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The five-door version of the Mahindra Thar, curiously dubbed the Thar Roxx, has officially arrived, and it seems to have taken the nation by storm. Shortly after its launch, it ignited hope on Dalal Street, with Mahindra stocks shooting up by 3 per cent. Leading brokerage firms have already predicted its dominance over the mid-size SUV market, which begs the question—just which SUV does the Thar compete with? And whose sales is it likely to cannibalise?
The Thar Roxx essentially takes the rugged, recreational off-roader aspect of the three-door version and marries it to a family-friendly, grand touring SUV. In many ways, it is peerless, towering (physically) over the likes of even the imperious Toyota Fortuner, offering cavernous levels of interior space, impeccable fit and finish and excellent noise insulation. In addition it gets a laundry list of tech features that elevate it above the ranks of several existing SUVs.
How the Mahindra Thar Roxx stacks-up against potential rivals
It’s a rare occasion for a brand where the biggest competition for its bestselling models comes from within its own stable, but such is the case with the Thar Roxx and the Scorpio-N. Both SUVs are traditional ladder-frame ones and get the same powertrain options. While the Scorpio-N makes a bit more power and torque, the Thar offers more legroom for the rear passenger. However, the Scorpio-N is longer and offers three-row seating and tan leather upholstery. But even so, the Thar now offers a wider list of features, including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, a larger 10.25-inch display screen and an instrument cluster, so it’s a close call. A lot of it comes down to form factor, a round which the Thar Roxx wins, hands down.
Price: Rs 13.85 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)
Let’s face it, at an introductory price of Rs 12.99 lakh for the petrol variant and Rs 13.99 for the diesel, the Thar Roxx offers far greater utility than its three-door sibling. For starters, the entry-level three-door Thar gets a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel while the 5-door version gets a 2.2-litre version, making more power and torque than the standard iterations of that engine. The Thar Roxx is also based on an all-new platform with improved riding dynamics and suspension damping. Then there’s the added space, over 400mm of wheelbase length and 68mm of overall height. It’s not just the added space; the added door count means it is now much easier for rear passengers to get in. Mahindra is fully prepared for the Roxx to cannibalise the sales of the existing Thar. Expect some good deals in the used car market.
Price: Rs 11.35 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)
The Thar Roxx is, unfortunately, the final nail in the Jimny’s coffin. With the latter’s inventories piling on, the Jimny is being offered at massive discounts. In terms of form and function, it is the closest thing that the Thar has (or rather had) to a direct rival. A bonafide ladder-frame SUV, the Jimny comes with a proper 4x4 kit as standard, rigid axle suspension on both axles and a light frame, which, coupled with its short wheelbase, helps it scuttle over vertical surfaces like a cricket. Its biggest disadvantage, however, is its 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which feels woefully underpowered on the highway and needs to be milked to perform off-road. Given that the Thar Roxx’s 4x4 variant will cost a good deal more, perhaps the Jimny is still an affordable alternative for hardcore off-road enthusiasts.
Price: Rs 12.75 lakh onwards (excluding cash discounts)
Arguably the hardiest, most purpose-built off-roader in the segment, the Force Gurkha’s on-road mannerisms pale compared to the Roxx’s, but it is, in shape and form – a direct rival. Available only with a 2.6-litre diesel, it produces less power and torque while offering better water-wading ability. The Thar also gets an automatic transmission along with a host of other features that make it a far more wholesome, all-purpose vehicle. The Gurkha, however, does offer seating for seven.
Price: Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom)
As the incumbent segment leader, the Hyundai Creta does deserve an honorary mention. Its monocoque frame makes it the outlier here, as the Creta is far more of a soft-roader than a bonafide off-roader. It does come with plenty of bells and whistles, a punchy 1.5-litre petrol and diesel options, dual clutch transmission as an option and marginally better on-road mannerisms and a more contemporary design, although the Thar’s ADAS equipped interiors, complete with ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof and longer wheelbase give it considerable competition in terms of cabin comfort.
Price: Rs 11 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)
