Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD Diesel

Hey car enthusiasts and future adventurers! Thinking of buying a new car in India? You are in the right place. Choosing the perfect ride involves a lot of thought. You need to consider your budget, how safe the car is, how much it costs to maintain every month, the latest features it offers, and of course, the company’s service network. It is a big decision, and getting it right means doing your homework.

Today, we are taking a deep dive into a very exciting option that has been making waves: the new Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD Diesel. This lifestyle SUV promises a unique blend of ruggedness and everyday usability, especially with its Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) setup. Let us break down everything you need to know to see if this Thar is your next companion on the road.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD Diesel comes with a capable and efficient diesel engine designed for both city commutes and highway cruises.

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre D117 CRDe Diesel Engine
• Power Output: 117 bhp (brake horsepower) at 3500 rpm
• Torque Output: 300 Nm (Newton meters) between 1750-2500 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual

Design Overview

The Thar’s design is instantly recognizable and continues to be a major draw.

• Exterior: The RWD Thar maintains its iconic, boxy silhouette with signature round headlamps, a bold grille, and flared wheel arches. It looks tough and ready for anything. The hardtop variant offers practicality, while the convertible option adds a fun element.
• Interior: Inside, the Thar offers a practical and no-nonsense cabin. While not luxurious, it is designed to be functional and easy to clean. You get comfortable front seats and side-facing rear seats, making it a good fit for two people with occasional extra passengers.

Key Features

For a high-spec RWD Diesel variant, the Thar ROXX AX7L offers a good set of features for connectivity and comfort.

• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
• Steering-mounted audio and cruise controls
• Multi-information display in the instrument cluster
• Power windows
• Manual air conditioning
• Remote central locking

Please note that features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging are not available on the Mahindra Thar. The focus is on its rugged capabilities and essential conveniences.

Ground Clearance

• Ground Clearance: 226 mm (This is excellent for tackling rough roads and mild off-road trails, a true highlight for the Thar).

Boot Space

• Boot Space: The Thar, being a compact 2-door lifestyle SUV, has limited boot space, especially with the rear seats up. It is best suited for light luggage or groceries. For longer trips, consider using roof racks or external carriers.

Dimensions

• Length: 3985 mm
• Width: 1820 mm
• Height: 1850 mm (Hardtop variant)
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the RWD Diesel, it is good to know the Thar family offers variety:

• 1.5L D117 CRDe Diesel: (Focus of this review) Available only with RWD and 6-speed Manual.
• 2.0L mStallion 150 TGDi Petrol: Available with RWD (6-speed Manual/Automatic) and 4WD (6-speed Manual/Automatic).
• 2.2L mHawk 130 Diesel: Available only with 4WD (6-speed Manual/Automatic).

Safety Features

Mahindra has equipped the Thar with essential safety features to keep you secure.

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors

NCAP Rating

The Mahindra Thar has a strong safety reputation.

• Global NCAP Rating: 4-star for Adult Occupant Protection and 4-star for Child Occupant Protection. (Note: This rating was for the 4WD version, but the RWD shares the same robust body structure, indicating a high level of structural integrity).
• Bharat NCAP Rating: The Thar is expected to undergo Bharat NCAP testing soon, but based on its Global NCAP performance, it is anticipated to perform well.

Rivals of Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD Diesel

In the lifestyle SUV segment, the Thar RWD Diesel competes with:

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny (5-door, 4x4 only)
• Force Gurkha (3-door/5-door, 4x4 only, more hardcore off-roader)

The Thar RWD largely creates its own niche by offering the iconic Thar look at a more accessible price point without 4x4.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros (Advantages)

• Iconic Design: Instantly recognizable, makes a strong statement on the road.
• Strong Road Presence: Its imposing size and design ensure it stands out.
• Punchy Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel offers good torque and fuel efficiency for daily driving.
• Excellent Ground Clearance: Tackles bad roads, speed breakers, and mild trails with ease.
• More Affordable: The RWD variant is significantly cheaper than its 4x4 counterpart, making the Thar accessible to more buyers.
• Maneuverable: Despite its rugged looks, the Thar is surprisingly easy to drive in city traffic.
• Mahindra Service Network: Wide service network across India for peace of mind.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Limited Rear Seat Comfort: Rear seats are side-facing and better suited for short distances or children. Access is also a bit tricky.
• Small Boot Space: Not ideal for families or those needing significant luggage capacity.

Basic Interior: While functional, it lacks the plushness and advanced features found in similarly priced monocoque SUVs.Ride Quality: The rugged ladder-frame chassis can result in a slightly bouncy ride, especially over uneven surfaces.No 4x4 Capability: Being RWD, it misses out on serious off-roading potential, which is a key identity of the Thar.Long Waiting Periods: Popularity often leads to extended delivery times.

Conclusion

The Mahindra Thar ROXX AX7L RWD Diesel is a fantastic choice for a specific kind of buyer. If you love the iconic Thar look, its strong road presence, and the robust feel of a true SUV, but do not necessarily need 4x4 capabilities for hardcore off-roading, this variant is perfect. It offers a more accessible entry point into the Thar lifestyle, combining a capable diesel engine with essential features and good safety.

It is important to understand its strengths and limitations – it is a lifestyle vehicle with a focus on ruggedness and style, rather than being a family hauler. If you are looking for an adventurous companion for urban explorations, highway trips, and occasional mild trails, the Thar RWD Diesel definitely deserves a serious look. It truly lets you live the Thar dream without breaking the bank on a 4x4 system you might not use often. Make an informed decision, and happy driving!