The Indian automotive landscape has been significantly reshaped by Mahindra & Mahindra’s aggressive product offensive, with the Thar Roxx—the highly anticipated five-door version of the legendary Thar—standing at the center of this transformation. While the vehicle was launched to much fanfare recently, it appears that Mahindra is not resting on its laurels. Recent spy shots emerging from testing facilities and public roads have sent the automotive community into a frenzy, revealing that the Thar Roxx is slated for a technical and aesthetic mid-cycle refinement.
The latest sightings confirm two major developments: the integration of the advanced "DaVinci" suspension system and the introduction of a new alloy wheel design that pays homage to the original three-door Thar. These updates signal Mahindra’s commitment to perfecting the "lifestyle SUV" formula, balancing rugged off-road DNA with the sophisticated ride quality demanded by urban families.
1. Main Facts: What the New Spy Shots Reveal
The recent batch of spy shots provides the most comprehensive look yet at the upcoming revisions for the Thar Roxx. Unlike earlier test mules that were heavily cloaked in camouflage, these latest units feature largely uncovered bodywork, suggesting that the primary focus of the testing is mechanical and component-specific rather than a total design overhaul.
The Return of the "OG" Alloy Design
One of the most visually striking revelations is the wheel setup. The test mule was spotted with camouflage concentrated specifically around the wheels. Upon closer inspection, the alloy design appears to be a direct evolution of the "OG" (Original) alloys found on the three-door Mahindra Thar.
While the current Thar Roxx features a more contemporary, multi-spoke diamond-cut design, the "OG" style is characterized by a more rugged, five-spoke aesthetic that emphasizes the vehicle’s "Go-Anywhere" persona. This move suggests that Mahindra may be planning to offer these wheels as part of a new trim level, a "Classic" package, or perhaps as a standard update to address customer feedback regarding the previous design’s complexity versus the brand’s heritage.
The DaVinci Suspension Confirmation
Beneath the sheet metal lies the most significant update: the DaVinci suspension system. High-resolution underbody shots and wheel-well captures clearly show the DaVinci branding on the suspension components. This system was recently introduced in the three-door Thar and is now being calibrated for the longer wheelbase and heavier curb weight of the five-door Roxx.
The DaVinci setup is a sophisticated damping solution designed to mitigate the inherent "bouncy" ride quality often associated with ladder-frame SUVs. By utilizing revised internal valving and specialized damping curves, the system aims to provide a "best-of-both-worlds" scenario: supple absorption of small road imperfections and firm control during high-speed maneuvers or heavy off-roading.
2. Chronology: The Rapid Evolution of the Roxx
To understand the significance of these updates, one must look at the timeline of the Thar’s evolution:
- August 2020: Mahindra unveils the second-generation Thar (3-door). It becomes an overnight sensation, moving the Thar from a niche off-roader to a mainstream lifestyle choice.
- 2021–2023: As demand soars, feedback regarding the 3-door’s lack of practicality for families leads to rumors of a 5-door version. During this period, Mahindra continuously tweaks the suspension of the 3-door to improve on-road manners.
- August 15, 2024: The Mahindra Thar Roxx (5-door) is officially launched. It introduces a more premium cabin, a panoramic sunroof, and Level 2 ADAS, distancing itself from the more utilitarian 3-door sibling.
- Late 2024: Shortly after the initial deliveries of the Roxx begin, the first "DaVinci" equipped 3-door Thars hit the market.
- Present (October 2026/Testing Cycle): Spy shots confirm that the DaVinci technology and the classic wheel designs are being ported over to the Roxx, indicating a rapid iteration cycle to keep the product at the top of its segment.
3. Supporting Data: Technical Specifications and Performance
The Thar Roxx is built on Mahindra’s M_Glyde platform, which already utilizes frequency-dependent damping (FDD) technology. However, the move to DaVinci suspension represents a hardware-level upgrade.
Understanding the DaVinci Advantage
Current suspension systems in the Roxx use FDD to vary the damping force based on the frequency of the bumps. While effective, the DaVinci upgrade introduces:
- Enhanced Valving: More precise control over fluid flow within the shock absorber.
- Heat Dissipation: Better performance during prolonged off-road sessions where shocks are prone to "fading."
- Body Roll Mitigation: Specific tuning to handle the higher center of gravity and the 400mm+ additional length of the Roxx compared to the 3-door.
Powertrain Continuity
Despite the suspension and wheel changes, the mechanical heart of the Thar Roxx remains unchanged, offering some of the most powerful engines in its class:
| Engine Type | Transmission | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L mStallion Turbo-Petrol | 6-Speed MT | 160 bhp | 330 Nm |
| 2.0L mStallion Turbo-Petrol | 6-Speed AT | 174 bhp | 380 Nm |
| 2.2L mHawk Diesel | 6-Speed MT | 150 bhp | 330 Nm |
| 2.2L mHawk Diesel | 6-Speed AT | 172 bhp | 400 Nm |
The Roxx continues to offer Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) for urban buyers and a robust 4WD system with a low-range transfer case for enthusiasts, though 4WD remains exclusive to the diesel variants.
Feature Suite
The Thar Roxx remains one of the most feature-rich SUVs in the sub-25 lakh price bracket. Key highlights include:
- Infotainment: Dual 10.25-inch screens (Instrument Cluster and Touchscreen).
- Audio: 9-speaker Harman Kardon system with localized acoustic tuning.
- Comfort: Ventilated front seats, 6-way powered driver’s seat, and a massive panoramic sunroof (a first for the Thar brand).
- Safety: 6 Airbags (standard), Level 2 ADAS (Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, etc.), and a 360-degree camera.
4. Official Responses and Market Strategy
While Mahindra & Mahindra has not released a formal statement regarding the specific test mules spotted, the company’s "Listen to the Customer" strategy is well-documented.
Mahindra’s Iterative Approach
Historically, Mahindra has been known to introduce "silent updates" to its vehicles. The Scorpio-N and the XUV700 both saw minor suspension and software tweaks within 12 to 18 months of launch. Industry insiders suggest that the DaVinci suspension is a response to early feedback from Roxx owners who found the ride slightly "busy" on concrete highways—a common trait of ladder-frame vehicles.
Positioning Against Competition
The Thar Roxx currently competes in a unique space. While its primary rival is the Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door and the Force Gurkha 5-door, its pricing and feature set also pull customers away from mid-size monocoque SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. By upgrading the suspension, Mahindra is directly attacking the "ride comfort" advantage that monocoque SUVs traditionally hold.
5. Implications: What This Means for the Consumer
The introduction of the DaVinci suspension and new alloys has several far-reaching implications for the Indian SUV market.
Impact on Existing Owners
Early adopters of the Thar Roxx may feel a sense of "buyer’s remorse" seeing a significant mechanical upgrade so soon after launch. However, Mahindra has previously offered suspension kits as official accessories for the 3-door Thar. There is a high probability that the DaVinci kit could be made available as a retro-fittable upgrade for current Roxx owners through Mahindra’s "m-Plus" service hubs.
Price Adjustment
The current pricing of the Thar Roxx ranges from Rs 12.52 lakh to Rs 23.53 lakh (ex-showroom). The DaVinci suspension is a more premium component than the standard FDD shocks. Consequently, we can expect a price hike of approximately Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 for the variants equipped with this new hardware. The "OG" alloys might also be positioned as a premium option or included in a new top-tier "Pro" or "Adventure" variant.
Resale Value and Market Dynamics
The "Thar" brand enjoys some of the highest resale values in India. However, the introduction of a "better-riding" version could create a price delta in the used car market between the "Pre-DaVinci" and "Post-DaVinci" models. For new buyers, this update makes the Roxx an even more compelling alternative to traditional family crossovers.
The "Family SUV" Narrative
Mahindra’s focus on suspension tuning reinforces the shift in the Thar’s identity. It is no longer just a vehicle for off-road trails; it is being groomed as a primary family vehicle. Improved body control and bump absorption are critical for winning over families who might otherwise be intimidated by the ruggedness of a traditional 4×4.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar Roxx has already proven to be a monumental success, with booking numbers reaching record highs. However, these spy shots reveal that Mahindra is not content with sales figures alone. By integrating the DaVinci suspension and revisiting the classic design language of the OG alloys, Mahindra is fine-tuning the Roxx to be the definitive "No-Compromise" SUV in India.
As the test mules shed their camouflage and head toward production, the message is clear: the Thar Roxx is evolving from a rugged disruptor into a refined, world-class lifestyle vehicle that refuses to settle for anything less than perfection. Whether you are an off-road enthusiast or a suburban parent, the upcoming updates to the Roxx promise a driving experience that is as smooth as it is bold.
