- Difference of Rs. 7,000
- Features vs dynamics game
Off-roading? Check. Budget-friendly? Check. Five doors? Check. There’s two cars that come to mind: The Mahindra Thar Roxx and the Maruti Jimny. Which one is more compelling? Let’s chart out an on-paper spec comparison for their respective base models (MX1 for the Thar Roxx and Zeta Pro for the Jimny).
Exterior
Both the Thar Roxx and the Jimny have a boxy design. However, the Thar Roxx is dimensionally larger, spanning 4,428mm long, 1,870mm wide, and 1,923mm high, as opposed to the Jimny which spans 3,985mm long, 1,645mm wide, and 1,720mm high. The Thar Roxx also gets a longer wheelbase and higher ground clearance at 2,850mm and 226mm (vs 2,590mm and 210mm in the Jimny), which essentially makes the Maruti offering fall in the sub-four category.
The Thar Roxx gets a full LED light package from the base variant itself, whereas the Jimny gets halogen lights.
Interior
The Thar Roxx, in its base variant itself, gets a dual-tone interior, whereas the Jimny continues with a monotone interior. Both SUVs get fabric upholstery in their respective base variants. However, the Jimny has an added functional bit – a rear camera – something that the Thar Roxx skimps out on.
The Thar Roxx is more practical in terms of storage and overall cabin space. As opposed to the four-seater Jimny, it is a proper five-seater. The Jimny is compact with a 208-litre boot, whereas the Thar Roxx gets a 447-litre boot. It completely blows the Jimny out of the water in terms of overall practical space.
Features
The Thar Roxx gets push button start and rear AC vents, whereas the Jimny doesn’t. However, the Jimny hits back with electrically adjustable ORVMs and front seatback pockets, and this is a big miss in the Thar Roxx.
The Thar Roxx has a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen as opposed to the Jimny’s seven-inch unit. However, it is the latter that supports GPS navigation and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making the most out of the available estate. A four-speaker audio system is mutual to both. Neither of these base offerings have a telescopic-adjustable steering.
Mechanicals
Before we delve into the engine and performance numbers, the Thar Roxx is at a disadvantage here. The base MX1 variant only gets a 2WD configuration, whereas the Jimny gets a full-time 4WD configuration. The Jimny has proven its mettle as an off-roader, coming in at a close second to the Mercedes G-Wagon in CarWale off-road slalom runs.
As far as the engine and power figures are concerned, the Thar pumps out more horses and Newton-metres, thanks to a higher-capacity turbocharged engine. Its 2.0L unit churns out 160bhp/330Nm as opposed to the Jimny’s 1.5L NA, 103bhp/134Nm setup. The former is paired with a 6MT system, whereas the latter gets a 5MT system.
Price and Verdict
The base Thar Roxx (Rs. 12.25 lakh) undercuts the base Jimny (Rs. 12.32 lakh). However, the former has limited off-road capabilities owing to a 2WD configuration, as opposed to the Jimny’s full-time 4WD setup. The Roxx is more feature-loaded, spacious, and more powerful. If you are an off-road aficionado, the Jimny is the right choice. If you are out looking for a well-rounded SUV that can go just about anywhere, and at the same time, be practical for any given circumstance, the Thar Roxx is a no-brainer.
