Mahindra Thar ROXX 5-Door: Here It Is!

Looks like photos of the Mahindra Thar 5-door (predicted to be named the Armada) have finally leaked. Here we can see the upcoming SUV without any camouflage at all, under lights. Update: The 5-Door Thar is named Thar ROXX: Officially Revealed

These leaked photos of the Mahindra Roxx (Armada 5-door) give us a detailed look at the much-anticipated SUV. Let’s break down the key elements visible in these images:

Exterior Design

Front View

• The front fascia of the Thar 5-door maintains the rugged and iconic look that Mahindra’s Thar series is known for.
• The grille features vertical slats, which is a design hallmark, but with a more modern twist. The grille is larger and more pronounced, lending a bold presence to the SUV.
• The circular headlights are integrated with modern LED daytime running lights, adding to the contemporary feel while retaining the classic round shape.
• The front bumper is robust, with a metallic finish and integrated fog lamps. This adds both a stylistic element and practical utility for off-roading.

What we think

The Mahindra Armada looks quite rugged alright. The front grille might be too loud for some, or too unsophisticated. But the Indian SUV market is not into very sophisticated looks, so take it for what it’s worth!

Mahindra seems to have intentionally opted for a 10 slat grille as the 5 door Thar Armada is not just meant for Indian markets but also export markets around the globe.

The new 4X4 will rub shoulders with the Jeep Wrangler, and Mahindra wants to make sure that it steers clear from any copyright infringement. The revised headlights with horseshoe shaped DRLs are good-looking, and the front bumper and wheel arches are only slightly changed from the 3-door Thar.

Side View

• The side profile reveals the extended wheelbase to accommodate the additional two doors. The proportions seem well-balanced, ensuring the vehicle does not look overly stretched.
• The door design and window line are straightforward, maintaining the rugged aesthetics typical of an off-road vehicle. The doors have visible hinges, which is a nod to the utilitarian roots of the Thar.
• The side steps are practical additions for easier ingress and egress, especially considering the high ground clearance.
• The flared wheel arches add to the muscular look, and the all-terrain tires hint at the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.
• The C-pillar has an odd kink, and this is another design bit that seems intentional, aimed at differentiating the 5 door Thar Armada from the Jeep Wrangler.

What we think

Pretty similar to the 3-door Thar, and does not look overstretched. But we have our reservations on that C-pillar. It is narrow at the top, and expands into a wide bottom – we don’t think it looks good in the photos. But in the flesh, that might be a different matter altogether.

Overall Impression

The Mahindra Thar 5-door in these photos appears to be a well-thought-out expansion of the popular Thar lineup. It retains the rugged charm and off-road prowess while offering more practicality and space for families or larger groups. The modern touches like LED DRLs and the updated grille design show Mahindra’s commitment to keeping the Thar contemporary while respecting its heritage.

This vehicle will likely appeal to a broader audience, including those who appreciate the Thar’s rugged aesthetics but require more interior space and the convenience of additional doors. Beige interiors means that the 5 door Thar Armada will feel more premium and airy. We’re not sure of how such interiors will cope the mud and grime that comes with off roading though.

The Thar 5-door is poised to be a strong contender in the off-road SUV segment, combining classic design elements with modern features and practicality. The Thar Armada 5 door, like its 3 door sibling, is based on the Mahindra Scorpio-N platform. While the Armada will share its engines with the 3 door Thar, it’s likely to get a higher state of tune to compensate for its greater weight.

We expect both petrol and diesel engines on the Thar Armada 5 door to have a similar state of tune as the Scorpio-N. Gearboxes for both engines are expected to carried over – 6 speed manual and torque automatic options. Mahindra has also been seen testing the rear wheel drive (RWD) version of the Thar Armada. Whether it’ll get the smaller 1.5 diesel on the RWD trim is yet to be confirmed.

The 5 door Mahindra Thar Armada is expected to feature Level 2 ADAS, and this could make it as pricey as the Scorpio-N. Also, many features found in the flagship XUV700 are likely to be offered on the Thar Armada 5 Door version, making it a vehicle worthy of sitting at the top of Mahindra’s SUV line-up. Expect prices to reflect this. The 5 door Thar Armada will be launched officially on the 15th of August, 2024, in keeping with Mahindra’s tradition of using the Indian Independence Day for their biggest launch of the year.