The Mahindra XUV700 was a good choice of Indians as it is a compact SUV with the performance equal to that of Mahindra’s ladder-frame SUVs. The Bolero and the Scorpio are doing great in the market. Mahindra TUV300 was a modern alternative to Mahindra Bolero and it was not out in the market for more than 1 year but now it is back, rebranded as Mahindra Bolero Neo. What is special in the new rebranded version? Read further to know about the original features and the new modifications!
New Mahindra Bolero Neo 2021: The Exterior Changes
Mahindra Bolero Neo is becoming the favorite vehicle of the Indians. It is the modern version of Bolero and the changes made are very appealing to its customers. The newcomer has the boxy style of TUV300’s but, in fact, there are many changes. The body shell has been lowered to lower the ride height by 20mm and the bonnet is also placed 40mm lower. You can also notice smaller gap in the wheel arches when compared with TUV300’s. No changes to ground clearance.
The plain look of TUV300’s fascia has been changed by Mahindra mesh grille and vertical chrome strakes. The headlamps are simple and square shaped with LED DRLs glittering. The front bumper holds a larger air dam which is an arrangement similar to Bolero.
The Bolero Neo has a proportionate posture than the heavy look of the pre-facelift version. There is a grey cladding on the lower section and all along the length of the SUV but there are some misalignments of some sections of the narrow band. The X-shaped spare wheel cover with a Bolero Badge and the new alloy wheel design is very attractive.
2021 Mahindra Bolero Neo: The Interiors Changes
There are no major changes. The readily felt change is that the entry in to the cabin is easier than the pre-lift Bolero because of the lowered height. The cabin design and layout are same as that of the TUV300. The design is more utilitarian and no design traits on the interiors that hails from Bolero.
The dual-tone grey and beige dashboard is from the Bolero and the instrument cluster is from Thar. There is a 3.5-inch MID with clean dials. Most of the buttons are easily reachable. It would take some time to reach the centre mounted window switches.
The seats are covered with a new fabric material. No reversing camera is available. The Neo still has chair-like front seats and individual armrests. You would really like the comfortable sitting position in the bright and ventilated cabin. The rear bench could easily accommodate 3 people. The seat cushioning is firmer but the recline angle is same. A centre armrest is given that is sturdier than the Boleros’s. Kneeroom and legroom are a bit lesser but the headroom is very adequate in order to accommodate the side facing jump seats at the back.
Mahindra Bolero Neo Special Features
N10 variant which is the top-spec has a kit like ABS with EBD. The corner braking control, 7-inch touchscreen, dual airbags, remote-key entry, parking sensors, electric mirror adjustment, rear wiper, washer and cruise control are the prominent features. The N10 (O) variant gets a mechanical locking differential which would be an added advantage when driving over uneven terrain.
Some of the most important features that are missing are reverse camera, projector headlamps, automatic climate control, auto dimming inside mirror, electric folding mirrors, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The loyal audience of Bolero never mind these and love the Bolero Neo for all the good features!
Bolero Neo Performance and Driving Experience
Sitting beneath its bonnet is a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder diesel engine with electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger which gives a max torque of 260Nm which is 20Nm more than TUV300. The max torque band ranges from 1,750 to 2,250rpm which never affects the drivability. This engine is a three-cylinder diesel unit which is smooth, vibe-free and refined. Power delivery is linear and it can pull from RPMs you can move around at higher gears at lower revs when you are not in a hurry. You would never rev beyond 3,500rpm as there is no power.
Even at max about 4,500rpm, no coarse or crude sounds are heard. The 1.5-litre is fine up to 100kph above which it gets exhausted. It is not suitable for full load of passengers or travel on hills as it will need more pulling power. The 5-speed manual gearbox is smooth but the throws are long. The light clutch is easy. It would be better if an automatic option could be added. The 3rd generation body-on-frame construction of Mahindra and tough suspension components are positive aspects. The Neo easily tackles hostile road conditions as it has the new MLD.
Bolero Neo Verdict
The Mahindra Bolero Neo has a body-on-frame construction, seven-seating capacity and rear-wheel drive layout. This would better suit the average urban buyer than people who would prefer a sophisticated vehicle. It does not have ruggedness but the mechanical locking differential (MLD) enables it to go-anywhere with more confidence to drive on treacherous terrains. With overall refinement and many other modern features, the Bolero Neo rocks!.
Mahindra Bolero Neo Key Specifications
Fuel Type: Diesel Dimensions (L x W x H) 3995 x 1795 x 1817
Engine displacement: 1493cc
Transmission: Manual
Maximum Power (ps): 100
Chassis type: Hydroformed
Mileage: NA
Seating capacity: 7
Prices
8.48 Lakhs – 10.69 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom)
Are you seeking a tough-as-nails, go-anywhere vehicle with a modern touch? Then, 2021 Mahindra Bolero Neo is the best for you!.
