Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT

Looking for a new car in India? It's a big decision, isn't it? You're probably thinking about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, the monthly maintenance costs, what latest features it offers, and of course, how reliable the company service is. Finding a vehicle that ticks all these boxes while also bringing a unique personality to your driveway can be quite a challenge. But what if there was a car that combines iconic style, robust performance, and a slightly more accessible package than its 4x4 sibling? Enter the new Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT. This variant of the beloved Thar is making waves, and today we're going to deep dive into everything you need to know about it.

The Heart of the Beast: Engine Specifications

The Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT is powered by a lively and capable petrol engine. Specifically, it features:

• Engine Type: 2.0L mStallion 150 TGDi Petrol Engine
• Cubic Capacity: 1997 cc
• Max Power: 150 hp (112 kW) at 5000 rpm
• Max Torque: 320 Nm at 1500-3000 rpm

This engine is known for its refinement and strong performance, ensuring a smooth and energetic drive whether you are navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.

Bold and Beautiful: Design Overview

The Thar has always been a head-turner, and the Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT continues this tradition with its unmistakable design.

Exterior

• Iconic Silhouette: It retains the classic, boxy, and upright stance that makes the Thar instantly recognizable. Its muscular wheel arches and rugged appeal are prominent.
• Signature Grille: The familiar Mahindra grille gives it a bold face.
• ROXX Styling: The ROXX variant likely comes with some special badging, alloy wheel designs, or accessory packages that enhance its visual appeal, making it stand out even more.
• Hard Top: This variant typically comes with a fixed hard top, offering better insulation and security.

Interior

• Modern Comforts: Step inside, and you'll find a cabin that blends ruggedness with modern amenities. It’s designed to be functional and user-friendly.
• Durable Materials: The interior uses materials that are easy to clean and maintain, perfect for adventurous spirits.
• Driver-Focused Cockpit: The layout is ergonomic, with controls easily accessible to the driver.

Loaded for Adventure: Key Features

The Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT is packed with features designed to enhance your driving experience and convenience:

• 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: A responsive display that is the hub for your entertainment and navigation.
• Smartphone Connectivity: Seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for all your apps, music, and calls.
• Manual Climate Control: Keeps the cabin comfortable in varying weather conditions.
• Cruise Control: For relaxed highway driving, especially on long journeys.
• Steering-Mounted Controls: Manage your music and calls without taking your hands off the wheel.
• USB Charging Ports: Keep your devices powered up on the go.

While features like a factory-fitted sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging are popular in many modern SUVs, the Thar maintains its focus on core off-road prowess and rugged design. These specific features are not typically offered on the Thar, ensuring its classic and purpose-built character remains intact.

Under the Hood (and Underneath): Practical Dimensions

Understanding a car's size and capability is crucial. Here's a look at the Mahindra Thar RWD's key dimensions:

Ground Clearance

The Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT boasts an impressive 226 mm of ground clearance. This generous clearance means you can easily tackle rough roads, speed breakers, and even some light off-roading with confidence, without worrying about scraping the underside.

Boot Space

The Thar, by design, prioritizes its rugged persona and cabin space for occupants. As a result, the boot space is quite limited, especially with the rear seats in use. It offers around 146 litres of boot space, which is sufficient for a few soft bags or groceries but not ideal for extensive luggage.

Dimensions

Here are the detailed dimensions for the Thar:

• Length: 3985 mm
• Width: 1820 mm
• Height: 1844 mm (Hard Top)
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powering Your Journeys: Powertrain Options

The Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT comes with a specific powertrain combination designed for urban and highway driving comfort:

• Engine: 2.0L mStallion 150 TGDi Petrol
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Transmission

This setup ensures a smooth, clutch-free driving experience, making it perfect for city traffic and long drives alike. While the Thar also offers manual transmission and diesel engine options in its RWD lineup, the AX7L RWD AT variant is specifically tailored for convenience and refined petrol performance.

Safety First: Keeping You Secure

Mahindra understands the importance of safety. The Thar comes equipped with a range of active and passive safety features to protect its occupants:

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Roll-over Mitigation
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

Crash Test Ratings: Your Peace of Mind

The Mahindra Thar has demonstrated its commitment to safety in crash tests:

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Safety	Child Occupant Safety
Global NCAP (2020)	4 Stars	4 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Not yet tested	Not yet tested

The 4-star Global NCAP rating is a strong indicator of the Thar's robust build quality and effective safety systems, providing confidence to buyers looking for a safe SUV in India.

Who Does it Compete With? Rivals of the Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT

In the Indian market, the Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT primarily goes head-to-head with:

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny: Another lifestyle SUV, known for its compact size and off-road capabilities.
• Force Gurkha: A more hardcore off-roader, often chosen by enthusiasts.

While the RWD Thar competes in a slightly different segment than its 4x4 counterpart, its unique proposition as a lifestyle vehicle also puts it in consideration against certain compact SUVs for those prioritizing style and road presence.

Our Verdict: How is the Car?

Let's weigh the pros and cons to give you a clear picture of the Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT.

Pros

• Unmatched Road Presence: Few vehicles turn heads like the Thar. Its iconic design is a major draw.
• Strong Petrol Engine: The 2.0L mStallion petrol engine offers ample power and a refined driving experience.
• Smooth Automatic Transmission: The 6-speed AT makes city driving and highway cruising effortless.
• High Ground Clearance: Excellent for tackling varied Indian road conditions and light trails.
• Robust Build Quality: A durable, body-on-frame construction for longevity.
• Mahindra's Service Network: Wide availability of service centers across India.
• Accessible Price Point (RWD): The RWD variant makes the Thar experience more affordable.

Cons

• Limited Practicality: As a 2-door vehicle, access to the rear seats can be challenging, and boot space is minimal.
• Firm Ride Quality: While improved, its body-on-frame chassis means the ride can still be a bit bouncy over broken roads compared to monocoque SUVs.
• Fuel Efficiency: The powerful petrol engine and automatic transmission might not be the most fuel-efficient option for daily commutes.
• Lack of Certain Modern Features: Missing features like a factory sunroof, 360-degree camera, and automatic climate control might be a deal-breaker for some tech-savvy buyers.
• Wind Noise at High Speeds: Its upright design can lead to noticeable wind noise on highways.

The Final Word: Should You Buy It?

The Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT is more than just an SUV; it's a lifestyle statement. If you are someone who values unique styling, a strong road presence, and a capable petrol automatic powertrain for your daily commutes and weekend adventures, this Thar variant is an excellent choice. It offers the thrill of the Thar brand at a more accessible price point compared to its 4x4 siblings, making it a compelling option for those who want the look and feel without needing extreme off-road capability.

Consider your priorities: if spacious interiors and maximum fuel efficiency are at the top of your list, you might explore other options. However, if you are looking for an exciting, safe, and iconic vehicle that promises an engaging driving experience and reliable service, the Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD AT certainly deserves a spot on your shortlist. It's a car that truly stands out from the crowd.