Mahindra Bolero

Mahindra Bolero First drive

Mahindra Bolero ZLX Review

The Mahindra Bolero enjoys the position of being called the number 1 SUV of India. There are many reasons for being called so among which primarily Mahindra enjoys a superb brand connect across all segments. All its portfolio vehicles have been carefully planned and pitched.

Especially after the Scorpio, the brand positioning of this UV maker changed considerably. The company has grown exponentially and thus has grown the trust of consumers in this company.

Having an after sales network unparallel to any other manufacturer, Mahindra dominates the SUV segments in India. From the entry level compact SUV Quanto to the premium Ssangyong Rexton. The company claims to be known as the Maruti Suzuki of SUVs which is so true. Let us find out more on the number SUV of India and why it holds strong importance in Mahindra’s portfolio.

Mahindra Bolero recently got a facelift and this time it has incorporated the Mahindra family look with the toothed radiator grille. The radiator grille is done in too much chrome and looks tacky. The new headlamps look smart with integrated turn indicators.

Flat head bonnet paired with square cut lines all over make the Bolero look very raw and strong. The Mahindra Bolero has got characteristic design features. There is not a slight hint of flow in the design and instead everything looks linear. The pillars are straight and strong. There are mild flares on the side profile. There is also a provision for side step for easy access of passengers inside the cabin.

In the rear profile, these is a spare wheel on the tail gate with the names encrypted on the cover of it. The model name appears on the side profile and is done in chunk chrome.

So Overall, there is not plenty to write about a Mahindra Bolero exterior design reason being this one is made to look strong. Indeed the Bolero comes out as a soldier looking SUV of India with no redundant design lines or fat on the profiles. Mahindra has changed the vehicle periodically but then they have managed to retain the essence of it.

Very similar to the external profile there is not much that Mahindra offers in the Bolero. It is a reasonably sized SUV and thus the space offered is decent. The front row passengers enjoy lot of room while the scene is not that merry for the ones seating behind. These seats can be more comfortable and also provide adequate supports as on long journeys this would be a tough situation to handle.

The interior trim is done in sand brown color combination. On the top of central console lies the information monitor which gives vehicle data and other necessary tri information. The central console in done in wooden vinyls and also has a music system embedded in it. Not that the system impressed us with its performance but then it performed decently.

The Mahindra Bolero may not boast of the strongest design in interiors but then saying that the neatness in the design cannot be ignored. It looks a lot better than what Tata offers in Sumo. Mahindras do manage to give a strongly built interior frame if not the best finished one.

Though, the third face to face row is meant for passengers, generally it doubles up as the luggage dumping space for all. These seats are very comfortable. It was a nightmare travelling places on these seats and I can personally vouch for this. The power windows controls is right between the central aisle and it is followed by glass holders.

Overall, the interiors wont discouraging but then Mahindra has to quickly amend some basic changed which the vehicle needs. This can be done by improving the feel and build quality of the switchgears. Also, if a new design is introduced inside it may boost up the consumer trust.

The Mahindra Bolero ZLX features the m2DiCR engine. This engine has been made to strike a balanced chord with performance and fuel efficiency.  This one combines the best of DI combined with common rail technology.

Another top notch feature in the Mahindra Bolero which makes it a segment leader is the voice message system which will keep informing you about unlocked doors, low fuel and if seats belts are not strapped. It may not be a big feature as such but then the very fact that it exists in the Bolero makes it unique.

There is a DIS (Driver Information System) to guide the driver about clock, distance to empty and the existing fuel consumption. Such features are very beneficial in the model day cars and ones don’t feature them and still continue to see get beaten strongly.

It has a 2523 CC m2DiCR Engine which produces a maximum power of 46.3 kW at 3200 rpm and a maximum torque of 195Nm at a range of 1400 to 2200 rpm. This engine is offered with a NGT 520 5 speed gearbox.

With a ground clearance of 180mm and Independent with coil spring setup, the Bolero becomes a perfect getaway car from the daily routine. In fact, the Mahindra Bolero is a hot favorite in the rural market as well. It tall body shape and strong suspensions give the confidence of being able to take it anywhere. It has a turning radius of 5.8M which is not too small but then decent.

The new Bolero does mark a welcome change over the earlier version however the basic mannerism remains same. At lower RPMs the power delivery is good but then it gets linear as one moves up on the rev band. The new version gets a minor torque tweak but then it still is not very peppy and the engine seems to lack the punch to push it hard.

While overtaking on the highways, if the vehicle is not loaded takes good effort to push it but then the Bolero seems to die completely when fully occupied. On highways the engine response is very discouraging and the lack of power gets very evident. Not to forget the excess noise that penetrates inside the cabin making it a noisy one.

The handling quality is weak and needs some major improvement from Mahindra. It is not a very easy to maneuver vehicle and gets a bit sticky in some scenarios especially as the gear stick behaves like a sore thumb. The brakes are of average quality and do not offer a precise feedback whatsoever. We got a real time mileage of 12 Kmpl which is average compared to the competition.

There has to be some reason on why it is called India’s no.1 SUV and it is very simple. The product is built in a very strong way possible. The new engine offered is smooth and also high on fuel efficiency.

The features that it offers at this price point are envious for the competition especially compared to cars like the Tata Sumo. Do we recommend this SUV? Yes Indeed we do as even if stranded anywhere Mahindra has a super strong after sales network to take care of the car.

Also with the SsangYong acquisition, may be the Bolero too can get some international lines and attributes