Mahindra Bolero

The Bolero nameplate is available in two, slightly different body styles - the standard and the Power Plus. The former is over 4 metres in length and is powered by a 2.5-litre m2DICR engine producing 63PS/195Nm. In its Power Plus iteration, the Bolero falls under the sub-4 metre SUV category and is powered by a 1.5-litre mHAWK engine which generates 71PS/195Nm. Both engines come paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Needless to say, it is the smaller unit that returns a more impressive mileage of 16.5kmpl.

The Bolero was never designed to win any beauty contests. Instead, its rugged exterior directly complements the customer base it is targeted at. The front end is typical Mahindra with a big plastic grille flanked by equally dominating headlamp enclosures. The doors, with their exposed hinges and flat bellies, have little to flaunt about. However, the side-step, massive wheel arches and the near-flat roof line adds to the rugged recipe. Apart from the boot-mounted spare wheel, which clicks well with our ‘desi’ needs, nothing at the rear has a shouty outlook. All in all, the seven-seat SUV keeps things simple and functional for those who put versatility above looks.

As soon as you step inside, you realise that Mahindra has been trying to refine the old-school recipe with some modern touches. Although the upright seating position and the single-din music system remind us of its age, the inclusion of a digital instrument cluster, a three-spoke steering wheel with silver accents and an optional micro hybrid system helps the Bolero gain some attention. The seven-seat layout is traditional as well with the third row of seats facing each other. The dual-tone upholstery tries to liven up the interior, but the disappointing fit and finish of the panels and the absence of any safety aid doesn’t help its case. That said, the interior is simple and ergonomically comfortable.

The Bolero and its Power Plus iteration are available in three variants - SLE, SLX and ZLX. However, the standard Bolero is also offered in EX trim, which is available with or without AC. Weirdly, there are two more variants - LX and Plus - which are listed on the official website but aren’t in the brochure. The LX variant is offered with no AC and an optional 4WD system. The Plus variant has four sub-variants of its own. Basically, the Bolero has an extensive variant list which means the different permutations and combinations can fulfill specific customer demands. Both the SLX and ZLX variants come with features like all four power windows, central locking, keyless entry and a 12V accessory socket. The ZLX trumps the SLX with a rear windscreen washer and wiper, a driver information system, micro hybrid system and voice messaging support.

Tata Sumo Gold: It is certainly one of the toughest work horses in India. The crude recipe is designed to survive the harshest of road conditions. That said, don’t expect a lengthy list of creature comforts. The Sumo does what it is designed to do - persevere.

Maruti Vitara Brezza: The Brezza ticks the basics of punch, practicality and peace of mind. If you can bear the ridiculously long waiting periods, you’ll end up with a compact SUV that won’t let you down. But, in all probability, so will everybody else.

Honda WR-V: There’s more to the WR-V than being a Jazz on steroids. While it retains the Jazz’s basics of space and functionality, it brings in the added advantage of a high ground clearance. It also gets a sunroof. Doesn’t everyone want a sunroof in their lives?

Tata Nexon: Among the best vehicles to roll out of a Tata factory, the Nexon comes very close to acing the compact-SUV game. The funky styling, big 350-litre boot and some segment-firsts like the activity key make it a formidable force in the segment.

Ford EcoSport: The refreshed EcoSport has taken the game to another level. The new petrol engine and the automatic transmission are welcome additions. Driving dynamics are just as good as before and the updated feature list makes it a worthy opponent in the segment.

Mahindra TUV300: It is Mahindra’s modern take on a sub-4 metre SUVs. The seven-seat layout helps its case and so does the butch, in-your-face stance. It is the clear choice for those who care about road presence more than anything else. Frankly, there isn’t anything else to boast about anyway!

If you are on a budget and you are okay with an old-school people mover, the Bolero will fit your bill quite well. However, if you want power, an extensive list of creature comforts, safety tech like airbags and ABS, and you are fine with a five-seater layout, the Bolero doesn’t stand a chance against its competition.