The New Bolero Neo: A Touch More Luxury for Less
This is a look at the new Bolero Neo, a vehicle that aims to blend the ruggedness of the original Bolero with a more premium feel. It’s designed for both city and rural driving, with several noticeable updates that add a touch of sophistication.
Key Takeaways
- Updated front grille with horizontal chrome accents.
- All-black alloy wheels.
- Dual-tone interior with leatherette upholstery.
- Improved suspension with FDD damper technology.
- Available in new colours like 'Jeans Blue'.
A Refreshed Exterior
The most obvious change is the front grille. Gone are the vertical lines, replaced by a more modern horizontal pattern with chrome accents. This gives the car a wider appearance. While the headlights remain halogen, the DRLs and cornering lamps are still present. The fog lamps are also carried over. Importantly, there are no front cameras or parking sensors on this model. The side profile is largely the same, featuring black door handles and the familiar step pedal. The main update here is the new all-black alloy wheel design, though the tyre size (2570 R16) remains the same. The car is only available in diesel, with a 50-litre fuel tank. The claimed mileage is around 17 kmpl, though real-world figures might be closer to 12-14 kmpl in the city. The rear of the car is unchanged, retaining the same design for the tail lamps, wiper, and rear defogger. It still comes with a full-size spare wheel, now featuring the updated Mahindra logo. You do get a rear camera and two parking sensors at the back, along with a much-needed step pedal for easier access.
A More Comfortable Interior
Stepping inside, you'll notice a dual-tone interior with a black and beige theme, complemented by leatherette upholstery. This combination makes the cabin feel airy and spacious. Getting in is easy thanks to the step pedal. The seats are a bit compact, but for someone around 5'5", they offer decent comfort for solo journeys or with a child. However, fitting three adults in the rear might feel a bit cramped, especially for longer trips, as headroom can be limited. The rear glass can be opened, which is a nice touch. For rear passengers, there's good thigh support and adequate legroom. The seats are positioned higher, giving a commanding view. While there are no rear AC vents, the airflow from the front vents is generally sufficient. The car offers two interior colour options: Lunar Grey (as seen here) and Mocha Brown.
Cabin Features and Technology
The key fob is similar to those found in the Thar and Scorpio. The steering wheel comes with mounted controls for cruise control, volume, and phone operations. The instrument cluster is fully digital, displaying speed, RPM, trip details, mileage, and various alerts like open doors or unfastened seatbelts. The car features a five-speed manual transmission. For connectivity, you get a Type-C port, a USB port, and a 12-volt charging socket. The air conditioning controls are straightforward, with separate controls for the blower, temperature, and direction. The infotainment system is a touchscreen unit, similar to the one in the Scorpio Classic. It operates on an Android-based interface and is outsourced, not developed by Mahindra. The interior design, while not drastically changed, still looks good and doesn't feel outdated, thanks to the use of different patterns and textures.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the Bolero Neo retains the same 1.5-litre mHawk diesel engine. It produces 100 bhp and 260 Nm of torque. Mahindra has introduced FDD damper technology, which significantly improves the suspension, making the ride smoother over various terrains, be it desert, snow, or mud. The braking system has also been improved. Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and corner braking control. The previous generation had a one-star safety rating, and it remains to be seen if this updated model has seen any improvements in that area.
Final Thoughts
The new Bolero Neo offers a blend of ruggedness and a more sophisticated feel. With its updated styling, improved comfort, and enhanced suspension, it aims to appeal to a wider audience. It's a unique product in its segment, and its popularity speaks for itself. The new 'Jeans Blue' colour is a striking addition to the lineup. If you're looking for a vehicle that's tough, bold, and has a touch of premiumness, the Bolero Neo is definitely worth considering.
