The Mahindra Bolero has been a trusted name in the Indian SUV market for decades, known for its rugged design, durability, and reliability. With its latest update, Mahindra has reimagined the Bolero to cater to modern buyers, giving it a bold new look and equipping it with features to rival competitors like the Tata Safari. What’s more, it retains its budget-friendly pricing, making it a compelling choice for SUV enthusiasts. Let’s delve deeper into what the new Mahindra Bolero has to offer.
A Striking New Look
The first thing that catches your eye about the new Mahindra Bolero is its completely revamped design. While retaining its iconic boxy silhouette, the updated Bolero now features modern aesthetics that make it more appealing to a broader audience.
The front fascia has been transformed with a large, chrome-finished grille that adds a premium touch. The LED headlights are sleeker and come with integrated daytime running lights (DRLs), giving the Bolero a futuristic appearance. A redesigned bumper with bold air intakes and stylish fog lamp housings enhances the SUV’s road presence.
The side profile showcases flared wheel arches and new alloy wheels that add a muscular stance. The SUV also gets body-colored ORVMs with integrated turn indicators, roof rails, and side cladding, which highlight its rugged yet modern appeal. At the rear, the tailgate has been updated with a new design, featuring LED tail lamps and a stylish spare wheel cover.
With these upgrades, the new Mahindra Bolero strikes a balance between retaining its utilitarian charm and embracing contemporary design trends.
An Enhanced Cabin Experience
Step inside the new Mahindra Bolero, and you’ll be greeted by a significantly upgraded cabin. Mahindra has paid special attention to improving comfort, convenience, and technology, making the Bolero a more premium offering than ever before.
The interior features a dual-tone dashboard with a modern layout, complemented by metallic accents that add a touch of sophistication. The seats are upholstered in high-quality fabric or leatherette, depending on the variant, ensuring a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers.
Key features inside the cabin include:
- Touchscreen Infotainment System: The new Bolero comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital instrument cluster provides essential driving information in a clear and stylish manner.
- Climate Control: Automatic climate control ensures a comfortable cabin environment regardless of the weather.
- Rear AC Vents: Rear-seat passengers now get dedicated AC vents for enhanced comfort.
- Multi-Functional Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is equipped with mounted controls for audio, calls, and cruise control.
The cabin layout is spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. Mahindra has also added thoughtful storage spaces and cup holders, ensuring practicality isn’t overlooked.
Performance That Matches Its Bold Look
The new Mahindra Bolero is powered by a refined 1.5-liter mHawk diesel engine, which has been a reliable workhorse in Mahindra’s lineup. This engine delivers a robust 75 bhp and 210 Nm of torque, providing ample power for city driving as well as off-road adventures.
The SUV is available with a 5-speed manual transmission that offers smooth gear shifts and excellent control. Additionally, Mahindra has fine-tuned the suspension for better ride quality, ensuring a comfortable experience even on rough terrains.
For those seeking an adventure-ready vehicle, the Bolero comes with improved ground clearance and a capable chassis that can handle challenging road conditions. Its rear-wheel-drive setup, paired with advanced braking systems like ABS and EBD, ensures confidence-inspiring performance.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
One of the standout features of the Mahindra Bolero has always been its excellent fuel efficiency, and the new model is no different. With an impressive mileage of around 16-17 km/l, the Bolero offers great savings on running costs, making it an economical choice for families and businesses alike.
The low maintenance cost further strengthens its position as a practical SUV. Mahindra’s extensive service network ensures hassle-free ownership, even in rural and remote areas.
Safety Features
Safety has been a key focus area for Mahindra with the new Bolero. The SUV now comes equipped with several advanced safety features to provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Standard safety features include:
- Dual airbags (driver and co-driver)
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Speed alert system
- Seatbelt reminder
Higher variants come with additional safety features such as a rear-view camera, hill start assist, electronic stability program (ESP), and cornering fog lamps. The SUV’s reinforced body structure has been designed to meet stringent crash test norms, ensuring maximum protection in case of an accident.
Price and Variants
Despite its significant upgrades, Mahindra has managed to keep the Bolero’s pricing competitive, making it a budget-friendly option in the SUV segment. The new Bolero is available in multiple variants to cater to different needs and preferences, with prices starting at approximately ₹8.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and going up to ₹10.5 lakh for the top-end variant.
This pricing positions the Bolero as a strong competitor to the Tata Safari, which comes at a higher price point. While the Safari offers a larger size and more powerful engine, the Bolero’s affordability, reliability, and ruggedness make it an attractive alternative.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
In the competitive SUV market, the new Mahindra Bolero faces tough competition from models like the Tata Safari, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and even Mahindra’s own Scorpio. Here’s how it compares:
- Tata Safari: While the Safari is more luxurious and offers more powerful engine options, the Bolero’s rugged design, affordability, and lower maintenance costs make it a practical alternative.
- Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos: These SUVs focus on urban buyers with sleek designs and modern tech. However, the Bolero’s off-road capabilities and durability set it apart for buyers looking for a tougher vehicle.
- Mahindra Scorpio: Positioned slightly above the Bolero, the Scorpio offers better performance and features but at a higher price. The Bolero remains a budget-friendly choice for buyers who don’t need the extra power or features.
Who Should Buy the New Mahindra Bolero?
The new Mahindra Bolero is ideal for:
- Rural Buyers: Its rugged build and low maintenance make it perfect for rural and semi-urban areas.
- Adventure Enthusiasts: With its off-road-ready design, the Bolero is a great companion for road trips and explorations.
- Families: The spacious and comfortable cabin makes it an excellent choice for family outings.
- Businesses: Its reliability and practicality make it a favorite among business owners for transporting goods and people.
Conclusion
The new Mahindra Bolero successfully bridges the gap between a rugged workhorse and a modern, feature-packed SUV. With its bold new design, enhanced interiors, reliable performance, and competitive pricing, it offers a value-packed proposition for buyers looking for a durable yet stylish vehicle.
Whether you’re considering it as a family car, a business vehicle, or an adventure companion, the new Bolero is ready to meet your needs without breaking the bank. With Mahindra’s trusted legacy and a focus on delivering quality, the Bolero remains a top choice in the Indian SUV market.
Visit your nearest Mahindra dealership to explore the new Bolero and experience why it’s ready to give competitors like the Safari a run for their money!