Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel AT

When you are looking for a new car, a lot goes through your mind. Is it pocket-friendly (budget)? Will it keep my family safe (safety)? What about the running costs (monthly maintenance)? Does it have all the cool new tech (latest features)? And can I trust the brand for good support (company service)? Well, if adventure calls your name, and you are eyeing something robust, the new Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel AT might just be your answer. Let us dive deep into what this exciting variant offers to Indian car buyers.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel AT comes with a very capable engine setup designed for both city commutes and open highway drives.

• Engine Type: 1.5L D117 CRDe Diesel Engine
• Cylinders: 4
• Maximum Power: Approximately 117 bhp (at 3500 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: Approximately 300 Nm (between 1750-2500 rpm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
• Drive Type: Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

This combination ensures a smooth and effortless driving experience, especially in urban traffic, while still providing enough grunt for those weekend getaways.

Design Overview

The Thar has an undeniable appeal, and the ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel AT carries forward that iconic design language.

• Exterior: The Thar ROXX MX5 maintains the familiar, rugged stance of its 4x4 sibling. You get the classic seven-slot grille, bold round headlamps, and those unmistakable flared wheel arches housing chunky tires. Its high ground clearance and imposing road presence ensure it turns heads wherever it goes. The design is all about capability and style, reflecting an adventurous spirit.
• Interior: Inside, the Thar ROXX MX5 focuses on practicality and durability. While not overtly luxurious, the cabin offers a comfortable and commanding driving position. The upright seating provides excellent visibility, crucial for navigating both city streets and challenging terrains. Materials are chosen for their tough nature, making them easy to clean after an adventurous trip. It is a cabin built for purpose.

Key Features

While the Thar prioritises ruggedness, it still packs a decent set of features for modern drivers.

• Infotainment System: 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Connectivity: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wired)
• Driver Information: Multi-information Display in the instrument cluster
• Comfort: Manual Air Conditioning, Power Windows
• Convenience: Steering Mounted Controls, Cruise Control, Remote Central Locking
• Safety & Security: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

It is important to note that features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless phone charging are not available on this variant, keeping its focus on core capabilities and competitive pricing.

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

The Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel AT boasts an impressive ground clearance of approximately 226 mm (unladen). This high ground clearance is a significant advantage, allowing you to easily tackle rough patches, speed breakers, and even some mild off-road trails without worrying about scraping the underbody.

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

The Thar is not primarily designed for luggage-carrying capacity. The boot space is quite limited, especially with the rear seats in use. It offers around 60 litres of space, which is enough for a couple of soft bags or smaller items. For longer trips, you might need to consider roof racks or foldable bags.

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

Here are the key dimensions of the Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel AT:

• Length: Approximately 3985 mm
• Width: Approximately 1820 mm (excluding ORVMs)
• Height: Approximately 1850 mm (with hard top)
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2450 mm

These dimensions contribute to its compact yet robust appearance and nimble handling in urban environments.

Powertrain Options

The Mahindra Thar RWD line-up, which includes the ROXX MX5, offers a couple of engine choices to cater to different preferences:

• 1.5L D117 CRDe Diesel Engine: This is the engine powering the ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel AT. It is also available with a 6-speed Manual Transmission.
• 2.0L mStallion 150 TGDi Petrol Engine: This powerful petrol engine is available with both 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic Transmission options for the RWD variants.

Safety Features

Mahindra has equipped the Thar with a solid set of safety features to protect its occupants.

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Control
• Hill Descent Control
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors

NCAP Rating Table

The safety of the Thar has been independently assessed.

Rating Type	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Global NCAP	4 Stars	4 Stars	Based on the 4x4 variant test, platform shared.
Bharat NCAP	Awaiting Results	Awaiting Results	Expected to perform similarly to Global NCAP tests.

This 4-star rating from Global NCAP is a strong testament to the Thar's structural integrity and occupant protection capabilities.

Rivals of Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel AT

In the Indian market, the Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel AT primarily competes with:

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny: This is its direct rival, also offering a lifestyle off-roader appeal, though with a different approach.
• Indirect Rivals: Compact SUVs like the Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, and Hyundai Venue might also be considered by buyers looking for a rugged, yet city-friendly SUV in a similar price bracket, although they lack the Thar's unique off-road DNA.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us break down the good and the not-so-good about the Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel AT.

Pros:

• Unmatched Road Presence: Its iconic, butch design makes it a definite head-turner.
• Strong Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine offers ample torque for city driving and highway cruising.
• Smooth Automatic Transmission: The 6-speed AT makes driving very comfortable, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
• Good Off-road Capability (for RWD): While not a 4x4, its high ground clearance and robust build allow it to handle rough roads and mild trails with ease.
• Comfortable Ride: For an off-roader, the ride quality is surprisingly compliant.
• Solid Build Quality: The Thar feels well-built and sturdy.
• Mahindra Service Network: Extensive service network across India provides peace of mind.
• Affordable Thar Ownership: It is the most accessible way to own the Thar brand experience.

Cons:

• Limited Rear Seat Space: The rear seats are a bit cramped, and ingress/egress can be challenging.
• Very Small Boot Space: Not ideal for families or those needing significant luggage capacity.
• Basic Feature Set: Lacks some premium features found in similarly priced compact SUVs (no sunroof, no 360-degree camera, no ventilated seats).
• Average Fuel Efficiency: While decent, it might not be the most fuel-efficient option in its segment.
• Bumpy Ride: While improved, the ladder-frame chassis and off-road suspension can still feel a bit bouncy on very broken roads.
• Not a Family Car: Primarily a 2-seater with occasional rear-seat use, not ideal for large families.

Conclusion

The Mahindra Thar ROXX MX5 RWD Diesel AT is more than just a car; it is a lifestyle statement. If you are someone who loves the rugged appeal of the Thar, wants a capable yet easy-to-drive automatic diesel, and primarily drives in the city but enjoys occasional adventures, this variant is tailor-made for you. It offers the Thar experience without the added complexity and cost of a 4x4 system, making it more accessible and practical for many Indian buyers. While it has its compromises in terms of practicality and features, its sheer character and driving pleasure are hard to match. We strongly recommend taking it for a test drive to truly understand if this iconic SUV fits your adventurous spirit and daily needs.