Mahindra Thar ROXX Desert Edition Imagined [Video]
Mahindra recently launched the new five-door Thar aka Thar Roxx in the Indian market. Available in seven distinctive colours—Tango Red, Stealth Black, Everest White, Deep Forest, Nebula Blue, Battleship Grey, and Burnt Sienna— Mahindra Thar Roxx is already making waves. However, a recent render by SRK Designs imagined the SUV in Desert Storm colour. Initially, the visuals had just a side view of the Desert Storm Thar Roxx. These went viral on the internet, forcing the automotive artist to release more angles and visuals of the Desert Storm edition.
Mahindra Thar Roxx Desert Edition
The rendering has the Thar Roxx wear a metallic Sand exterior paint, with a subtle golden tint to it. The chunky wheel arches are finished in Black and so are the massive 19-inch wheels (The previous render had the alloys in Gunmetal Grey).
The front fascia looks better on the render with a Blacked-out grille section, dark-themed bumper and Black hood latches. The Black / Dark treatment seems to suit the controversial grille design well, and the entire section looks attractive.
The colour combination has rendered this Thar Roxx an imposing visual stance. True to its factory form, the roof remains black. The tasteful use of Black and Sand colours remains the highlight of the tail end as well.
This realistic rendering has stirred excitement, and many are hoping Mahindra will bring this version to life. It is also one of those uncommon renders of the Roxx that look absolutely good. The popularity of the Thar 3-door’s Earth Edition, which also features a golden hue, suggests that a Desert Edition could attract considerable attention from buyers.
Production-Spec Mahindra Thar Roxx Design
The design of the Thar Roxx has sparked varied responses from within the community- mild, strong and severe. There are people who loved it and there are those who hate it. The internet has been flooding with renders and sketches of what the Thar Roxx could (should) have been. Some of these are terrible, some average, but there are people who think anything but the current design works!
The side profile seems to be the biggest trigger. The roofline, doors, sloping C pillar and triangular rear quarter glass seem to be the most polarising elements of this design. People have been quite vocal about their dissatisfaction with these.
In a recent instance, an Instagram user sent a critical DM to Pratap Bose, Mahindra’s chief designer. The message harshly criticized the design, calling it a poor choice and even suggesting that Bose should be removed from his position.
The Thar Roxx’s design is admittedly polarizing. However, it’s not uncommon for designs that initially receive mixed reactions to grow on people over time. Take, for example, the second-generation Hyundai Creta. When it was first launched, many disliked its appearance, yet it quickly became one of the best-selling compact SUVs. Even the current generation Creta, which also faces criticism, continues to dominate the market.
Why Mahindra Chose This Design
One of the reasons Mahindra opted for this unique design for the Thar Roxx is to differentiate it from the Jeep Wrangler. Given that Mahindra aims to sell the Thar Roxx in international markets like the US and Australia, maintaining safe distances from the Jeep’s design DNA was critical in avoiding legal struggles. Mahindra thus chose to innovate with distinctive design elements, such as the C-pillar and rear triangular windows, giving the Thar Roxx its own identity and ensuring smoother entries into more global markets.