Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel

Buying a new car in India is always a big decision, isn't it? You're juggling so many thoughts: Will it fit my budget? How safe is it for my family? What about monthly maintenance costs? Does it have the latest features I'll love? And, importantly, how good is the company's service network? These are all crucial questions, and today, we're here to help you answer some of them as we take a deep dive into one of the most talked-about SUVs in the market: the new Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel. If you've been dreaming of owning a Thar but perhaps found the 4x4 variants a bit out of reach or not exactly what you needed, this RWD diesel version might just be the perfect fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel is powered by a more efficient yet capable engine, making it a great choice for city driving and highway cruises, while still offering that signature Thar feel.

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre D117 CRDe Diesel engine
• Cubic Capacity: 1497 cc
• Maximum Power: 117 bhp at 3500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 300 Nm between 1750-2500 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual

Design Overview

The Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel retains the iconic, rugged charm of the Thar, which has made it a style statement on Indian roads. It looks every bit the imposing SUV it is.

Exterior:

• Classic boxy silhouette that screams adventure.
• Signature Thar front grille and round headlamps.
• Muscular wheel arches and a commanding stance.
• Hard Top option is standard, offering convenience and security.
• It largely looks identical to its 4x4 siblings, maintaining that strong road presence.

Interior:

• Practical and functional cabin designed for durability.
• Wipe-down friendly surfaces perfect for adventurous outings.
• Comfortable front seats with decent support.
• Rear seating is more about utility, though it's improved from previous generations.
• The overall theme is rugged yet modern, built to withstand daily use.

Key Features

While the MX5 RWD variant is designed to be more accessible, it still offers essential features for a comfortable drive.

• Infotainment System: Comes with a basic audio system (no large touchscreen for MX5 variant). Higher variants offer a 7-inch touchscreen.
• Connectivity: Basic connectivity features like USB and Aux input.
• Sunroof: Not available on the Mahindra Thar.
• 360-degree Camera: Not available on the Mahindra Thar MX5 RWD.
• Wireless Charging: Not available on the Mahindra Thar MX5 RWD.
• Climate Control: Manual air conditioning for effective cooling. Automatic climate control is not offered on this variant.
• Other notable features: Power windows, central locking, rear parking sensors.

What is the Ground Clearance of Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel?

The Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel boasts an impressive 226 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling rough Indian roads, speed breakers, and light off-roading.

What is the Boot Space of Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel?

The Mahindra Thar is not primarily designed for massive boot space. With all seats up, the boot space is quite limited, roughly around 150-200 litres, mostly sufficient for small bags or groceries. However, the rear seats can be folded down to significantly increase cargo carrying capacity for your adventure gear.

What are the Dimensions of Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel?

• Length: 3985 mm
• Width: 1820 mm
• Height: 1850 mm
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

While this blog focuses on the Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel, it's good to know the Thar lineup offers diverse options.

• Diesel RWD: 1.5-litre D117 Diesel (as discussed) with 6-speed MT.
• Petrol RWD: 2.0-litre mStallion 150 TGDi Petrol with 6-speed MT or 6-speed AT.
• Diesel 4WD: 2.2-litre mHawk 130 Diesel with 6-speed MT or 6-speed AT.
• Petrol 4WD: 2.0-litre mStallion 150 TGDi Petrol with 6-speed MT or 6-speed AT.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount, and Mahindra has equipped the Thar with a good set of features.

• Dual front airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Seat belt reminder
• ISOFIX child seat mounts

NCAP Rating Table

The Mahindra Thar has demonstrated strong safety performance in crash tests.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Comments
Global NCAP	4 Stars	4 Stars	Rating for the 4x4 variant. The RWD variant shares the same robust chassis and body shell, indicating a similar level of protection.
Bharat NCAP	Not yet rated	Not yet rated	Bharat NCAP is a newer rating system, and this specific variant has not been tested by them yet.

Rivals of Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel

In its unique segment, the Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel faces competition from:

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny: Offers 5 doors, 4x4 standard, but with a less powerful petrol engine.
• Force Gurkha (3-door): Another serious off-roader, but more niche and less comfort-oriented than the Thar.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's break down the advantages and disadvantages of owning the Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel.

Pros:

• Affordable Thar Ownership: Makes the iconic Thar brand accessible to more buyers due to a lower starting price compared to 4x4 variants.
• Fuel Efficient Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine offers better mileage, ideal for daily commutes and long drives without frequent fuel stops.
• Strong Road Presence: Retains the legendary rugged design, turning heads wherever it goes.
• Excellent Ground Clearance: Handles bad roads, potholes, and even some rough trails with ease.
• Mahindra's Service Network: Extensive service network across India ensures easy maintenance and support.
• Practical for City & Highway: While known for off-roading, the RWD Thar is perfectly capable and comfortable for urban use and highway cruising.

Cons:

• Limited Rear Seat Comfort: Rear seating can be cramped for adults on long journeys, and ingress/egress is not the easiest.
• Minimal Boot Space: Very little boot space with rear seats in use, necessitating folding them for luggage.
• Basic Features on MX5: As an entry-level variant, it misses out on premium features like a large touchscreen, automatic climate control, or advanced driver aids found in higher variants or rivals.
• Still a Niche Product: Despite being RWD, it retains some of the inherent characteristics of an off-roader, which might not appeal to everyone seeking a conventional family SUV.
• Ride Quality: While improved, the ride can still be a bit bouncy on uneven surfaces compared to monocoque SUVs.

Conclusion

The Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel is a smart move by Mahindra, offering the dream of Thar ownership to a wider audience. It keeps the bold looks and robust build that everyone loves, but packages it with a more fuel-efficient diesel engine and an RWD setup that's perfect for most Indian road conditions, all at a more attractive price point. If you're looking for a vehicle that stands out, offers good safety, decent running costs, and comes from a reliable brand like Mahindra, and you don't necessarily need extreme 4x4 capability, then this Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel is definitely worth considering. It's more than just a car; it's a lifestyle statement that's now more accessible than ever. Go ahead, take a test drive, and see if this iconic SUV fits your adventure dreams!