Mahindra

Bolero Neo

Mahindra Bolero Neo

The Mahindra Bolero Neo is a revamped version of the TUV300 and has become quite popular in the segment as well. Mahindra has rebranded the TUV300 in order to give it some sheen associated with the Bolero name in terms of sales figures.

How is the Design?

The Bolero Neo looks the part with the boxy feel of the TUV300, although the body shell has been lowered and integrated into the ladder-frame chassis for reducing ride height. The bonnet is positioned lower than earlier. The Bolero Neo has a slightly different stance, with a tinier gap in the wheel arches alongside. The ground clearance figures remain the same. The Neo has a sleeker and more modern design as compared to the regular Bolero SUV. The front grille and front bumper are key design elements along with the shoulder cladding in black and the round-shaped fog lamps. The look is more attractive this time around, although the 15-inch wheels seem slightly smaller for the SUV, considering its size. The tail lamps get a red tint this time and there is also a roof-mounted spoiler along with rear parking sensors. The spare wheel also remains from the earlier version.

How does it perform?

The engine is the three-cylinder 1.5 litre diesel powerhouse, although the tune state is now higher than before. The electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger is also new, with more torque than before as well. The engine has a grunt at the low-end while there is sufficient torque at the mid-range as well. The engine sound, however, scales up with the higher revving range as well. You will, however, miss an automatic transmission system while driving the Bolero Neo in congested traffic city traffic, due to its heavy clutch. The maximum torque band covers around 1750-2250 RPM. The engine is refined and smooth while the performance is higher in the low-end and is fused with shorter gear ratios. It is also extremely responsive. Power delivery is absolutely liner, and the engine will pull smoothly from idling-level RPMs with no effort. If revved beyond the 3500 RPM mark, there is not much power to be garnered.

How’s the mileage?

The Bolero Neo offers great mileage of approximately 15 kmpl while it can cruise comfortably at higher speeds as well.

How’s the driving experience?

The Bolero Neo makes use of a tough body and offers reasonable ride and handling as well. The MLD engages at lower traction levels or stickier scenarios, whenever it finds rear wheels with faster spinning ratios as compared to the others, thereby locking wheels and shifting power to the wheel with higher traction. This enhances overall road grip of the Bolero Neo at crawling and lower speeds as well. There is, however, a metallic note of the MLD setup while it locks up the spinning wheel and this may surprise some drivers as well.

What’s the interior like?

The Bolero Neo has the same layout and cabin as the TUV300. The dashboard has a black and beige dual-tone theme with a 7-inch touch screen infotainment unit. The seats have new fabric material while there is a reverse camera as well. The Neo has chair-like seats in front, with longer seat squabs and individual driver-passenger armrests alongside. The seating position is commanding enough, although the rear passenger bench is on the flatter side, while it can accommodate three people in reasonable comfort. The seat cushioning is firmer now. The reclining angle is similar to the regular Bolero with a central armrest. The knee room and legroom are decent while the headroom is excellent. This has happened due to the efforts made to skip the side-facing rear jump seats.
The last row has limited space for adults and the same story holds true for both head room and shoulder room. There is no seat belt while there are windows and a seat pocket only.

Tech and infotainment

The top-end trim comes with features like a 7-inch touch screen infotainment unit, rear washer/wiper, cruise control, and remote-key electric. There is also no automatic climate control, electric folding mirrors, projector headlamps, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and reverse camera.

Safety equipment

The top-end variant has dual airbags, corner braking control, ABS with EBD, seat belt warning, child seat anchorages, child locks, over-speed warning, and speed-sending door locks.

Which variant to buy?

The Bolero Neo N4 is cheaper and offers greater value for money, with good features such as engine start/stop, four power windows, air conditioning, Eco driving mode, safety features, a power outlet and rear parking sensors. The N8 is costlier and gets the 2-DIN audio system, some connectivity features, remote-key central locking, rear wiper/washer, wheel covers, and some other additions.

The N10 variant is costly but well-equipped with the touch screen, DRLs, cornering lights, cruise control, and more. The N10 (O) variant is the one to buy if price is no object.

Which cars compete in the segment?

The Mahindra Bolero Neo falls short of the competition, which includes its own sibling, the Mahindra XUV300, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and the Ford EcoSport, along with the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. The Bolero Neo comes without many essential features and the entry-level diesel of the Kia Sonet is slightly more affordable. The Bolero Neo is almost at par with the Tata Nexon. There are other competitors, including the Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite.

Verdict (Value for Money)

The Mahindra Bolero Neo is rugged and can take on bad roads with aplomb. It does not get several features while coming with decent interior space and seating capacity. However, the last row is cramped and there is only one diesel engine option. The styling is not as contemporary, although it does get decent go-anywhere abilities with its MLD and other features. The overall pricing is.