New Mahindra Bolero

Quick Take
* Fuel Economy 12/15 kmpl (city/highway)
Available Engines 2.5L Inline 4 (Turbo) XD3PU
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Plenty of variants to choose from.
Improved interiors.
High ground clearance.

Pros

Just right for the Indian roads.
Sturdily built.
Good Fuel Economy.

Cons

Looks can be more modern.

Overview

The Mahindra Bolero is a combination of power, size and rugged looks, which makes it ideal for the Indian roads. It offers an array of trims in regular and soft top versions that include SLX, SLE, DI, Plus, and Diz. For 2007, the earlier models have been renamed and new standard equipment has also been included. A sturdy body and high ground clearance render the Bolero ideal for Indian roads.

All variants wear a sporty look with chic decals and prominent bumpers. Besides sharp exterior styling and ample interior amenities, the Bolero offers the added advantage of a mechanic or a service centre in most parts of the country.

Furthermore, the manufacturer states that the Bolero's body is primed with a "state-of-the-art" CED process that enhances rust resistance. It has a minimal operating cost and is available in 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) and 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) options. It is rigged out with a host of features and amenities that include an appealing injection moulded dash panel, attractive interior trims with matching seats, maneuverability and stability, an electronic shift transfer case and a wide array of attractive metallic colours to choose from.

Powertrain & Performance

The Bolero SLX is available with an option for Four Wheel Drive. The SLX gets a 2.5L (Turbo) diesel engine and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 4WD is equipped with a XD3PU engine and serves up power worth 68 hp at 3,200 rpm with 137.5 Nm of torque @ 2,000-2,500 rpm. All the other models, the Bolero SLE, DI, DI and Diz, have a 2.5L engine that forks out 63 bhp of power at 3,200 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 1,800-2,200 rpm.

All the models get a 5-speed manual as standard. Emission levels have been brought down in compliance with BS III norms. This facilitates reduced expenditure on maintenance as well.

All Bolero models possess an independent front suspension with coil spring suspensions in the front and leaf springs in the rear, except the DI, which gets rigid leaf springs in the front. It comes with a hugely responsive power steering, standard on the SLX and SLE. Shifting is smooth but some more power would have been better.

Build & Styling

The new models of Bolero look modern, with lot of exterior and interior improvements. The frontal look is more aggressive with a new commanding grille element, bigger headlamps and muscular front bumper. The new design has an imposing presence and a roughly hewn silhouette. On the exterior, its rugged structure is smoothed-out with a vast expanse of steel. Muscular bumpers and sporty decals add to its sturdy-sporty aura (which is a blessing, built as it is for off-road driving). A high ground clearance protects the undercarriage from any untoward damage.

The interior is roomy and spacious with ample seating for seven. Power steering eases driver's effort on bad and rural roads. The new cabin is well-appointed; it has colour coordinated interiors and attractive upholstery. The new Bolero has an extended wheelbase, allowing far more legroom and general overall comfort. The roof has been raised too. Aluminium side and rear footsteps make for easy entry and exit.

The Mahindra Bolero has variants that could cater to the needs of a large family with its roomy interiors and modular seating options.