Mahindra Thar Roxx-Based ATV Unveiled for Indian Army Trials

Mahindra has unveiled a military-spec all-terrain vehicle built on the Thar Roxx platform, purpose-built for India's security forces. Group chairman Anand Mahindra revealed the development with a tweet on his X profile, stating the vehicle is headed for Indian Army trials before orders are placed based on operational requirements.

Previous defence builds from Mahindra include the Armado, Marksman, and the Scorpio Classic. All three vehicles are currently still serving with the armed forces.

Mahindra Thar ATV - What's Different?

The ATV retains the Thar Roxx's LED headlamps and six-slatted grille up front, but gets a chunkier bumper fitted with a winch for self-recovery in challenging terrain. A metal tube reinforces the windshield for added rigidity and doubles as a lighting mount. A farm jack on the bonnet handles field repairs far from any workshop.

The Thar Roxx's standard doors are out, replaced by open tubular metal pipe units that help cut weight, improve all-around visibility, and ease ingress and egress. The roof has been removed entirely, with a modular roll cage taking its place. That cage is engineered to mount a 360-degree turret compatible with a 7.62mm medium machine gun.

Grab handles replace the standard model's door-hinge points for easier roof access and load handling.
Metal rock sliders run along both flanks to navigate boulder-strewn terrain without body damage. Underbody protection shields the mechanical components underneath. At the rear, the tailgate carries a jerrycan holder for extended range and a double spare-wheel mount.

MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) storage on the rear fender keeps military gear organised and secured, while reinforced hoist brackets make the vehicle airdrop-ready. The ATV rides on 18-inch all-terrain tyres with raised ground clearance over the standard Roxx.

Mahindra Thar ATV - Engine & Gearbox

Power comes from the Thar Roxx's 2.2-litre diesel - 172hp and 400Nm - paired with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic and a 4x4 drivetrain. Suspension is double-wishbone up front and multi-link at the rear, with the latter available with independent springs as an option. The powertrain carries over from the civilian model unchanged.

Mahindra hasn't confirmed specific interior details, but available images show army green upholstery and a dashboard layout broadly similar to the standard Roxx. No pricing has been announced either; the Army's requirements will determine production volumes following the trial phase.