Mahindra has recently launched its latest off-roader, the “Thar Roxx,” a rugged SUV that has been making waves in the market. This new five-door variant of the popular Thar comes loaded with features that set it apart from its competitors. The Thar Roxx faces stiff competition from other off-roaders like the Force Gurkha 5-Door and the compact yet capable Maruti Jimny. While Mahindra’s Scorpio-N is not a pure off-roader, it still presents itself as an alternative for customers in this segment.
Size and Dimensions: How They Compare
When it comes to size, the Scorpio-N is the largest in the segment with a length of 4662 mm and a width of 1917 mm. On the other hand, the Force Gurkha 5-Door stands out as the tallest, with a height of 2095 mm. The Thar Roxx, with its 2850 mm wheelbase, offers a longer wheelbase than both the Gurkha (2825 mm) and the Jimny (2590 mm). Notably, the Thar Roxx rides on 19-inch wheels, a size unmatched by any other SUV in this category. In contrast, the Jimny, which is under four meters long, features smaller 15-inch wheels.
Power and Performance: Thar Roxx vs. Rivals
Under the hood, the Thar Roxx shares its engines with the Scorpio-N, offering both petrol and diesel options. The Gurkha, however, is available only with a diesel engine, while the Jimny is limited to a petrol engine. The Thar Roxx’s petrol engine produces 162 HP in the manual version and 177 HP in the automatic version, which positions it as more powerful than the Jimny’s naturally aspirated petrol engine, which generates 105 HP. However, the Scorpio-N still leads in terms of power, boasting 203 HP.
When it comes to torque, the Thar Roxx’s petrol engine outperforms all others in its class, providing the highest torque output. The Force Gurkha 5-Door, despite having the largest diesel engine in the segment, lags behind with 140 HP and 320 Nm of torque. Additionally, while the Gurkha lacks an automatic transmission, the Jimny offers a 4-speed automatic unit.
Off-Road Capabilities: How Do They Stack Up?
Off-road enthusiasts often look at specific stats like approach, departure, and ramp-over angles to determine a vehicle’s capability. The Thar Roxx shines with the best approach angle in its class at 41.7 degrees, while the Jimny takes the lead with the best departure angle of 46 degrees. The Gurkha 5-Door claims the best ramp-over angle at 28 degrees. Mahindra has not yet disclosed the ground clearance for the Thar Roxx, leaving off-roaders curious. However, the Gurkha leads the pack in water-wading capability, making it a strong contender in extreme off-road conditions. On the other hand, the Scorpio-N’s approach, departure, and ramp-over angles have not been officially revealed by Mahindra.
The Market’s Reaction: What to Expect
The introduction of the Thar Roxx has certainly stirred the market. Its combination of power, advanced features, and impressive off-road stats makes it a strong contender against the Force Gurkha and Maruti Jimny. While the Scorpio-N may not be a direct rival due to its less rugged nature, it still offers an attractive option for those looking for a more versatile SUV with some off-road capabilities.
Thar Roxx vs. Competitors: Summary
- Scorpio-N: Largest in size, most powerful engine, but not a dedicated off-roader.
- Force Gurkha 5-Door: Tallest, best ramp-over angle, leading in water-wading capability, but lacks an automatic transmission.
- Maruti Jimny: Compact, best departure angle, only petrol engine with a 4-speed automatic option, but smaller in size.
- Thar Roxx: Longest wheelbase, best approach angle, powerful engines with both petrol and diesel options, 19-inch wheels for superior ground clearance (awaiting official specs).
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is set to challenge the current leaders in the off-road SUV segment. With its unique blend of features and capabilities, it has the potential to attract a wide range of customers, from hardcore off-roaders to urban adventurers. The competition is fierce, but Mahindra’s latest offering seems well-equipped to hold its ground and carve out a significant share of the market.
