Mahindra Thar Roxx

Positives:

• The 2.2-litre 4x4 mHawk diesel gets two power outputs – 150bhp/330Nm with the six-speed manual and 172bhp/370Nm with the six-speed torque converter automatic.

• It has Crawl Smart for automatic throttle responses over obstacles and IntelliTurn to perform tight U-turns or tricky off-road trails.

• It gets 650mm of water-wading depth, 36.1-degree departure and 41.7-degree approach angles and 4XPLOR terrain modes such as Snow, Mud, and Sand.

• It feels smooth and exciting to drive, whether from a standstill or when overtaking; just push the accelerator and it flies past almost all other motorists.

• We like this automatic gearbox as it is smooth-shifting and surprisingly quick and alert for a torque converter.

• It can easily reach and cruise at higher triple-digit speeds, this diesel engine auto combo makes for a good highway SUV and is most efficient when cruising between 95-100kmph.

• The light and quick steering of the Thar 5 door makes city driving chores such as parking and performing U-turns effortless.

• Its visibility is decent, the ride quality is flat as speeds increase, and the straight-line stability is quite impressive.

• The brakes are confidence-inspiring; it has a strong bite and is feelsome owing to the progressive nature of the braking.

Negatives:

• The steering feels dead and needlessly heavy around the centre at three-digit highway speeds and needs constant corrections to drive in a straight line.

• It shakes and feels harsh over bumpy and pothole-ridden roads.

• It constantly bounces over undulating sections of the road at higher speeds.

• The brake pedal has quite a lot of travel before the braking effect begins to kick in.

• The automatic Thar Roxx does not get paddle shifters.

• There is lots of wind noise inside the cabin once you cross 100kmph.

• Constant driving over 100kmph will cause the FE figures to drop substantially.

Positives:

• The Mahindra Thar Roxx gets an electric panoramic sunroof, making the cabin feel quite airy.

• Its driver seat is powered, while the front seats are ventilated. It also gets a wireless charging pad.

  

• In the dashboard, the twin-10.25 infotainment screens (with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), round AC vents and three-spoke steering wheel stands out.

  

• There is a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, voice commands, and connectivity options through AdrenoX and Alexa.

  

• The five-door Thar is capable of carrying a lot more luggage than its three-door cousin. The metal roof also helps provide better insulation.

  

• It also features an auto-dimming IRVM, 360-degree camera with a blind-view monitor, and rear air-con vents.
  

• The Mahindra Thar Roxx's cabin looks and feels more upmarket, with a lower utility vibe about it.

  

• It is bigger, longer and more practical than the Thar three-door as it uses the Scorpio N’s chassis and suspension.

  

• The otherwise boxy shape is highlighted by a fully metal black roof with an angled C-pillar that also houses the rear door handle.

• It has a sideways opening bootlid with the spare wheel attached and the rear windscreen that opens vertically like that on the Thar three-door.

• The Roxx's dashboard is identical to the three-door Thar's but the soft-touch materials, steering from the XUV700 and trim finishes lend it an upmarket feel.

  

• The fit and finish seen inside the Roxx is a marked improvement over the three-door Thar.