Interior details are sparse for now, though available images show army-green upholstery and a dashboard that appears to follow the standard Roxx layout.Mahindra has pulled the wraps off a military-grade all-terrain vehicle built on the bones of its popular Thar Roxx SUV, with the Indian Army squarely in its sights. Group Chairman Anand Mahindra shared the first look on social media, and intends to submit the vehicle for Army trials, after which procurement decisions will follow based on operational requirements.
This is familiar territory for Mahindra as the automaker has a well-documented history of building for the armed forces, with the Armado, Marksman, and Scorpio Classic all having served in defence roles over the years.
Mahindra Thar Roxx ATV – Everything that’s changed
The transformation from civilian SUV to field-ready machine has introduced many changes. Up front, the recognisable LED headlamps and six-slatted grille carry over from the stock Roxx, but the bumper is chunkier and gets a winch for self-recovery in difficult terrain. The windshield is reinforced with a metal tube frame and carries mounts for auxiliary lighting. A farm jack sits on the bonnet, a practical touch for repairs to be done in remote areas with less service centres in sight.
The doors are gone entirely, replaced with tubular metal frames that cut weight, open up sightlines, and make getting in and out faster. The roof has been swapped out for a modular roll cage, which doubles as a mount for a 360-degree turret rated for a 7.62mm medium machine gun. Grab handles replace the standard door hinges for roof access and load management.
Ground clearance has been raised, and the ATV rolls on 18-inch all-terrain tyres built for the kind of surfaces that would stop most vehicles. Metal rock sliders run along the sides to help the vehicle glide over boulders rather than getting snagged, while full underbody armour protects the mechanical components underneath.
The tailgate carries a jerrycan holder for extended range and a twin spare-wheel setup. At the rear fender, MOLLE storage, the same modular load-carrying system used by soldiers, keeps gear organised and accessible. Reinforced hoist brackets round things out by making the vehicle airdrop-compatible.
Engine details
Under the bonnet sits the Thar Roxx’s 2.2-litre diesel, producing 172hp and 400Nm of torque. It drives through a six-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox and a four-wheel-drive system. Suspension is double-wishbone up front and multi-link at the rear, with the option of independent springs at the back.
Interior details are sparse for now, though available images show army-green upholstery and a dashboard that appears to follow the standard Roxx layout.
