Mahindra Thar Roxx

The Mahindra Thar Roxx is what happens when India's most iconic off-roader decides to grow up. Stretching the Thar formula into a five-door body, the Roxx retains ladder-frame construction, a proper 4x4 low-range transfer case, and 226 mm of ground clearance while adding rear-seat legroom and a panoramic sunroof that buyers of the original Thar always wished for. It is a genuine dual-life machine: capable enough for weekend trails, civilised enough for weekday school runs.

Mahindra has been careful not to dilute the Thar character while adding length to the body. The Roxx carries over the circular headlamps, wide shoulder line, and upright stance that made the original recognisable at a glance. Up close, the five-door silhouette integrates cleanly, with flush door handles on the rear doors and a roofline that stays surprisingly low given the tall ride height. The proportions work in a way that makes the Roxx look more purposeful than the 3-door rather than simply larger.

Two engines are on offer. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel produces 150 bhp and 330 Nm — the default choice for most buyers — and it suits city driving and loaded highway runs equally well. The 2.0-litre mStallion petrol nudges peak power to 162 bhp and has a more eager character above 3000 rpm, making it better suited to performance-minded drivers who spend most of their time on tarmac. Both pair with a slick six-speed manual or a well-calibrated six-speed torque-converter automatic. The 4WD system, available from the AX3 L trim upwards, uses a Borg-Warner transfer case with 4H and 4L modes that can be engaged shift-on-fly at up to 80 km/h.

Step inside and the Roxx feels measurably more premium than the short-wheelbase Thar. A 10.25-inch touchscreen dominates the centre stack, flanked by physical toggles for the 4WD modes — the kind of tactile controls that serious off-roaders appreciate. The panoramic sunroof on upper trims floods the cabin with light, and the rear bench finally offers genuine legroom for adults on longer journeys. Mahindra's AdrenoX connected-car suite brings over-the-air updates, remote start, and a smartphone companion app. Fit and finish have improved noticeably over earlier Mahindra products, though some lower door-panel plastics still feel below what the price demands.

On broken ground the Roxx earns its keep. Approach and departure angles remain respectable despite the longer body, the 226 mm ground clearance sees off most obstacles, and the electronic aids — hill-descent control, 4WD traction management, and an electronic locking rear differential on the AX7 L — allow confident exploration well beyond anything a monocoque crossover could attempt. The 5-star BNCAP result addresses the one weakness that kept earlier Thar iterations from being recommended to families. The only genuine off-road trade-off versus the short-wheelbase Thar is a wider turning circle on tight mountain switchbacks, which becomes more noticeable the narrower the trail.