Mahindra has showcased a new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) developed for defence forces. The new Mahindra ATV is based off of the Mahindra Thar Roxx, which is heavily modified for military applications. The Mahindra ATV doesn’t just come with cosmetic changes as compared to the Thar Roxx, it has been engineered to meet tactical and operational requirements. This also strengthen’s Mahindra’s commitment towards building more purpose-driven vehicles.
The new Mahindra ATV follows a bit of a no-nonsense design language. While it is based on the same chassis layout and stance as the Mahindra Thar Roxx, the ATV comes with reduced body panels, enhanced structural reinforcements and a few tactical mounting points. Every element in this car seems to have been designed to serve a specific function. There is a front-mounted winch, a gun mount, jerrycan holders for extended range in case fuel runs out, dual spare wheel setup, full underbody protection, and a reinforced windshield guard. The Mahindra ATV is also said to be airdrop-ready, and the open-body structure with a roll cage prioritises durability, visibility, and ease of operation in harsh environments.
From the overall proportions, chassis layout, and everything else, the Mahindra ATV seems to share the same underpinnings as the Mahindra Thar Roxx. The defence version with the ATV, however, has significantly reduced body panels making it lighter and more accessible. It has enhanced structural reinforcements that give it the much-needed toughness in the battleground, and multiple tactical mounts. These changes, along with a higher ground clearance and heavy-duty hardware, make it more suite for the kind of conditions usually are there in warzones and border areas.
The underpinnings of the Mahindra ATV are not known yet, but it is being assumed that it will share the powertrain with the Thar Roxx, which runs on a 2.0L turbo petrol engine that delivers 174 bhp of power and 380 Nm of torque, or a 2.2-litre diesel engine that produces 172 bhp of power and 370Nm of torque. For defence application, the Mahindra ATV is likely to use a more potent or specially tuned engine along with a 4-wheel drive system.
The new ATV also expands Mahindra’s already expansive portfolio in the defence mobility. The ATV joins the likes of the Mahindra Armado (ALSV), Marksman, Rakshak, and Mine Protected Vehicles. Even the Mahindra Scorpio is widely used by the Indian Army. The new Thar-based ATV from Mahindra will further strengthen the brand’s defence portfolio.
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