicle, but farm/taxi/utility vehicle. Not to mention absurd price due to taxes. So yes, M&M should eat market share of Toyota, that would hopefully encourage them bring something better.

D. India is a unique case. Normally, roads are built, and then comes cars on them. But here, cars come first and then roads are built much later. And may be one of big reason why demand for SUV increased. Hope offroaders can get road-tax refund. However, most sales for Roxx are we know already will be for RWD version.

Regarding the humming sound, I hear that round in many 3door Thars also, sounds like it comes from differential, cannot confirm. And yes, the rear suspension has so many joints and bushes, they all tend to squeak sooner than later. Its an Tata/M&M thing.

[jimmyjagga]

Originally Posted by aerohit

C. Agree about Fortuner, it is past its prime. At a global level, India is the biggest market for this vehicle, with majority ~30% sold in India and remaining few % distributed across SEA countries and hand full in South Africa and AUS. Except India, their use case is not family vehicle, but farm/taxi/utility vehicle. Not to mention absurd price due to taxes. So yes, M&M should eat market share of Toyota, that would hopefully encourage them bring something better.

Of my limited experience in automotive I have seen two broad groups one who have the resources and can afford, and then those who criticise. The proof however is in the pudding and those who can manage to eat it.
I would love to meet a gentleman who can afford fortuner and still buys a Thar/ Jimny / Scorpio/ Safari, as their solo daily ride.

Like I mentioned my expertise is limited to what I own and drive.

Regards

[Vid6639]

Originally Posted by aerohit

A. Jimny was TC Automatic, has good NVH and suspension, is Petrol. So it is not clear why it felt tiring compared to diesel. Maybe because driver was already tired. Maybe because thar was driven on highway and jimny was driven in city traffic. Or maybe because it is some kind of confirmation bias. Maybe something to do with seats. Brand new cars tend to feel nicer and fresh. A center arm rest makes a difference to fatigue, which Jimny lacks, cant think of anything else. I dont own Jimny but I know it was intended to be smaller, maybe because in Japan they dont have culture of "my car is bigger than yours". For day to day use in city, Jimny may be better, no?

All your observations are correct if you don't own or drive a Jimny often. Else real world quite the opposite.

The Jimny does not have great NVH when it comes to engine and drive train. The constant whine of the front transfer case is very tiring. The pickup is sub par, the engine doesn't like to be revved, the gearbox is slow to shift. All these make it tiring.

The Roxx is far more refined, the Roxx suspension is miles better and much less body movement. The Roxx has a better 6 speed gearbox and better tuning and far more power to make it effortless to drive. You don't have to stress to overtake an auto rickshaw.

Also, that was my Jimny which Jaggu drove. It has done only 5000kms has much more comfortable tyres than stock and it has a proper front arm rest that is height adjustable.

The Jimny is smaller but has a heavier steering that needs way more effort than Roxx. The steering is less assisted has more turns lock to lock and turning radius is more than the ROXX. Coming from the ROXX into the Jimny felt like going from power steering to no power steering. The ROXX steering is sharper, returns to centre and you can turn with 2 fingers. The Jimny needs 2 hands forget fingers.

The only advantage of small size of the Jimny is fitting into smaller parking slots. Else it's nowhere as effortless as it's size fools you into believing.

[sridhar-v]

Originally Posted by Vid6639

Also, that was my Jimny which Jaggu drove. It has done only 5000kms has much more comfortable tyres than stock and it has a proper front arm rest that is height adjustable.

Could you share details of this armrest?
Thanks.

[Jaggu]

Originally Posted by Kashi053

@Jaggu - Did Mahindra talk about any accessories for Roxx.

The display was being set up at the offroad demo location when we reached, so don't have much info. But there are plenty of videos that talk about it like you mentioned. And yes all are official Mahindra accessories.

Originally Posted by Vid6639

All your observations are correct if you don't own or drive a Jimny often. Else real world quite the opposite.

Been driving the Petrol 3 door and I can say the same about it Vs the Roxx. Apart from engine and gearbox, everything felt prehistoric.

Talking critically about vehicles one owns is the hardest part and definitely not 'confirmation bias', on the contrary it is a cold knife into one's heart!

[vij]

Scorpio N vs Roxx (with added insights from a Scorpio N owner)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGZfKKYUpso

Scorpio N owner says
1. Seats of Scorpio N better, more spacious. Rear comfort better in Scorpio N. Features more in Roxx.
2. Suspension better in Roxx. Body roll lesser in Roxx. Initial pickup better in Roxx. Better Steering in Roxx. Better offroad-ability in Roxx.
3. Ride quality is better in Roxx, says ride improvement in Roxx compared to Scorpio N is almost as much as the ride upgrade from Scorpio Classic to Scorpio N. Goes over a rough trail and says, ride is good, and that if he does this in his Scorpio N it would have made him "dance"

Scorpio N Facelift will be a grand product. Hope they improve the rear design in it.

[sidthefunky]

Mahindra has made a commendable move by launching the Thar in a 5-door variant (though the name "Thar Roxx" will need to stand the test of time). However, it raises some questions in my mind:

1) Who is the target consumer? It seems that Mahindra is aiming at a broad audience—practically every Indian driver. This strategy is evident in the pricing: a true 4x4 Thar Roxx comes at a premium, while the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) option is marketed as a more affordable alternative. Traditionally, the Thar has been celebrated as a rugged 4x4 vehicle, a favorite among adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts. But with the introduction of the RWD variant, it feels like Mahindra is trying to cater to a wider market that might appreciate the Thar's look and feel but isn't necessarily interested in its off-roading capabilities. While there’s nothing wrong with broadening the appeal, I can't help but feel that offering an RWD option dilutes the Thar's legacy. The Thar has always been about that authentic off-road experience, and offering a less capable variant might confuse its identity. Of course, this is just my perspective, but I strongly believe that a vehicle with a rich 4x4 heritage should stay true to its roots.

2) Impact on Brand Image and Consumer Perception Mahindra’s strategy with the Thar Roxx does bring up some interesting questions about how the brand will be perceived moving forward? For instance, how many buyers will opt for the RWD version just for its looks and then install aftermarket 4x4 badges to project a tougher image? This kind of thing might seem trivial, but it affects how the vehicle is perceived on the road. When you see a Jimny or a Gypsy, you know immediately that it’s built for off-roading. There’s a certain clarity in its purpose. But with the Thar, there’s an ambiguity. Is it a true off-roader, or is it just styled to look like one? This is a crucial question because the Thar’s reputation has always been built on its off-road capabilities. To see it potentially losing that identity to cater to a broader market could be a disappointment for those who value its original, rugged persona.

3) Road Presence and Market Saturation There’s no denying that the Thar has a commanding presence on the road, but it is also a car whose presence on road off late has increased. With the launch of the Thar Roxx, this trend is likely to continue. While this might be great for Mahindra’s sales numbers, it does raise questions about market saturation and whether the Thar will become so common that it loses some of its unique appeal?

While Mahindra’s strategy to offer the Thar in both 4x4 and RWD variants will help boost sales by appealing to a broader audience, it also brings with it the risk of diluting the brand's core identity. The Thar has always been more than just a vehicle; it’s been a symbol of adventure, a companion for those who love to explore the unbeaten path. A 4x4, after all, should stay true to its spirit—a true off-roader with no compromises (and no RWD options).