Mahindra Bolero vs Bolero Neo: Similarities And Differences

As different as the two SUVs may seem, there is a lot in common between the rugged icon and its new sibling

The Mahindra TUV300 facelift has finally arrived as Bolero Neo. It is on sale alongside the OG Bolero as a better-equipped alternative. So let’s find out how it compares to the rugged icon that is the standard Bolero, starting with their prices:

Both the Bolero and Bolero Neo are offered in three variants, but the latter will soon get another top-end variant. While the Bolero Neo’s base-spec variant is affordable by Rs 14,000, it is more expensive in the top variants.

Dimensions

Both versions of the Bolero are of the same length but the Neo is wider while the standard SUV is taller. Mahindra is offering both SUVs with the same seven-seater configuration: a five-seater cabin with two jump seats in the back that are accessible thanks to the tailgate that opens sideways.

While both these models are sub-4m SUVs, only the Bolero Neo is seen as a possible rival to other posh monocoque sub-4m SUVs such as the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite. Mahindra already has the XUV300 as a premium contender in this segment but the Bolero Neo could be a rugged alternative with the two extra jump seats offering more comfort than the regular Bolero.

Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio, XUV300, XUV500, And Others Get Costlier By Up To Rs 37,000

Design

The Bolero has a boxier shape while Mahindra has smoothed out the edges of the Bolero Neo to make it look more premium from every angle. It also gets better-looking headlamps and tail lamps. That said, the cars do look related as part of the Mahindra lineup.

The cabin is what really separates these two models sharing the same badge. The regular Bolero is meant for rural areas where longevity is prioritised over features. Meanwhile, the Bolero Neo is just as tough under the skin but it has a nicer cabin that would appeal to urban buyers as well. 

Features

Mahindra doesn’t offer much in terms of comfort with the regular Bolero but the Bolero Neo features a modern dashboard complete with an instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Neo offers dual front airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors as part of the safety equipment, along with ISOFIX child seat anchorage. The Bolero, in comparison, only packs a driver airbag, ABS, and rear parking sensors. 

The Bolero Neo additionally gets electrically adjustable outside rearview mirrors, cruise control, and steering-mounted audio controls. However, its touchscreen infotainment system misses out on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Engines

Mahindra offers the Bolero with a 1.5-litre diesel engine that makes 76PS and 210Nm, while the Bolero Neo’s 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 100PS and 260Nm. Both engines are offered with a 5-speed manual only. While both are body-on-frame, rear-wheel-drive models, the Neo has an edge with mechanical locking rear differential (MLD) offered in the range-topping N10 (O) variant. MLD helps in limiting wheel slippage on surfaces where there’s low traction and gives power to the wheel that has the most amount of traction. 

Takeaway

The Bolero Neo is clearly a step ahead of the regular Bolero in terms of design and features while still exuding a similar rugged appeal, contrasting many of the city-centred offerings in the sub-4m SUV segment. The Neo could also serve as an upgrade for existing Bolero owners who still wish to enjoy the same level of utility but with more comfort for a small premium.

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