Autocar India
KD

Kirit Das

•8w

Clarification on Mahindra Thar Roxx Fuel Efficiency & Recommendation Between Manual vs Automatic Dear Autocar India Team, This email is in reference to the insights you shared regarding the expected real‑world fuel efficiency of the Mahindra Thar Roxx. Thank you for the detailed analysis based on your experience with the three‑door Thar. However, many YouTube reviews and user-reported tests indicate a fuel efficiency of around 11 km/l for both the manual and automatic variants under mixed driving conditions. This has created some confusion for me as a prospective buyer. I request your clarification on the following points: Why is there a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency between the automatic and manual transmissions, especially when some real‑world tests appear to show similar figures? Between the manual and automatic variants, which would you recommend in terms of: Maintenance cost Long-term reliability and robustness Overall ownership convenience Considering that I reside in Delhi, where diesel regulations and long-term compliance remain uncertain, which powertrain and transmission combination would be the most practical choice? Your expert guidance will be extremely helpful in making an informed decision. Thank you for your time and support.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•8w

Our detailed real-world fuel efficiency test of the three-door Mahindra Thar was conducted in Mumbai, a city known for heavy stop-start traffic. Compared to this, driving conditions in Delhi NCR generally involve more flowing traffic, which can result in slightly better efficiency figures.

As an additional reference point, we can look at the Mahindra Scorpio N, which uses the same engines as the Thar Roxx, albeit in a higher state of tune. In our real-world tests, the petrol automatic Scorpio N returned 7.9 kpl in the city and 9.4 kpl on the highway. The diesel automatic managed 8.6 kpl in the city and 11.7 kpl on the highway. 

As these figures show, the difference in fuel efficiency between petrol and diesel automatics is not significant enough to justify choosing the diesel variant, especially given your limited running and predominantly city-based usage.

As for manual versus automatic efficiency, especially in the case of the Thar Roxx, it is highly unlikely that the torque converter automatic will match the efficiency of the manual. This is due to the basic nature of the transmission. Torque converters use a fluid coupling instead of a direct mechanical link, which leads to energy losses during acceleration and low-speed driving. In contrast, a manual gearbox offers a direct mechanical connection once the clutch is engaged, resulting in lower losses.

Other automatic transmissions, such as dual clutch units and CVTs, are inherently more efficient than torque converters. DCTs use mechanical clutches for faster and more direct power transfer. CVTs are able to keep the engine operating in its most efficient rev range for most driving conditions. As a result, these transmissions can deliver fuel efficiency figures closer to manuals, something that is unlikely with a torque converter automatic. 

Finally, considering you are based in Delhi, where diesel regulations remain uncertain, the petrol variant of the Thar Roxx would be the more sensible and stress-free choice.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra Thar Roxx

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More questions on similar cars

SA

Sabu

•1w

I would like to understand the highway driving comfort of the Mahindra Thar 2-door diesel base model. I typically undertake long-distance drives of around 700–750 km, twice a month.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1d

The Mahindra Thar 2-door certainly has a lot of appeal, and it’s easy to see why you’re considering it. It offers strong road presence and that rugged, go-anywhere feel that few SUVs can match. However, when it comes to highway comfort, especially for long drives of 700-750km, it’s not the most suitable choice. The hydraulic steering is quite heavy, the ride is quite stiff and tends to feel bumpy, particularly over uneven surfaces, and there’s noticeable road noise at cruising speeds. All of this adds up, making long highway journeys more fatiguing than they should be.A better-rounded alternative is the Thar Roxx. It retains much of the Thar’s visual appeal and toughness but is significantly more comfortable and refined. The lighter electric steering, improved ride quality, and better overall highway manners make it far easier to live with on long trips.That said, it still uses a body-on-frame setup, so it does feel bumpy on broken roads and may move passengers around, but it’s a far less of a compromise than the 2-door Thar.

VehicleMahindra Thar
VehicleMahindra Thar Roxx
HE

Hemant

•3d

I am currently using a Ford EcoSport and am planning to upgrade to either the Mahindra Scorpio N Z4 petrol or the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol. My usage is primarily within the city, with a daily commute of around 60 km.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

Mostly city use, with about 60 km a day, points you to the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol, ideally with the automatic gearbox, over the Scorpio N Z4. It will suit your routine better because it feels more like a car to drive, so tight streets, quick U-turns and parking are easier than in the big, tall Scorpio. Coming from an EcoSport, you’ll find the 7XO’s steering lighter and the petrol automatic smoother in stop-go traffic, which takes strain off your left leg and keeps the drive calm every day.Ride comfort at low speeds is also friendlier in the 7XO, so bumps and broken patches in the city feel less busy in the cabin. In mid trims, you also get more city-friendly features than a Z4, like better parking aids and a nicer cabin, which makes long daily runs less tiring.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleMahindra Scorpio N
DW

Dr Waseem

•1w

I am confused about whether to buy a new XUV 7XO diesel automatic AX5 or a 2-year-old XUV 700 AX5 diesel automatic with 19,000 km on the odometer.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2h

If your budget allows, go for a new Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 diesel automatic. It is the safer and easier pick. You get a fresh car with full warranty, no past accidents to worry about, and the latest software and small fixes that usually come after the first couple of years. Finance is simpler on a new car, resale later will be stronger, and Mahindra’s service network is wide, so upkeep is straightforward. The diesel automatic suits long drives and also handles city traffic well, with strong pull when you need it. Space, comfort and road presence are all there in this Mahindra car, which is why you shortlisted it in the first place.One thing to keep in mind is its size. It is a large car, so tight parking will need practice. Also, a diesel can sound a bit gruff at idle, and if your usage is only short city drives, you should take it on a longer run once in a while to keep the exhaust system in good condition.The only time the 2-year-old previous model with 19,000 km makes more sense is if you are saving good amount of money and it is a well-maintained, single-owner car. In that case, demand a full service record from a Mahindra workshop, get a dealer scan for error codes, check tyre and battery age, and confirm if any extended warranty can be transferred.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO

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Posted on: 18 Feb 2026