New Mahindra Bolero Neo: The New Legend

Built on the iconic legacy of Bolero, the Bolero Neo takes the game up a notch with its edgy styling, spacious interiors, powerful performance, and off-road dynamics

Mahindra Bolero has been the best-selling SUV in the Indian market for over two decades now. This commendable feat speaks volumes about its popularity. Now, in an effort to further expand its appeal, Mahindra has launched a new compact SUV in India: the Bolero Neo. Specifically designed with the emerging young consumer in mind, the Bolero Neo offers a perfect combination of style, space, performance, and versatility. 

Dynamic Appearance

Mahindra has carried forward the strengths of the TUV300, while improving on the overall driving dynamics. The Neo’s ride height has been reduced by 20mm for a better-planted stance and improved on-road manners, but the ground clearance has been kept intact, at 184mm, to keep the SUV off-road friendly. The Bolero Neo features a rather dynamic and edgy styling. Up front, the six-slat grille, signature x-shaped bumper, and imposing yet approachable stance are all reminiscent of the Bolero’s iconic look. The headlamps look sleek and the DRLs enhance the aggressive styling of the SUV. In profile, the high silhouette, unmistakable all-round cladding, and stylish alloys lend the Bolero Neo a perfect SUV stance. At the back, you have imprints of Bolero branding all over -- be it the X-shape spare wheel cover, the upright stance, or the large glasshouse. All in all, the Bolero Neo packs the imposing punch of the original Bolero’s design and puts it across in a more dynamic and sophisticated avatar.

Spacious Interiors

Inside the cabin, the new Bolero Neo offers a perfect combination of form and function. The Italian interiors give it an upmarket feel while the fabric seats with quilted patterns make it all the more special. The dual-tone dash is laid out ergonomically with all the controls within the driver’s reach. The tiltable steering wheel is chunky and nice to hold, which is especially helpful while tackling bad roads. It also features steering-mounted controls for added convenience. The air conditioner comes equipped with powerful performance to keep the Neo’s large cabin cool even on the hottest summer day. 

The top-of-the-line trim N10 is packed to the brim with features and equipment. It gets a large 17.8cm (7”) touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, a height-adjustable driver seat as well as front and rear armrests. Driving convenience is further enhanced by cruise control, electrically adjustable outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), and rear wash and wipe. For the tech-savvy, the Neo gets modern technology, including the Blue Sense app, voice messaging, and driver information system. In terms of cabin space, the Bolero Neo offers generous legroom and headroom to occupants in all rows. In fact, the SUV offers the best-in-class cabin space in its segment. 

Powerful Beast

The new Mahindra Bolero Neo is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder mHawk100 diesel engine, which puts out 100PS and 260Nm of max torque. All that power is sent to the rear wheels for better driving dynamics on and off the road. The BS6-compliant engine comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. This combo offers amazing performance and thanks to the inclusion of Micro-hybrid and Eco Mode, the efficiency figures are impressive too. 

Vault-like Safety

The Bolero Neo’s safety credentials are second to none. It features dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, a high-strength bodyshell, reinforced doors, speed alert, cornering brake control, static bending headlamps, and engine immobiliser as standard. Besides, the top-variant also gets an additional safety layer in the form of ISOFIX child seat mounts. 

Proper SUV Credentials

Unlike other compact crossovers badged as SUVs, the Bolero Neo is a proper SUV with a third-gen ladder-on-frame chassis and rear-wheel drive technology, shared with the Scorpio and Thar. What’s more, the top N10 (O) variant comes equipped with first-in-segment (2wd) Multi-Terrain Technology. This sends more torque to the wheel with higher traction when the other one starts to spin freely, helping you get out of the situation with ease. This will make sure you won't need to think twice before going off the road. The commanding view of the outside, coupled with its generous ground clearance, is sure to make every experience in the Bolero Neo a memorable one. 

An Incredible Value Proposition

Built on the strengths of the Bolero, the Bolero Neo takes the game forward with its dynamic styling, premium cabin, Bluetooth connectivity, and powerful performance. Pitted against the competition, the SUV offers customers an attractive starting price of Rs 8.48 lakh, low ownership and maintenance cost, and an efficient diesel engine. No wonder, it ticks all the right boxes and comes across as an incredible value-for-money offering.