The Maruti Suzuki Jimny, a global off-roading icon, has faced a rather tepid response in the Indian market. While its rugged charm and off-road prowess are undeniable, the Jimny’s high price tag for a four-seater, coupled with its compact dimensions, has proven to be a significant hurdle. At a price point where a more spacious and feature-rich SUV like the Grand Vitara is a viable option, the Jimny’s appeal is limited to a niche audience.

Probably those buying the Jimny are the ones who once dreamt of owning a Gypsy. The legendary Maruti Gypsy, a rugged off-roader, left a void in the market when it was discontinued and primarily sold to government agencies. The Gypsy cult following is undeniable. With Facebook groups over 100K members and rally kits still in demand, it's clear that the Gypsy is more than just a car. it's a legend.

People were super excited when the Jimny was about to launch in January 2023. So many people booked it! But, when they finally saw it at the showroom, a lot of them canceled their booking. Why? Because it wasn’t worth the money for what you got. Sure, the Jimny is built tough. It’s like a real SUV. But it's tiny! People couldn’t believe it. It's former generation model, Gypsy, can fit six people, but Jimny can only fit four. That’s crazy! And why make a five-door if it doesn’t even fit more people? The five-door looks weird too. It doesn’t look as good as the three-door version.

When the Jimny finally came out, Mahindra was quick to act. They made a cheaper version of the Thar that only had two wheels getting power. Surprisingly, this cheaper Thar added to popularity of Thar. The Jimny couldn't even come close to that kind of love. Mahindra was probably scared of the Jimny, but they definitely showed they were serious about competing. And guess what? They also started working on Thar 5 door.

So, the Mahindra Thar 5-door, or Thar Roxx as they call it, is finally here! In terms of design, it's different, for sure. But guess what? It's way more practical and cheaper than the Jimny! Hardcore off-road enthusiasts who were initially drawn to the Jimny for its pure, no-frills approach might find the Thar Roxx an appealing alternative. While the Jimny offers exceptional off-road capabilities, the Thar Roxx combines these with a higher level of comfort, practicality, and modern features. Its spacious interior, sunroof, and other amenities could sway those seeking a balance between off-road prowess and everyday usability.

Thar Roxx: The Final Nail in the Jimny's Coffin?

India prioritizes practicality and value over mere aspirations. When aspirations don't align with practical needs, people often opt for practical choices. Enthusiasts frequently consider the Jimny as a second vehicle, but India's limited parking and budget constraints typically restrict car ownership to one vehicle. This makes the Thar a significantly more appealing option than the Jimny for the average Indian offroad enthusiast consumer.