Mahindra Bolero – one of India’s most enduring power performers in the rugged SUV segment, is now more stunning and stylish than ever.
The most recent version of this iconic workhorse remains just that but the ride is better, so too the interior comfort, overall refinement and, importantly, fuel economy, and is a vehicle that ensures Ford’s runaway success in the commercial space, and in rapidly expanding rural and urban markets.
Design Development: Updating with a Nod to the Past
The new Bolero is carefully designed to honour its legacy and legendary ruggedness and have stylized the vehicle to meet the modern urban perspective.
Up front, the large grille has been enhanced with vertical-chrome-slat details running through it, and also houses revised headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights on higher trim levels.
The front bumper has been reshaped to allow better approach angles, and also features integrated fog lamps=giving it added purpose and attitude.
“The interesting part about the design update is the way Mahindra has been able to modernize the Bolero without stripping it off its inherent character,” says automotive designer Rajiv Mehta.
“Where a lot of redesigns chase trends and lose character in the process, this evolution maintains the model’s unmistakable silhouette while adding just enough modern touches to feel current.”
On the sides, the wheel arches are more pronounced and can be found with larger 16-inch alloy wheels on the top end models, but the ground clearance which is the most-liked USP for which Bolero has become popular in the country will be retained.
The back of the vehicle however features the same conventional upright tailgate, however with reworked lighting units and a more cohesive bumper design.
Interior Comfort Changes Inside are largely pragmatic improvements meant to make living with the Tacx Neo 2T a little easier.
On the inside, the changes to the Bolero are more evident. The utilitarian dash has been completely replaced with much better ergonomics and material quality.
The all-new instrument cluster mixes a digital information display (4.2 inches) between two analogue gauges that offer such information as the speed of the vehicle and driver alerts.
The middle stack also gains a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (on mid- and higher grades), with smartphone connectivity, GPS sat-nav and a reverse camera display – luxuries that were nowhere to be seen in this staunchly work-first utility.
Physical buttons and knobs are in place for commonly used controls –including the radio volume and tuner knob — recognizing that users might be wearing work gloves, or will be using them in more challenging scenarios.
The seating comfort focus carries on, with redesigned front buckets that now provide enhanced back support and side bolstering.
The seven-passenger layout remains unchanged, with forward-facing second-row bench and side-facing rear jump seats, but material quality inside the cabin is better with more durable fabric upholstery that’s treated for soil resistance.
The interior revamp is evident of the understanding how die-hard Bolero users actually use their vehicles,” says Sanjay Sharma, an automotive market analyst specializing in rural markets.
“Function-led design, instead of just mimicking (urban) comfort standards – this is the signal from Mahindra, with practical improvements including easier to access storage compartments, more 12-volt power outlets, grab handles specifically placed to aid entry and exit…”
What lies beneath: Performance upgrades
Powering the new Bolero is an all new 1.5 litre mHawk75 diesel engine, which is a more advanced version of Mahindra’s dependable 1.5 litre mHawk engine that produces 75 bhp and 210 Nm torque.
Though these may not be “wow” numbers for performance addicts, such figures are exactly what Bolero owners will be looking for- consistent and strong power delivery, high amounts of low end torque for difficult terrain, and good fuel economy, signifying 16.7 km/l or there abouts under ARAI tests.
Internal changes to the five-speed manual transmission are designed to make the shift feel more positive and also enhance durability, and the clutch action now is lighter in an effort to reduce driver fatigue in stop-and-go driving.
Suspension continues to prioritize ruggedness and load carrying, with both ends featuring an independent front setup and leaf springs in the back, but tuned dampers now provide better ride quality than earlier models.
Probably most importantly, the chassis is strengthened to meet today’s safety standards and torsional rigidity is up by about 15-per cent.
A/ The structural reinforcement results in better handling, less engine noise in the cabin and more crash resistance — all areas where the previous generation had lagged modern standards.
Safety And Technology | A Welcome Overdue Modernization
We have made the safety equipment a lot more stringent than what is there in the market to meet future regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.
The SUV also now gets dual front airbags as standard fitment on all grades, in addition to ABS, rear parking sensors, seatbelt reminders and speed alert.
Top model on the other hand comes with electronic stability control, hill hold assist and the previously mentioned reversing camera.
Staying up to date with technology, the technology package adds useful features in a non-complex design that could potentially fail or be hard to fix in the middle of nowhere.
There’s Bluetooth and wired smartphone integration for the infotainment system, and USB charging ports are found throughout the cabin.
“The technology add-ons are more pragmatic aspects that add to everyday usability, without adding to the scope of failure in tough environments,” says technology analyst Priya Venkatesh.
“The isolated, stable operation of the vehicle reflects a design that emphasizes robustness as well as convenience and is not interested in providing “leading-edge” features of the time.
Market Positioning And Target Market – Mahindra Bolero New Model
So, to stay practical and keep its original clientele and also get a few more customers, Mahindra has put the new Bolero here.
The pricing is aggressive, with prices beginning at 9,30,000 for the base variant and going up to 12,78,000 for the top end version (all ex-showroom).
This pricing positions the Bolero well below lifestlye SUVs and at the same time, is much more capable and rugged than similarly priced hatchbacks or entry level sedans.
The value for money factor still makes it an attractive proposition for those looking at space instead of style, especially in semi-urban and rural markets where road quality dictates requirement of a vehicle like Bolero (not to forget Magna) than other brands more fashion conscious offerings.
“The interesting thing about the Bolero’s decade-long triumph is that it goes beyond the normal market divide,” says auto market researcher Vikram Singh.
“It’s also being used as family transport in more rural locations, as a commercial vehicle in a small business effectively, and more prevalent these days as a second vehicle for an urban family that can keep it for weekend adventures or additional properties outside the city that you actually need capability for.
Pending this intelligent update, Mahindra has made sure that this trusted workhorse of India will forge ahead on its incredible journey, evolving to meet new dreams, but continuing to keep the faith with its basic promise, what has been the iconic expression of Indian mobility for as long as we can remember.