Our short stint with the Mahindra Thar Roxx saw us drive it everywhere. Thrice.
My stint with the Roxx started with being unable to accept its name. Then, I chose to have a problem with some of its lines (being a Thar owner, I’m biased) and, right after, with something else. And then I drove it. A lot.
It sure has been a most willing accomplice, very quickly emerging as the team’s go-to car for most of our travels over the last few months. I’ve driven it to Goa thrice in quick succession, almost always with a full load, aside from a number of Mumbai-Pune runs, and I can’t help but admit I’m a convert. The Roxx does highway duties too easily, with its high perch, nicely firm seats and stability making it great for really long days on the road.
A bouncy ride was a serial complaint from co-passengers, though, fixed either by showing off the panoramic roof or by turning them comatose with my bizarre playlist. My own grouse with the Roxx, though, is something that isn’t an easy fi x — the increased floor height. This has a few drawbacks which you’ll notice if you’re 5’11’’ or taller. First, you’ll find yourself noticeably hunched over, even with the lowest-seat and highest-steering position. Next, your left leg now grinds against the wider part of the centre console; in the lower-floor Thar, it rests against the lower section of the console. Lastly, I don’t think the pedals have been adjusted in relation to the higher floor, so I found myself using the middle of my foot rather than the toe section. Oh, and the door pockets are a bit disappointing for a car this large.
However, just as I’d begun daydreaming about driving the Roxx to Ladakh (how’s that for a stereotype?) Mahindra decided I’d had too much fun with it and promptly took it away. My other car will have to do for now, I guess. Sigh!
