Top-End Mahindra Thar Roxx Or Top-End Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara or Kia Seltos?
Mahindra surprised everyone at the launch of the Thar Roxx SUV last week. The Indian SUV manufacturer introduced the SUV at a starting price of Rs 12.99 lakh, ex-showroom, for the petrol version. Mahindra mentioned in the presentation that the base variant is not as basic when compared to other SUVs in the segment. In this article, we are comparing the top-end variant of the Mahindra Thar Roxx with the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos to see what Mahindra offers.
Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta is undoubtedly one of the best-selling SUVs in its segment. The SUV carved out a niche for itself and set a benchmark in terms of quality, fit, and finish. The top-end turbo DCT SX(O) variant of the Hyundai Creta is priced at Rs 20.15 lakh, ex-showroom. At this price point, Hyundai offers a range of premium features with the Creta.
The Creta’s turbo petrol engine option includes ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, leatherette upholstery, electrically adjustable seats, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a fully digital instrument cluster (both 10.25 inches). It also features connected car technology and Level 2 ADAS, which includes 19 features such as Front Collision Warning, Front Collision Assistance, Front Collision Assistance for Pedestrians, Front Collision Assistance for Cyclists, Front Collision Assistance at Junction Turnings, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Surround View Monitor, Driver Attention Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, and a Blind-spot Monitor.
The SUV also offers tri-beam LED headlamps, connected LED DRLs, 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, all-LED tail lamps, and more. The Creta’s turbo petrol engine is paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The turbo petrol engine variant of the Creta generates 160 PS and 253 Nm of peak torque.
Kia Seltos
The top-end Kia Seltos X-Line turbo DCT variant is priced at Rs 20.37 lakh, ex-showroom. Similar to the Creta, this SUV also offers premium features. Unlike Hyundai, Kia offers the turbo petrol variant with both iMT and DCT gearbox options. The SUV is loaded with features similar to those of the Hyundai Creta, including Level 2 ADAS, automatic climate control, ventilated seats, an auto-dimming IRVM, a Bose speaker system, leatherette upholstery, and more.
Both the Creta and the Seltos offer similar features. However, when compared to the Creta, the Seltos is slightly more expensive. The turbo petrol engine generates the same power and torque as the Creta. In fact, both are powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
When compared to other SUVs in the segment, Maruti does not offer as many features. However, it does provide a strong hybrid system that none of the rivals offer. The SUV does not feature ADAS at the moment, although it seems that Maruti might introduce this feature in the future. The price for the top-end variant of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is Rs 20.09 lakh, ex-showroom.
Mahindra Thar Roxx
When it comes to the Mahindra Thar Roxx, the top-end variant obviously comes with 4×4 capability. However, since the Creta and Seltos do not have this feature, we will compare it with the top-end AX7 L diesel 2WD automatic variant. Unlike the 3-door version, Mahindra offers a long list of features with the Thar Roxx. It includes Level 2 ADAS, which features forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, high beam assist, and adaptive cruise control. Although the number of features in the Thar Roxx is not as extensive as those in the Creta or Seltos, it still offers a few.
The Thar Roxx comes with a panoramic sunroof, climate control, ventilated seats, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a multi-function steering wheel, LED headlamps, LED DRLs, fog lamps, LED tail lamps, auto-headlamps, auto wipers, and more. These features are also available with the Creta and Seltos. The price for the top-end diesel automatic variant of the Thar Roxx is Rs 18.99 lakh, ex-showroom.
This makes the Thar Roxx more relevant and competitive in the segment. So, if you are looking for a rugged, boxy SUV with premium features, the Roxx is a great choice. However, if comfort is your priority, any of the other options on the list would make more sense.