New Delhi: Mahindra is all set to launch its new Thar Roxx on August 15, 2024. This larger version of the current 3-door Thar is expected to come with a higher price tag due to a host of key upgrades.
The most obvious difference is the Thar Roxx's size. While the sub-4 meter 3-door Thar is roughly the same length as a Tata Nexon, the Thar Roxx will be longer, potentially matching the Mahindra ScorpioN in length. This increase in size will push the Thar Roxx into a higher tax bracket, contributing to its higher price.
The Thar Roxx will feature a major platform update. It will share the same platform as the ScorpioN but in a long-wheelbase version, specially modified for the Thar Roxx. This new platform should provide better ride quality than the current Thar or ScorpioN, and could even be used in future Scorpio models.
As a 5-door vehicle, the Thar Roxx will offer more interior space than the 3-door Thar. The second row will be more spacious and practical, featuring a proper 3-seat layout with more legroom. The boot will also be larger, as indicated by spy images showing it accommodating several large cans.
Under the hood, the Thar Roxx will get new engine options. While the existing Thar offers a 1.5-litre diesel and a 2.0-litre petrol motor, the Thar Roxx is likely to feature the ScorpioN's 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines. These new engines offer better performance, with the petrol engine delivering 200bhp. However, for the RWD models, Mahindra is expected to retain the 1.5-litre diesel engine to keep entry-level models affordable.
Finally, the Thar Roxx will be packed with features, surpassing even the ScorpioN in some aspects. Expected features include a twin 10.25-inch display for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, LED headlamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front armrest, rear AC vents, Level-2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and a panoramic sunroof. These upgrades will make the Thar Roxx more family-friendly by incorporating several luxury elements into the cabin.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
