Mahindra Thar would make a great Jimny rival - is it finally on the radar for South Africa?
The Mahindra Thar Roxx could be heading to South Africa later this year.
Image: Supplied
The second-generation Mahindra Thar is a rugged yet affordable compact SUV, which has been something of a hit in its home market of India. However markets such as South Africa have missed out on it so far.
Since its introduction in 2020, the latest Thar has found more than 250,000 homes in India, and its popularity has surged further since the introduction of the five-door Roxx version in late 2024.
When the latter was launched last year, Mahindra's head of automotive operations, Rajesh Jejurikar, told Business Today that the company had no immediate plans to export the model to markets outside of India. He said the factory would instead focus on satisfying demand in its home market.
'At this point of time, we are expecting that we are going to be pretty full with meeting domestic requirements for some point of time, so no plans on exports,' Jejurikar told the Indian publication.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Mahindra Thar Roxx.
Image: Supplied
However, that could be about to change. Mahindra recently increased production of the Thar in India, with capacity having increased from 6,500 units per month, in November 2024, to around 9,000 at present, Autocar reported.
This comes as rumours circulate about the Thar's possible South African introduction later this year.
Local Mahindra representatives announced at the recent Nampo show that the company planned to launch another SUV in South Africa this year, but they did not give any further details about this product. Yet given the options currently available in India, the Thar Roxx would appear to be the only viable option for local introduction.
Furthermore, local dealers that we spoke to say they're expecting the new model to arrive around September this year.
Interestingly, Mahindra was blocked from introducing the three-door Thar from the Australian market in 2021 after Jeep instituted legal action due to the vehicle's perceived resemblance to the Wrangler. But it is not believed that there are any legal impediments to the vehicle being introduced in South Africa.
What is the Mahindra Thar Roxx?
Although many have labelled it as a potential Suzuki Jimny killer, the Mahindra Thar Roxx is a somewhat bigger vehicle, with an overall length of 4,428mm stretching well beyond the Jimny's 3,820mm footprint.
However, the Thar Roxx is still relatively compact, given that a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited stretches out at 4,882mm, and its pricing certainly overlaps with the aforementioned Suzuki.
In India, the Thar Roxx costs between 12.99 and 23.39 Lahk (R271,000 to R489,000), while the Jimny 5-door sells for 12.76 to 14.96 Lahk (R266,000 to R313,000). Keep in mind that South African prices would be somewhat higher due to duties and other associated import costs.
The cabin is available with some high-end features.
Image: Mahindra
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
21 hours ago
- IOL News
Not about the EFF — It's about the people': Malema laments fuel Levy Blow to the poor
EFF leader Julius Malema slams the Western Cape High Court's ruling on dismissing their urgent appeal to halt the implementation of fuel levy. Image: Phando Jikelo/Parliament of SA EFF leader, Julius Malema, has denounced the Western Cape High Court's decision to reject his party's urgent attempt to halt the implementation of a rise in the fuel levy, describing it as a severe blow to South Africans who are already struggling financially. The EFF sought to have the raise, which the finance minister had announced in last month's national budget, blocked by the court on Monday. Pump prices increased by 16 cents per litre for petrol and 15 cents for diesel on Wednesday, the day the new fuel levies went into force. 'The court ruling is not a setback for the EFF,' Malema said during a visit to the family of late actor Presley Chweneyagae in Pretoria on Tuesday. 'It is a setback for the millions of South Africans who are already battling the high cost of living.' Often referred to as a "silent tax," the fuel levy is embedded in the price consumers pay at the pump—impacting transport, food, and goods across the board. 'Once you put an increase on fuel, fuel levy, everything else goes up. The bread that goes to children in schools, the food that goes to patients in hospitals, all of that is going to be affected. We are already saying life is difficult for people as it were now,' Malema said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ While the levy increase took effect, South African motorists simultaneously received minor relief at the pumps due to declining global oil prices. Petrol prices have decreased by five cents per litre across both grades, while diesel has dropped by 36 cents per litre. Despite the temporary reprieve, Malema warned that the structural increase in the fuel levy adds to a growing burden on ordinary citizens. The EFF maintained that the government's continued reliance on indirect taxes like fuel levies disproportionately affects low- and middle-income households. He also called for a complete review of the country's taxation strategy in relation to basic living costs. 'To put any other increase on fuel levy, it will be a burden our people and they cannotafford. We are happy we took up that struggle,' he said. IOL Politics
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Vodacom's commitment to enhance rural connectivity in KwaZulu-Natal with over 300 new towers
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi. Image: KZN Cogta / Facebook Residents living in rural KwaZulu-Natal can expect better communication with the installation of more than 300 Vodacom towers over three years. This follows Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli's commitment to address the network problem in rural areas. Connectivity will be improved through this initiative, resulting in enhanced service delivery. Furthermore, the functionality of municipal offices will be strengthened, and long-standing challenges in remote communities will be addressed. On the sidelines of a meeting with Vodacom and various municipalities to initiate the rollout of network infrastructure in rural communities on Tuesday, KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi said people in rural areas still have network problems. Whether they want to call an ambulance or the police, they cannot do so because there is no network coverage. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Buthelezi said the programme was launched between the Office of the Premier, Vodacom, and the Ingonyama Trust Board. He said Cogta brought them together so the programme could begin. KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi convened a meeting with Vodacom and various municipalities to initiate the rollout of network infrastructure in rural communities. Image: KZN Cogta / Facebook 'Today (Tuesday), we met with various mayors in the province to emphasise that no programme should be blocked or delayed due to the permits from the municipality not being on time. The mayors have committed themselves to doing everything possible to ensure that the permits required from the municipalities are signed so that the construction of these towers can begin. 'Vodacom was there, and they committed to starting this programme soon so that we will not have this problem of network shortage again in this province.' Buthelezi said KZN, from uMzimkhulu to Pongola, will never be the same. There will be a huge technology difference. Vodacom committed to installing 108 network towers by the end of 2025, with an additional 100 towers to follow in 2026. 'Therefore, over the next three years, they will install more than 300 towers,' Buthelezi said. He said it is the first time the province has had such a strong programme that can bring together all concerned authorities and sectors. 'In KwaMhlabuyalingana, a Sassa office and a Home Affairs office are open, but there is no network. This means assistance brought by the government cannot help people if there is no network,' Buthelezi said. 'We hope that this will be a problem of the past that will no longer exist because of this programme that we are continuing today (Tuesday).' KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi convened a meeting with Vodacom and various municipalities to initiate the rollout of network infrastructure in rural communities. Image: KZN Cogta / Facebook During Africa Day commemoration, Ntuli said the provincial government, in trying to contribute to the development of the local economy in amakhosi areas, has persuaded Vodacom to build towers in rural areas. Ntuli said communications are important beyond just making a cellphone call. Their presence ensures that schools and pupils can do their schoolwork. Businesspeople can communicate and trade. That the police can do their job and that people communicate without interruption.
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Zwane's absence still echoes louder than final whistle
Themba Zwane watched from the bench as Mamelodi Sundowns fell short against Pyramids— a CAF Champions League final without their captain, and a decision that still haunts Chloorkop. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns' captain Themba Zwane has been the most talismanic and consistent player in top-flight South African football over the past decade. Therefore, any coach who dares to leave him out of a major match when he is fully fit should be considered to have blood on their hands. It is for this reason that Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso should face the music after leaving Zwane on the bench in both legs of the CAF Champions League final. Cardoso's tactical decisions — and arguably a touch of ego — cost the team dearly, as Sundowns lost 3–2 on aggregate to Pyramids. Zwane's absence in both Pretoria and Cairo was keenly felt, not only for his technical quality and influence on the pitch but for his experience — having been part of the side that lifted the title in 2016. 1⃣3⃣ days to go until we #TakeItToTheWorld at the @FIFACWC! 🇿🇦🇺🇸 Catch all the Masandawana action for FREE, live on DAZN! Click here to Register today! 📲 #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 4, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Mshishi has become something of a demigod to younger players, teammates, and even opponents. His stature and influence in the game mean he can seemingly do no wrong — a perception that continues to drive him to excellence. So revered is Zwane within South African football circles that his exclusion can send shockwaves through the sport's hierarchy. Cardoso need only ask his Bafana Bafana counterpart, Hugo Broos. When Broos first took charge of the national team, he was firm in his stance: there would be limited places for players over the age of 30 unless they offered something exceptional. At that time, Zwane did not fit Broos's criteria and was left out. But as criticism over his exclusion grew louder, Broos began to view Zwane differently. He later admitted that leaving the Sundowns captain out was the one major error of his Bafana tenure. 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 📹 Club Chairman Tlhopie Motsepe praises the team's effort, despite the outcome, the journey has brought us closer to greatness, with unity and determination remaining strong as we look ahead. 💛 Head to our YouTube channel to get… — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 3, 2025 That has proven true. Zwane has since justified his inclusion, playing a vital role in Bafana's resurgence. With Zwane pulling the strings in midfield, South Africa claimed their first podium finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in over 20 years, qualified for back-to-back Afcon tournaments, and now stand on the brink of a place at the 2026 World Cup. Broos eventually ate humble pie, conceding: 'Only fools do not change their mind.' Zwane had indeed proved him wrong and become a cornerstone of the national team. This is not to say Cardoso is a fool — but his decision to post a smiling photo with Zwane at Chloorkop after the final, without addressing the controversy, was poorly judged. He had plenty of time to explain Zwane's omission in Cairo. Instead of being transparent, he claimed it wasn't the right time to speak about individuals. When will that time come? That remains unclear. What is clear, however, is that Masandawana fans are still demanding answers. Sundowns President Thlopi Motsepe addresses the fans prior to team arrival at OR Tambo. Fans: 🗣 Themba Zwane...🤧 — Mnyamani 📽 (@Zikamnyamane) June 2, 2025
