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.

New Tata Sumo Grande

Quick Take
* Fuel Economy 10/14 km/l (city/highway) Diesel
Available Engines 2.2L DICOR Inline-4, 118 bhp, Diesel
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions


Highlights

DICOR Engine
Lavish interior.
Exterior Styling.

Pros

Impressive mileage.
Spacious Cabin.
Wide Wheelbase.

Cons

Dashboard design.

Overview

When Tata Motors thought about improving the popular Sumo, it must have thought about a toy. This SUV is indeed a toy but for the big boys. The metamorphosis of the Sumo into the Sumo Grande is witnessed in virtually every section of the vehicle. And it should be as Tata has spent more than Rs. 300 Crore to make it look 'Grande'.

The design of the Sumo Grande is eye-catching and so are all the attractive colours it is available in. The vehicle gets the look of a sophisticated personal car. It is also a perfect car for weekend outings by large families.

On the outset, the car's headlamps have been made larger than the Sumo Victa and the grille has been enlarged. The wheel arches are more prominent and the bumpers look muscular. And to top it off, the spare wheel can be placed underneath the 3rd row seat and not on the rear door as was the custom till date.

The Sumo Grande fits into the urban environment very easily. The utility vehicle is available in three variants- LX, EX, and GX. The available seat configurations are 6+1 and 7+1. The car is truly value for money.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the lid it still looks like the Sumo Victa, but its more refined power shows the difference. The Sumo Grande's engine has been borrowed from the Tata Safari. It comes with the same 2.2 litre VTT DICOR engine that churns out a healthy 118 bhp at 4000 rpm and a torque of 25.5kgm at 3000rpm.

There is an option for torque with a wider RPMs band which can improve manouverablity in narrow city lanes and while cruising on highways. The engine is paired with a variable geometry turbocharger. The MUV comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox across all variants. For those who used Tata's vehicles will be surprised to find out that the gears move smoothly in harmony at the driver's will. The Sumo Grande feels adequately empowered.

Build & Styling

The Sumo Grande's styling is very contemporary. For once, designers at Tata Motors have worked very hard to get the vehicle's looks right. All the sharp edges of the Sumo have been tweaked into curves. The smooth flowing lines on the exterior give it an aura of sophistication. The front fascia still has the butch stance. The larger headlamps and a bulging bonnet paired with an oversized grille with the chrome Tata badge add an urban character to the vehicle. The front bumpers get a large air dam and two circular fog lamps placed on either corner. The oversized wheel arches house the 16-inch wheels. The square window glass and flat roof have been carried over from Sumo.

The Grande comes with three row seating and even the third row seating has enough space for adults. There is more legroom and thigh space and the back gets a comfortable support to enjoy long drives without pain. The third row can be folded to make space for additional cargo. The seats are in light beige, making the cabin appear roomy. The interiors have been refined and the plastic feels smooth and exudes quality finish. The car comes fitted with a modern HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and AC) system with dual zone air conditioners. Some convenience features are power windows, rear seat arm rests, electrically adjustable rear view mirrors and remote keyless entry. The lighting has been improved by the provision of puddle lamps on the front door, follow-me-home lights, and the interiors get theatre style lighting. The rear window comes with a fog/rain water wiper to improve rear visibility.

The Alpine music system with six speakers with a fake wood paneling comes standard on the top-end variant GX. The plastic moulded tilt power steering wheel, though lightweight, gives a strong grip. The GX gets leather wrapped steering.

Compared to the older Sumo, the Sumo Grande's extra height of 20 mm and longer wheelbase makes it more stable on highways. The leaf spring suspension in the rear enables a smooth ride. Independent double wishbone suspension and coil springs are placed to the front. This is useful for easy driving.

Safety features include central locking, side impact beams, door open warning, driver's seat belt unfastened warning, tiltable/collapsible steering column, tubeless tyres, child safety door locks, antiglare internal rearview mirror, high mount stop lamp, low fuel indicator warning, rear fog lamps, and motorized headlamp adjustment system.

The higher end EX and GX variants get central locking and an intelligent rotary lock mechanism that avoids locking of doors when the key is still in the ignition. Engine immobilizer and clear lens front fog lamps are exclusive to the GX variant. The seat fabric on all variants has been treated for resisting stains. The upholstery on the GX is fire resistant.