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Yes, at first glance it looks like a Willys, as it should since the Mahindra Group was involved in producing the Willys MB in 1947 and the Jeep CJ-3B from 1954 to 2010. No, it’s not road legal. Yes, it is a UTV, but it’s the kind of UTV that an off-road truck enthusiast would build.
Flat panel 12 gauge steel body, on a boxed frame construction, with front and rear leaf spring suspension, powered by a 2.5L turbo diesel inline four engine, transferring low-end torque to front and rear solid axles via a five-speed manual transmission and two speed transfer case.
The 62 horsepower at 3400 rpm is not astounding, but it does generate 144lb-ft of torque from 1400 to 2200 rpm to give you a max tow rating of 1583 kg (3,490 lb) (like a 2017 Jeep Wrangler) but with a rather meager payload capacity of 159 kg (349 lb). Roxor explains this weak payload number is because “The EPA off-road recreational vehicle regulations under which the ROXOR is authorized to be manufactured and sold impose restrictions and limits on topics such as weights and capacities.” Sounds like Roxor payload might be higher but they aren’t allowed to say so.
Although they haven’t announced them yet, approach and departure angles look good, and 9” inches of ground clearance with a 96” wheelbase should provide a decent breakover angle. According to Roxor it achieves 32-34 mpg.
If it didn’t already slap you in the face, the initial target market is off-road enthusiasts and outdoorsmen, which is why the Limited Edition (LE) available at launch will come with 235/70R16 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires, Bestop bikini soft top, a Warn winch rated to 8,000 pounds, and a 40-inch KC HiLites LED lightbar.
In the near future, a model more suited towards farming, logging, mining will have features like a dump box.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows in Roxorland. It has a speed limiter, which stops the Roxor from doing more the 45mph, and the old-school leaf spring suspension is a bit bouncy. Folks who are looking for the high travel ability of independent suspension and high-speed capability of a more traditional UTV like a RZR (80 mph) will be disappointed. Folks looking to enjoy Jeep-style trail rides, get some work done around the farm, tow a load in a vehicle that has fewer moving parts and is easy to repair, will love it.
Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA), a US subsidiary of the Indian parent company, will build the Roxor at a new plant in southeast Michigan.
MSRP: $15,000 USD
ROXOR is ready. Are you?
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