Mahindra Bolero Overview:

Since its introduction, the Mahindra Bolero has been one of the company’s best-selling vehicles in India. The Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra released this SUV, which is very popular in terms of appearance and performance. Large rectangular-shaped hawk-eyed headlamps, a honeycomb-shaped mesh and grille with chrome-tipped Mahindra symbol, and a body-coloured bumper with integrated fog lamps give the vehicle a sporty and aggressive, giving the Bolero its manly appearance.

With a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine and 5-speed manual transmission, the Mahindra Bolero is a capable off-road vehicle. Boleros with the SLX and DI trim levels have a four-wheel-drive option. The vehicle’s motor produces a maximum of 63bhp and 180Nm of torque. Mahindra also provides the SLE, SLX, and ZLX Power+ trims with a slightly more potent and economic mHawk 1.5-litre three-cylinder D70 engine that generates 70bhp of power and 195Nm of torque.

The Mahindra Bolero can be had with or without air conditioning. You can choose between single or two-person cabins. Still, thanks to its affordable price tag, rugged construction, and adaptability, the urban millennial demographic has begun to notice. The lowest-priced Mahindra Bolero costs $9.53 Lakh, while the most expensive costs $10.48 Lakh (Avg. ex-showroom).

With the release of the refreshed Mahindra Bolero, more people interested in purchasing an SUV will have a viable alternative to this vehicle. In 2016, Mahindra released an updated version of the Bolero, a best-seller in the industry. The robust engine, cabin capacity, and highly rugged styling contribute to the vehicle’s widespread appeal. The Bolero’s engine is more powerful and gets better gas mileage than the old one.

The interior space and convenience of the Mahindra Bolero are excellent. It is an SUV with plenty of room for the whole gang, as it can accommodate seven passengers. All Mahindra Bolero variants share the same pedigree and carry on the company’s proud history. With a variety of models, the firm can appeal to a wide range of consumers.

Mahindra Bolero Variants:

There are three distinct variations of the Bolero.

Bolero B4 – Mahindra offers a diesel Bolero model, the B4, for 9.53 Lakh. The EPA estimates its fuel economy to be 16.7 km/l. It has a 1498cc engine that generates 74.96 horsepower at 3600 pm and 210 nm of torque between 1600 and 2200 rpm. Among its amenities are:

• ABS and Seals for wheels
• Airbag for the driver
• Back-up monitors with sensors
• Belt-minder systems in the front seats
• A fully digital instrument cluster
• With Idle Stop/Start, the Engine Can Be Interrupted While It Is I
• Central air conditioning that requires human intervention
• Power steering

This variation comes in two colour options: Diamond White and Dsat Silver.

Bolero B6 – It is a mid-range diesel model and costs 10.00 Lakh. It has an official fuel economy of 16.7 km/l. The engine of this B6 model produces maximum power and maximum torque.

• Body decals
• Faux wood inside trim
• Power windows
• Remote keyless entry
• 12V accessory socket
• USB/auxiliary/Bluetooth audio system

The B6 Bolero comes standard as a seven-seater with updated bumpers, headlights, and taillights. The grille and headlight housings are also attractive. It is the first vehicle model in India to include metal bumpers. Thus it satisfies the forthcoming pedestrian safety regulations. It comes in your choice of colours, such as Dsat Silver or Diamond White.

Bolero B6 (O) – Mahindra’s most expensive and luxurious Bolero vehicle is the B6 (O). In Delhi, you can purchase this for 12.57 lakh. There is a 1493 cc Diesel engine and a 5-speed manual gearbox included. It delivers a mileage of 16.7 kmpl. Bolero B6 (O) has a 60-liter gasoline tank. You can go 1002 km in a Bolero B6 (O) with a full tank. Included amenities are:

• Fog lights
• Rear wiper and washer
• Multi-information display
• An indicator for when a door is left ajar
• Static bending headlights.

Mahindra has delivered the Bolero SUV to bring it in line with the more severe BS6 emission standards. The new utility vehicle comes in three different trim levels and is powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder mHawk75 diesel engine from Mahindra, which generates 76 horsepower and 210 Newton-meters of torque.

Mahindra Bolero Exterior Design:

Among SUVs, the Mahindra has long stood out for its rugged good looks and suspension that can handle rough terrain in rural areas. Nothing about its appearance suggests that it is anything other than a tough brute. The Mahindra Bolero’s undeniable appeal has always been its rugged, manly exterior.

Its rugged exterior is immediately apparent. The front outlook is dominated by features such as the massive blacked-out grille and the enormous headlights. The Mahindra Bolero’s side profile and windscreen are squared off, complementing the vehicle’s overall boxy appearance. The Mahindra Bolero’s colossal glass area, straight roofline, and flared wheel arches are all design features that boast its durability.

The Mahindra Bolero is an affordable sport utility vehicle that has been designed exclusively with practicability in mind. Its rugged appearance will appeal to India’s economic thrill-seekers and adventure lovers. The spare tyre is located on the right side of the trunk, giving it a throwback, SUV-esque appearance that is perfect for exploring uncharted territory. The taillights have the same distinctive square design as the front headlights, contributing to the vehicle’s rough image.

The Bolero measures 3995 millimetres in length, 1745 millimetres in width, and 1880 millimetres in height. A car with more enormous overall proportions will be more frightening to other drivers. The Bolero’s wheelbase measures 2680 millimetres. When travelling at high speeds, a vehicle with a longer wheelbase is more stable and comfortable for passengers, whereas a car with a shorter wheelbase is more manoeuvrable.

The Mahindra Bolero can hold 384 litres of cargo in its trunk. Regarding the ground clearance, it measures 183mm. The Bolero’s base and top trim levels use 215/75 R 15 tyres. Larger wheel sizes improve a vehicle’s handling and aesthetic. These benefits, nevertheless, come at the expense of productivity. Larger wheels have more metal and, therefore, greater mass to spin. As a result, it reduces your vehicle’s manoeuvrability, performance, and gas mileage.

The Mahindra Bolero, even among today’s sophisticated automobiles, nevertheless has a distinct look and feel that is hard to ignore. In spite of its short overall length, drivers need to exercise caution and keep a look out for obstacles when parking.

Mahindra Bolero Interior design

Bolero’s maximum passenger count is seven. However, the trunk space has to be reduced to get the maximum number of passengers. Its boxy shape provides ample leg, knee, and shoulder room for passengers in the front and second rows. The double bench has been outfitted with an armrest for the convenience of those sitting at the back. However, the third row of seats continues to be an issue due to its cramped quarters and awkward configuration. These aren’t actual row seats; they’re more like extra seats. Considering the safety risks, children should only use it in modern cities, and even then, only for short trips. Bolero’s rural routes will undoubtedly have room for at least four passengers in the third row.

The driver is still placed at an awkwardly high angle due to the three-spoke steering wheel’s abnormally high mounting. The cabin is decorated in soothing beige, and the car’s huge windows highlight the large feel. The vinyl covering on the seats is a nice touch. Additionally, the padding on the seats is more comfortable. The inside is practical and well-organized, making for a pleasant experience.

The dashboard is an exact carryover with all the same fundamental functions and controls. The air conditioning controls, music inputs (AUX and USB), and ventilation controls are all conveniently located in the head unit, which has a faux-wood finish and is the dashboard’s focal point. The stereo system incorporates both a CD player and Bluetooth connectivity. The traditional pods have been replaced by a sleek LCD screen that neatly displays all of the gauges. You’ll still need to use the controls on the panel above the centre tunnel by the handbrake to operate the power windows.

Regarding storage, the second row receives nothing beyond the magazine pockets on the back of the front seats. Alternatively, the first row has a door pocket with cubby holes and cup holders near the handbrake.

The new Mahindra Bolero Power Plus has many facilities, including a central locking system, a keyless entry system, a 12V socket, and an enhanced semi-digital instrument cluster with more data for the driver.

Safety Features

The top-tier version of the car has a number of safety features standard, including an engine immobilizer, central locking, child safety lock, and seat belts. The company has just recently released a limited edition Bolero with advanced safety features like anti-lock brakes and airbags.

When compared to competing vehicles, the Mahindra Bolero falls short in the area of safety. Front and rear seatbelts, child safety locks, side and front impact beams, a rearview mirror on the passenger side, an engine immobilizer, a centralized fuel tank, power door locks, and disc and drum-type front and rear brakes are just some of the standard safety features on the Mahindra Bolero. ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist are not standard on this vehicle. In addition to a keyless entry system and 12V charging capabilities, the car also has a heated steering wheel. Seat Belt Warning and Door Ajar Warning are just two of the extra safety features exclusive to the special edition Mahindra Bolero.

The Mahindra Bolero now comes standard with dual airbags for the occupants’ protection. The SUV featured only a driver-side airbag in all its variations. The removal of the co-side driver’s dashboard’s grab grip made room for the new feature. It also includes an anti-locking braking system called ABS. The SUV also boasts seat belt reminders and reverse parking sensors. For passengers, there is a motion sensor that can alert the driver if someone is inside the vehicle.

Despite its history and current application, Bolero does not fare well on the safety scale but has plenty to brag about. However, the standard configuration includes a relatively robust body structure with many crumple zones and impact protection beams to lessen the blow in the event of a collision. The recognition system included in the encrypted key eliminates the possibility of critical duplication-based theft. There’s also a washer and wiper for the back window.

Engine Specifications & Performance

The official gas mileage for the Mahindra Bolero is 13.7 kpl, but drivers could expect closer to 12 kpl in real-world conditions. Because of the increased capacity for passengers and the vehicle’s dependability in any weather or road condition, it is generally well-liked.

As of now, the Mahindra Bolero is only available with one engine option, the 1.5-liter mHawkD70. It has the potential to generate 195Nm of torque and 70bhp of power, both of which are increased above the engines found in the base models. On the other hand, the 2.5-litre diesel m2DiCR found in the base trim produces 62bhp, and the same torque statistics as the engine in the Power Plus trim. Both powertrains use turbochargers for forced induction and are paired with 5-speed stick shifts.

Its engine is said to yield 5 to 10 per cent more mileage, between 15 and 16 kilometres per gallon. The adoption of micro-hybrid technology, which allows the vehicle to reduce fuel consumption by turning off the engine during prolonged idling, is responsible for the enhancement.

The Mahindra Bolero’s gas mileage is neither its finest suit nor its worst. The Bolero’s mileage increases maintenance costs, but its diesel engine reduces fuel prices. The Bolero’s substantial construction makes it a reliable utility vehicle, but it also limits how far it can travel on a single gas tank. Under ideal conditions, Mahindra claims that all Bolero diesel models will get an average of 16kmpl; however, in practice, consumers typically achieve an average of 13.5-14.5kmpl. With frequent servicing, your vehicle keeps getting respectable mileage.

The Mahindra Bolero comes standard with a direct fuel injection diesel engine that is 2.5 litres in capacity. The mileage that can be achieved with this motor is between 8 and 11 Kmpl. However, this model’s middle and top tiers come standard with a cutting-edge m2DiCR, 2523cc engine that features a common direct fuel injection system. This engine refinement ensures the car achieves a minimum of 10 km/l in the city and 13 km/l on the highway.

The engine included is more refined and provides improved performance. It can handle the rigours of regular commutes with ease and provides adequate power. However, its performance is weak, and you will need to downshift often when passing other vehicles on the highway or picking up speed in general. The engine performs admirably for city driving, and the turbo lag is tolerable. A strong torque output at low speeds provides a pleasurable performance while leisurely transporting passengers and freight. Also, navigating the city during rush hour doesn’t call for frequent downshifting. The Bolero’s steering and clutch are designed to be light for improved driver comfort.

In the front, there is an independent coil spring suspension (IFS) with an anti-roll bar. In the back, there is a coil spring suspension with elliptical leaf springs. The Bolero’s typical body-on-frame construction allows it to absorb smoothly the jolts caused by speed bumps and potholes. It’s not the most comfortable vehicle to ride in at any speed, but it’s incredibly unsettling at highway speeds. The 2017 Bolero’s improved insulation contributes to its decreased NVH levels, which is a welcome improvement.

Unfortunately, there is no automatic transmission option for the Bolero. There is a 0% probability of a launch of such a thing happening in the next few years. The Mahindra Bolero is only offered with a stick shift. A 2.5-litre, 2523cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve m2DiCR diesel engine with a 5-speed manual transmission is standard across the board.

Due to its excellent fuel economy, this vehicle is a great option for those on a tighter budget. This car has enough room for the whole family. The seat is quite relaxing, and the suspension is firm, so we have no complaints. Additionally, its level of security exceeds that of any similarly sized vehicle. The vehicle doesn’t require regular upkeep and will last for a long time without breaking down. Full harmony, typically attractive appearance, potent air conditioning system, and other helpful elements were included.

Positive and negative aspects of the car:

Pros

Simple Repairs – The Bolero is one of just a few Indian-made UVs to enable simple repairs. The reliable workhorse needs little in the way of upkeep and continues to perform admirably, in some cases, even after 2 million kilometres have been driven. This is why it is expected on the streets of the townspeople.

Torquay engine – In its current iteration, the Bolero is propelled by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 75 horsepower at 3600 revolutions per minute (RPM), a peak torque of 210 Newton-meters. It’s easier to gauge the engine’s power output if it produces strong torque at low RPMs. Bolero is widely used in RVs and trucks because it is convenient for drivers.

Good Mileage – With increased torque at lower RPMs and excellent fuel economy, the Bolero has a certified ARAI fuel economy of 16.7 km/l. This range is sufficient even when laden to capacity for extended trips.

Robust – The Bolero’s build quality is impressive, and it seems like it will last for a long time.

Cost – The Bolero’s B4 trim level starts at Rs 8.16 lakh (about $13,500), excluding taxes and fees (ex-showroom, Delhi). Both the base B6 (at Rs 8.87 lakh) and the fully loaded B6(O) (at Rs 9.15 lakh) is available to buy. For less than Rs 10 lakh, the Bolero claims to be a 7-seater with adequate engine output, mileage, and a ready-to-go mentality.

Cons

Poor NVH Levels – Noise, vibration, and harshness levels are not outstanding, despite the BS6 engine’s refinement. It is impossible to tune out the engine, tyre, and other road and cabin noise at incredible speeds.

Outdated Appearance – Though Bolero may attract some buyers due to its more-is-more attitude, the SUV’s design is antiquated and fails to live up to modern standards. It’s been selling the same design, which was initially available 20 years ago, ever since.

Poor Comfort of the Jump Seats – It’s nearly impossible to get any rest on a jump seat for any time, and even sitting for lengthy periods is excruciating.

Mahindra Bolero Competitors:

Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Maruti Suzuki XL6, BYD Auto E6 Electric, Hyundai i20, Hyundai Venue, Honda Jazz, and Honda Amaze 2021 are some of the top competitors for the Mahindra Bolero.

Conclusion:

The Mahindra Bolero is an exceptionally well-liked MPV. When compared to other vehicles in its class, this one stands out for its solid construction and timeless aesthetic. The suspension system of the Mahindra Bolero consists of a front independent suspension with coil spring and anti-roll bar, a rear suspension with an elliptical leaf spring, and several other components chosen with careful consideration of the vehicle’s total weight distribution (engine weight, body weight, and passenger weight). Its robust construction is in keeping with the zeitgeist, so you can rest assured that this suspension system will hold up well even in India’s challenging climate and terrain. Generally speaking, the Mahindra Bolero has a great suspension system and adequate ground clearance so that the driver can go around without much effort. It has proven a good option due to its dependability and low maintenance costs.

The Mahindra Bolero is popular due to the reliability and toughness it provides its owners. Even if you can’t get your Bolero to a Mahindra repair centre, you won’t have to worry because it’s easy to maintain, and a helpful roadside mechanic can probably fix it. Eventually, we can say that it is a Good Vehicle for any kind of business or family.

Image Source: “auto.mahindra.com”