Mahindra loses case with FCA in the US – Will redesign the Roxor
This will most likely be a cosmetic update, with little to no changes on the powertrain.
After losing the case against FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Mahindra has been forced to give the Roxor a visual makeover. The FCA had accused Mahindra of copying the designs of their Jeep Wrangler SUV, and this led to the judge, stating a ban on the CKD kits of the Roxor in the United States of America.
Being in quite the spot, Mahindra had no option but to redesign the Roxor, and it seems that they have done a good job at it. Before I dive deeper into what the car looks like, let me just introduce to the Roxor for those who are not familiar with it. The Roxor is Mahindra’s off-roading vehicle, and it based on the Thar to such an extent that it shares almost everything from it.
The redesigned looks
There is not much that we know about Roxor at the moment, but thanks to Autocar who got access to a teaser image of the rugged suv, there is a little we can talk about. Gone are the Jeep like looks, instead Mahindra has resorted to a more simple functional look, which seems to work for it.
The front fascia now sports a wide bonnet within which are wheel wells. Coming to the headlamps, the vehicles uses circular lamps which will probably be offered in an all LED form. The distance between the lamps has been increased and the grille is extended almost into the bumper of the vehicle. Just like on the outgoing Roxor, the upcoming Roxor will also utilise a plastic border of a different colour on the front and the headlamps. For now these were the recognisable updates, expect a few other updates and tweaks as well.
What brings the Roxor to life
The Mahindra Roxor is powered by a 2.5 litre diesel engine which is quite similar to that of the 2.5 litre diesel engine which we have seen on the Mahindra range of vehicles in India. The engine can be coupled with either a5 speed manual or 6 speed automatic.
Because this vehicle can be used for hardcore off-roading, we need to talk about its off-road dynamics. The 2020 Roxor is expected to be equipped with a 2 speed transfer case, upgraded gearing, leaf springs, disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear and full-floating axles. The Roxor rides on 16 inch alloy wheels and it is offered in 7 different body shades.
Pricing and launch of the Roxor
In the North American market, the current generation 5 speed Roxor is priced at USD 15,999 (which amounts to 12 lakhs) and the 6 speed automatic costs USD 16,999 ( approximately 12.80 lakhs).
With respect to the launch, the vehicle isn’t production ready yet, and due to the Covid 19 crisis, delays could be expected. However, it is entirely possible that the 2020 Roxor could be launched by the end of this year. There is no news which suggests a Roxor launch anytime soon in India.
