Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has introduced the five-door version of its Thar SUV called as Thar Roxx in Chennai on the eve of India’s 78^th Independence Day. 

Touted as a category disruptor by company sources, the vehicle is priced upwards of INR 1,299,000 ex-shoroom and embodies a bold and unconventional spirit. Designed and engineered to turn heads and deliver a refined drive and powerful yet safe performance, the Thar ROXX conquers all terrains while offering an array of luxurious features.

It is built on Mahindra’s All-New M_GLYDE platform and could deliver an exceptionally smooth ride with crisp handling and class leading dynamics. It effortlessly blends Thar’s outdoor DNA with modern sophistication, offering a premium SUV experience that caters to those who demand the finest in every aspect of their lives. 

As a body-on-frame vehicle, the Thar Roxx has been rigorously tested in extreme conditions across diverse terrains and altitudes, including the scorching sand dunes of the Thar desert at over 50 degrees Celsius; the high altitudes of Umling La, tricky muddy surfaces in Coorg and the freezing cold of minus 20 degree Celsius in Kaza. 

Powered by either a 175 bhp 2-litre GDI engine (with 6-speed manual or 6-speed Aisin sourced automatic transmission) or a 173 hp 2.2-litre engine (with 6-speed manual or 6-speed Aisin sourced automatic transmission), the Thar Roxx draws much road presence with design features such as a bold front grille paired with Bi-LED projector headlamps and C-shaped DRLs. 

Its classic silhouette is characterised by a long hood, upright cabin and short overhangs for exceptional approach and departure angles. 

Drawing from the three-door Thar design, the vehicle sports angular wheel arches as compared to the round ones of the former, marrying timeless aesthetics with modern execution. There’s rugged cladding and R19 alloy wheels with 255/60 All Terrain tyres. 

The side-hinged split rear tailgate has an externally-mounted spare wheel whereas the interior boasts an ivory ambiance with leatherette trims and soft-touch materials; the leather-wrapped dashboard that is complemented by piano black and metallic finishes, and ambient footwell lighting.

With durable design elements, including low-gloss treatments on AC vents, sturdy dashboard sections, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, the Thar Roxx is available in seven striking colours. 

Featuring WATT’s Link suspension, advanced shock absorbers with MTV-CL and Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) technology, the vehicle also has a ‘first-in-category’ Hydraulic Rebound Stopper (HRS) to enhance ride quality. 

While the flat floor design in the second row ensures increased comfort for all passengers, particular attention has been paid to achieve superior NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels for a quiet and refined driving experience​.

Engineered to achieve the highest B-NCAP safety rating, the Thar Roxx comes with six airbags, three-point seat belts and seat-belt reminder for all seats along with passenger airbag on/off for child safety, ISO-FIX child seats with top-tether, L2 ADAS (1R1V) suite with 10 features including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), 360-degree surround view system with blind view monitor, adaptive cruise control which adds to the safety, comfort and convenience.

Also equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Tyre Direction Monitoring System (TDMS), the vehicle comes with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) 9.3 system with BLD (Brake locking differential). There’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) too. 

The 4Xplor System (with four modes) provides superior traction through Electronic Locking Differentials. Touted as India’s first by company sources, the Crawl Smart Assist function offers precise low-speed control combined with IntelliTurn that enables effortless tight turns, enhancing maneuverability in challenging environments. 

With best-in-class approach, departure and ramp-over angles, the Thar Roxx has a 650 mm water-wading depth, the Thar ROXX is prepared for any adventure​.

Apart from the 644 litre boot space, the Thar Roxx could be had with a Panoramic Skyroof as well. There are Twin 26.03 cm HD screens and a Harman Kardon nine-speaker system with QuantumLogic surround, Bass enhancer, and a six-mode audio settings amplifier delivers an exceptional in-cabin audio experience.

The Adrenox connectivity with over 80 features includes Alexa integration and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

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McLaren Automotive has appointed Kemal Curic as Chief Design Officer with effect from April 2026. As a new member of the Executive Leadership Team, Curic will guide the overall design vision and creative strategy for the entire McLaren Automotive range. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the brand’s future direction.

Bringing over 20 years of international automotive design expertise, Curic has worked extensively on both high performance and luxury vehicles. He joins McLaren following a tenure at Ford Motor Company, where he served as Global Design Director for Performance Vehicles and was responsible for some of the industry’s most celebrated performance car designs. His career reflects a consistent ability to honour a brand’s heritage while pushing design boundaries.

In his new position at McLaren, Curic will oversee all design disciplines, including interiors, exteriors, colour and materials as well as digital design. He will collaborate closely with engineering and product strategy teams to ensure McLaren continues to set benchmarks in lightweight construction, high performance and emotionally compelling luxury vehicles. Known for successfully evolving iconic cars without losing their essence, Curic’s grasp of performance DNA and his talent for blending innovation with brand authenticity make him an exceptional fit for the company.

Curic said, “McLaren is one of the most respected and aspirational brands in the world. I’m excited to be part of their journey to help shape the design vision of a company so deeply rooted in engineering excellence and racing heritage. I look forward to working with the talented teams at McLaren to create the next generation of breathtaking, purpose‑driven cars.”

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Kia Europe has appointed Christophe Mandon as Vice President for Sales and Ownership Experience with effect from 13 April 2026. Reporting directly to Chief Operating Officer Sjoerd Knipping, Mandon will play a key part in advancing the company’s electrification efforts across Europe while also strengthening how Kia engages with its customers throughout their ownership journey.

Mandon arrives at Kia Europe following a successful tenure as Vice President at Kia France, where he led commercial and customer focused strategies in a challenging market. With 28 years of automotive experience, he has held senior leadership positions across France, the Netherlands, Spain, Morocco and Germany, covering regions in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

His extensive background includes key roles at Citroën and Groupe PSA. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Opel and Vauxhall at Stellantis in Germany, bringing deep cross brand and international expertise to his new position at Kia Europe.

Mandon said, “As Kia continues its transformation in Europe through electrification and digitalisation, strong sales performance and an outstanding customer experience are increasingly important. My focus is on supporting the European markets in achieving sustainable sales growth while delivering a seamless experience for customers at every touchpoint.”

Knipping said, “At Kia, customers are at the heart of our European business strategy. Christophe brings extensive international sales leadership experience and a strong understanding of evolving customer expectations. His leadership will be key to accelerating our commercial performance and further strengthening the ownership experience for Kia customers across Europe.”

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Renault India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has started nationwide customer deliveries of the new Renault Duster SUV.

The first Renault Duster SUV was handed over in Chennai by François Provost, CEO, Renault Group and Stephane Deblaise, CEO of Renault Group in India. The commencement of deliveries follows a period of growth for the subsidiary, which reported a 77 percent increase in sales in March 2026.

The event coincided with the opening of a new 'R store' on Mount Road in Chennai. The facility is spread across 4,500 sqft featuring a 3,000 sqft interaction area and a dedicated delivery bay.

This is the second such store in Chennai and the 11th in India. Renault plans to expand this experiential retail format to 70 outlets across the country within the year, supplementing its existing network of more than 350 sales points.

To support the launch, Renault is offering the Renault Forever programme, which provides vehicle coverage for up to seven years or 150,000 km. The company attributes its recent sales momentum to the introduction of the Duster alongside the updated Kiger and Triber models. The brand aims to utilise the new retail format to provide a different customer interaction model in urban markets.

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Italian supercar brand Ferrari has concluded its first national test drive event in India, hosting the Esperienza Ferrari and Passione Ferrari weekend at the Buddh International Circuit.

The event allowed participants to operate various models on the circuit, including the recently introduced 849 Testarossa, the 296 GTB, the 12Cilindri and the Amalfi.

The programme included the Club Challenge Experience, where guests drove the track-developed 296 Challenge and 488 Challenge models. During the Passione Ferrari segment, existing owners were permitted to drive their own vehicles on the Formula 1-grade track.

Technical sessions held during the weekend focused on the brand's hybrid technology and electrification strategy, specifically regarding the 296 and SF90 ranges.

This gathering represents a move by Ferrari to increase its presence in the Indian luxury market. The event combined track activities with hospitality and technical briefings intended to provide owners and prospective clients with insight into the brand's engineering and motorsport-derived systems.

The initiative follows a period of growth in the Indian performance car sector, where manufacturers are increasingly using circuit-based events to demonstrate vehicle capabilities. Ferrari utilised the occasion to highlight the integration of performance and electrification within its current product line-up.

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