The Mahindra Thar, a rugged and iconic off-roader, has captured the hearts of adventure enthusiasts in India and beyond. While the current generation Thar has addressed many of the concerns of its predecessors, a slightly controversial variant, the Roxx, exported mainly to Australia, faced its own set of unique challenges. Understanding these issues is crucial for anyone considering importing or modifying a Thar, or even for those simply interested in the evolution of this popular vehicle.

What Exactly Was the Mahindra Thar Roxx?

The Mahindra Thar Roxx was essentially an export version of the first-generation Thar, specifically designed to meet Australian regulations. Think of it as the Thar's slightly rebellious cousin, tailored for a different market. Mahindra attempted to sell the vehicle in Australia, but its design closely resembled the Jeep Wrangler, leading to a legal battle with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). FCA argued that the Roxx infringed on their design rights, particularly the boxy shape and the flat hood.

Ultimately, the Australian Federal Court ruled in favour of FCA, finding that the Roxx was indeed too similar to the Wrangler. This resulted in Mahindra being prohibited from selling the Roxx in Australia. This legal setback became a defining characteristic of the Roxx, making it a bit of a cautionary tale in automotive design and intellectual property.

The Shadow of Similarity: The Jeep Lawsuit and its Aftermath

The lawsuit filed by FCA was a significant blow to Mahindra's ambitions in the Australian market. The court's decision wasn't just about aesthetics; it highlighted the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in the automotive industry.

  • The Core Issue: The primary argument was that the Roxx's design was a deliberate attempt to capitalize on the Jeep Wrangler's iconic look, which FCA argued was a registered design.
  • The Ruling: The court agreed with FCA, finding that the Roxx's overall appearance and specific design elements were too similar to the Wrangler.
  • The Consequences: Mahindra was barred from selling the Roxx in Australia and was required to recall and destroy any unsold vehicles. This also impacted the company's reputation and future export strategies.
  • Long-Term Impact: The lawsuit served as a stark reminder to automotive manufacturers to conduct thorough design reviews and ensure their products don't infringe on existing intellectual property. It also highlighted the importance of design originality in a competitive global market.

Mechanical Quirks and Reliability Concerns

Beyond the legal battles, the Thar Roxx also faced several mechanical and reliability concerns, often stemming from its rugged design and the conditions it was subjected to. While many of these issues are common to off-road vehicles, they were particularly pronounced in the Roxx.

Engine Issues:

  • Turbo Lag: The diesel engine, while powerful, often suffered from noticeable turbo lag, making acceleration feel sluggish at low speeds. This was particularly frustrating in city driving or when needing quick bursts of power.
  • Cooling System Problems: The cooling system sometimes struggled to cope with the harsh Australian climate, leading to overheating issues, especially during prolonged off-road use. This could potentially damage the engine and require costly repairs.
  • Fuel Injector Problems: Some owners reported issues with fuel injectors, leading to poor fuel economy, rough idling, and reduced engine performance.

Drivetrain and Suspension Woes:

  • Transfer Case Issues: The transfer case, responsible for switching between two-wheel and four-wheel drive, was prone to malfunctions, making it difficult to engage or disengage four-wheel drive. This was a significant problem for a vehicle marketed for its off-road capabilities.
  • Suspension Stiffness: The suspension, while robust, was often criticized for being too stiff, resulting in a harsh ride, especially on paved roads. This made long journeys uncomfortable.
  • Axle Problems: The axles, which transfer power from the differential to the wheels, were sometimes prone to breakage, particularly under heavy off-road use.

Other Common Issues:

  • Electrical Glitches: The Roxx, like many vehicles, occasionally suffered from electrical glitches, ranging from faulty sensors to issues with the infotainment system.
  • Rusting: Some owners reported issues with rusting, particularly in coastal areas where the vehicle was exposed to saltwater.

Creature Comforts? Not Exactly a Luxury Liner

While the Thar is known for its ruggedness, the Roxx version often lacked the creature comforts that many modern drivers expect. This wasn't necessarily a design flaw, but rather a reflection of its utilitarian nature and target market.

  • Basic Interior: The interior was very basic, with minimal features and a focus on functionality over luxury. This meant hard plastics, limited storage space, and a generally spartan feel.
  • Limited Technology: The infotainment system, if present, was often outdated and lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
  • Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH): The Roxx suffered from significant NVH, meaning it was noisy, vibrated a lot, and generally wasn't a comfortable vehicle for long drives. Wind noise and road noise were particularly noticeable.
  • Poor Air Conditioning: The air conditioning system, especially in hot climates, often struggled to keep the cabin cool.

Safety Concerns: A Matter of Priorities

Safety is always a paramount concern when choosing a vehicle, and the Thar Roxx, due to its age and design, lagged behind modern safety standards.

  • Limited Airbags: The Roxx typically came with a limited number of airbags, often just driver and passenger airbags.
  • Lack of Advanced Safety Features: It lacked modern advanced safety features like electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and anti-lock braking system (ABS).
  • Rollover Risk: Due to its high center of gravity, the Roxx had a higher rollover risk compared to other vehicles.
  • Crash Test Ratings: The Roxx never underwent rigorous crash testing by independent organizations like Euro NCAP or ANCAP, making it difficult to assess its crashworthiness.

Parts Availability and Maintenance: A Potential Headache

Owning a vehicle that's not widely available can present challenges when it comes to parts availability and maintenance. The Thar Roxx, due to its limited production and export status, fell into this category.

  • Limited Parts Supply: Finding replacement parts for the Roxx could be difficult, especially outside of India. This could lead to delays in repairs and higher costs.
  • Specialized Mechanics: Not all mechanics are familiar with the Thar Roxx, so finding someone qualified to work on it could be a challenge.
  • Higher Maintenance Costs: Due to the limited parts supply and specialized labor, maintenance costs for the Roxx could be higher compared to more common vehicles.

Is the Thar Roxx Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons

So, is the Mahindra Thar Roxx worth considering? The answer depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Potential Pros:

  • Rugged Off-Road Capability: The Roxx is a capable off-roader, able to tackle challenging terrain.
  • Unique and Rare: It's a relatively rare vehicle, which can appeal to collectors or those looking for something different.
  • Potential for Customization: The Roxx can be heavily customized and modified to suit individual needs.

Significant Cons:

  • Reliability Issues: The Roxx is prone to mechanical and electrical problems.
  • Limited Comfort: It lacks modern creature comforts and is not a comfortable vehicle for long journeys.
  • Safety Concerns: It lacks modern safety features and has a higher rollover risk.
  • Parts Availability: Finding replacement parts can be difficult and expensive.
  • Legal Complications: Due to the lawsuit, importing or modifying a Roxx can be legally complex.

Ultimately, the Thar Roxx is best suited for experienced off-road enthusiasts who are willing to accept its limitations and are prepared to invest time and money in maintenance and repairs. It's not a practical choice for everyday driving or for those seeking a comfortable and reliable vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why was the Mahindra Thar Roxx banned in Australia? A: The Australian Federal Court ruled that the Roxx's design was too similar to the Jeep Wrangler, infringing on FCA's intellectual property rights.

Q: What are some common mechanical problems with the Thar Roxx? A: Common issues include turbo lag, cooling system problems, transfer case malfunctions, and suspension stiffness.

Q: Is the Thar Roxx safe? A: The Roxx lacks modern safety features and has a higher rollover risk compared to newer vehicles.

Q: Are parts for the Thar Roxx easy to find? A: No, finding replacement parts can be difficult and expensive due to its limited production and export status.

Q: Is the Thar Roxx comfortable for long drives? A: No, the Roxx lacks creature comforts and suffers from significant noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

Conclusion

The Mahindra Thar Roxx, while a capable off-roader, presents a unique set of challenges due to its design, legal history, and mechanical quirks. Carefully consider these factors before deciding if the Roxx is the right vehicle for you, and be prepared for potential maintenance and parts availability issues.