Mahindra has long been the undisputed leader of the Indian rugged SUV landscape, but their latest move feels like a sharp, assertive attempt to capture the lifestyle audience that cares as much about the body shop finish as they do about braking performance. The automaker has just pulled the silk off the Mahindra Thar Roxx Star Edition, with a entry-price of Rs 16.85 lakh (ex-showroom).
As per my knowledge, this isn’t just a simple sticker job. Based on the range-topping AX7L trim, the Star Edition is a high-gloss, blacked-out marque statement that trades the traditional “go-anywhere” mud-plugger vibe for something that wouldn’t look out of place at a high-end valet. However, there is a catch that might leave off-road purists feeling a bit concerned: it is strictly a Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) affair.
The Aesthetic Shift: From Mud to Midnight
My personal experience with the standard Roxx suggested that while the body-colored grille was a bold design choice, it didn’t appeal to everyone. The Star Edition fixes this by introducing a sleek gloss-black finish to the grille and the wheels. In my opinion, the new Citrine Yellow paint option—exclusive to this edition—paired with that blacked-out chassis aesthetic, makes this the most visually striking make in the current portfolio.
Inside, the manufacturing team has swapped the high-maintenance light-colored upholstery for an all-black theme. The cabin now features black leatherette with suede accents, which I would advise is a much more practical choice for Indian conditions where a trip to the car wash is a weekly necessity.
Comparing the Lineage: 3-Door Legend vs. 5-Door “Star”
To understand the evolution of the model, we have to look back at the original 3-door Thar that kickstarted the craze. The leap in R&D and quality control (SPC) between the two generations is staggering.
| Feature | Legacy Thar (3-Door) | Thar Roxx Star Edition (5-Door) |
| Wheelbase | Compact / Short | Extended / Family-Friendly |
| Suspension | Rugged / Bumpy | Refined / Multi-Link |
| Interior Theme | Utilitarian / Washable | Premium / All-Black Suede |
| Safety Tech | Basic | Level 2 ADAS / 360 Camera |
| Rear Doors | None | Fully Integrated |
The old 3-door was a prototype for adventure, but the Roxx Star Edition is a finished, polished product. While the older model relied on a manual carburetor-era simplicity (in spirit), the new Star Edition is a tech-heavy powerhouse featuring twin 10.25-inch screens and a 9-speaker Harman Kardon system.
The Competition: A Battle of the Marques
The mid-size SUV segment is currently a war of attrition. While the Thar Roxx Star Edition leans into its “rugged-premium” niche, it faces stiff competition from urban crossovers that offer similar financing and leasing appeal.
| Specification | Thar Roxx Star Edition | Hyundai Creta (N-Line) | Force Gurkha (5-Door) |
| Engine (Diesel) | 2.2L mHawk (175hp) | 1.5L CRDi (115hp) | 2.6L Mercedes-Derived |
| Transmission | 6MT / 6AT (RWD) | 6MT / 7DCT (FWD) | 5MT (4×4 Standard) |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes | Yes | No (Dual Sunroof) |
| Ground Clearance | High / Off-road Ready | Urban / Moderate | Extreme / High |
| Starting Price | Rs 16.85 Lakh | Rs 16.82 Lakh | Rs 18.00 Lakh |
A Critical Outlook: The 4×4 Omission
While I find the acceleration and the 400Nm of torque from the 2.2-liter diesel engine to be best-in-class, I am somewhat critical of the decision to exclude the 4×4 hardware from this “Star” treatment. By limiting this edition to RWD, Mahindra is signaling that this model is for the “mall-road,” not the “off-road.”
If you are someone who spends time at the gas station prepping for a Himalayan expedition, this might not be the version for you. The lack of a front axle drive means you are essentially buying a very tall, very handsome urban cruiser. I would advise enthusiasts to weigh the “cool factor” of the blacked-out components against the actual utility of a 4WD system found in the standard AX7L 4×4 variants.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the supply chain remains consistent. You get the choice of:
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Petrol: 2.0-liter turbocharged (177hp/380Nm) – AT only.
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Diesel: 2.2-liter mHawk (175hp/400Nm) – MT and AT options.
The transmission tuning on the 6-speed Aisin torque converter remains a highlight, providing smooth shifts that feel more like a luxury marque than a rugged utility vehicle.
Final Thoughts: A Star is Born?
The Mahindra Thar Roxx Star Edition is a clever bit of marketing. It targets the buyer who wants the “Thar life” without the compromises of a beige interior or the “agricultural” feel of older models. It is a vehicle designed to be seen in, perhaps more than to be used in the dirt.
For the price, you are getting a massive amount of “road presence” and a safety suite that includes a 360-degree camera and ADAS—features that were unthinkable on a Thar just five years ago. It’s a bold step forward in the vehicle creation process, even if it leaves the 4×4 fans waiting in the dust.
