Following numerous spy shots and a couple of teasers, Mahindra has finally launched the Bolero Neo in India at an introductory starting price of Rs 8.48 lakh (ex-shoowroom). The Mahindra Bolero Neo is essentially a facelifted version of the now-discontinued TUV300 and gets multiple updates inside and out. Price announcement of the Bolero Neo was earlier slated for July 15, but was preponed by the manufacturer.
- Mahindra TUV300 has been repositioned as the Bolero Neo
- Features multiple exterior updates and minor updates to the interior
- Powered by the same 1.5L 3-cylinder diesel engine as TUV300
Mahindra Bolero Neo – The Moniker
In an attempt to change the fortune of the slow selling TUV300, Mahindra has now repositioned the erstwhile sub-four-meter TUV300 as the new Mahindra Bolero Neo. The Bolero is one of Mahindra’s most successful products and has been their bread and butter product for the longest time.
Mahindra Bolero Neo – Exterior styling
The new Mahindra Bolero Neo gets a fresh looks upfront. The headlights have been re-profiled and it looks a lot sleeker with the LED DRLs now positioned on the upper half. It also gets a re-worked front bumper with new fog lamps. It has also been updated with Mahindra’s new six-slat chrome grilled design. The C-pillar is now blacked-out while the D-pillar is body coloured.
The Bolero Neo also draws some classic design cues from the standard Bolero that includes a clam-shell bonnet, squared-off and marginally flared wheel arches and a thick plastic cladding that runs along the length of the SUV. Elsewhere, it gets new dual five-spoke alloy wheels finished in silver, while the roof rails from the TUV300 have incidentally been given a miss. At the rear, the Bolero Neo gets a new X-type spare wheel cover with ‘Bolero’ branding and a spoiler as well.
Mahindra Bolero Neo – Interior and Features
On the inside, the updates to the Bolero Neo aren’t as comprehensive as the exterior. However, it still gets a completely new instrument cluster with re-worked dials and a new MID screen in between. Other updates to the interior include new beige fabric upholstery with a textured effect, a new tilt-adjustable power steering wheel, and arm rest for the second row seats.
Other standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, steering mounted audio controls, cruise control, air conditioning with Eco mode, front arm rests, height adjustable driver ’s seat and electronically adjustable ORVMs. Standard safety features on the Bolero Neo include ABS, EBD and CBC, dual front airbags, reversing parking sensors, and optional ISOFIX mounts.
Mahindra Bolero Neo – Powertrain Options and Underpinnings
Mechanically, the Bolero Neo remains unchanged from the TUV300. That means it is powered by the 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine, updated to comply with the BS6 emission norms. This engine develops 100hp and 260Nm of torque (up by 20Nm), and comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Just as the TUV300, the Mahindra Bolero Neo features engine start-stop technology that helps save fuel. It also comes with a dedicated Eco drive mode for maximizing fuel efficiency.
The Bolero Neo is underpinned by the third-generation Scorpio’s ladder-frame chassis and distinguishes itself as the only sub-compact body-on-frame SUV in its class. It is also a rear-wheel drive SUV, which further sets it apart from other sub-compact SUVs. The top-spec N10 trim even comes equipped with a mechanically locking differential.
Mahindra Bolero Neo: Positioning and Rivals
The Mahindra Bolero Neo has been positioned above the standard Bolero and both models will be on sale alongside each other. With this, Mahindra is repositioning the TUV300 to the regular Bolero buyer who could be looking for additional performance and more comfort. The Bolero Neo does not have any direct rivals in its segment, but in this price range, it competes with other monocoque compact SUVs.
Also See:
Pratap Bose talks on why he moved to Mahindra
Mahindra 3.0: How the Indian SUV brand is reinventing itself again
