by Indian automaker Mahindra has introduced a new special version of its Thar Roxx SUV, which is often compared to the Jeep Wrangler. The new Star Edition trim has received a number of visual and technical updates while remaining an affordable option.
Exterior Changes and Design
The Thar Roxx Star Edition differs from the base models with details finished in black. The classic Jeep-style radiator grille now has a glossy piano-black coating, as do the 19-inch alloy wheels. The bumpers and fenders are adorned with plastic overlays, while the skid plates and side steps have received metal elements that break up the dark color scheme.
The new Thar Roxx Star Edition received a blacked-out radiator grille and wheels.
Standard equipment includes LED headlights, rear lights, and fog lights. Buyers in India are offered four body colors: Citrine Yellow, Everest White, Stealth Black, and Tango Red.
Updated Interior and Equipment
Inside, the manufacturer has abandoned the light upholstery in favor of a fully black theme. The seats are upholstered in black artificial leather with suede inserts. The center console is decorated with carbon-look inserts, and the dashboard has gained artificial leather inserts with white stitching.
The interior received black artificial leather, suede, carbon accents, and modern technology.
The equipment is quite generous and corresponds to top versions. The Star Edition includes dual 10.25-inch displays, built-in Alexa integration, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a Harman Kardon audio system. All these features are standard.
However, compared to the AX6L and AX7L variants, the Star Edition lacks a Level 2 ADAS system, likely to maintain a competitive price.
Engines and Drivetrain
Despite its off-road appearance, the Star Edition is available exclusively with rear-wheel drive, which is an unusual decision, as other Thar and Thar Roxx trims are offered with all-wheel drive and off-road technologies. However, the model has modes for different types of terrain and a rear differential lock.
The Star Edition trim does not have all-wheel drive, being limited to rear-wheel drive and off-road modes.
The car is offered with two engines. The gasoline 2.0-liter turbo engine produces 175 hp and 380 Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The alternative is a 2.2-liter turbo diesel with 171 hp and 400 Nm, which can be ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Price Affordability
The main advantage of the Mahindra Thar Roxx Star Edition is its affordable price. The diesel version with a manual transmission starts from 16.85 lakh rupees, the gasoline version with an automatic transmission from 17.85 lakh, and the diesel version with an automatic from 18.35 lakh rupees.
For comparison, the base version of the Mahindra Thar Roxx starts from 12.25 lakh rupees, and the three-door Thar from 9.99 lakh. A fully equipped Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in India sells for about 68.31 lakh rupees, making Mahindra’s offer very attractive in terms of price-to-quality ratio.
The launch of the special Star Edition demonstrates Mahindra’s strategy to strengthen its position in the affordable SUV market by offering customers more style and features without a sharp increase in cost. The absence of all-wheel drive in this trim may be perceived ambiguously by enthusiasts, but for urban conditions and light off-roading, rear-wheel drive with a differential lock may be sufficient. The competitive price remains the main argument, especially against the backdrop of significantly more expensive analogues like the Jeep Wrangler. This model may find its buyer among those who value an off-road image but are not ready to invest significantly in a full-fledged off-road vehicle.
