Mahindra Bolero Power+ : First Drive Review

  • Sep 19, 2016
  • Views : 23327
  • 5 min read

  • bookmark

The Bolero ducks under four metres for a tax break

Mahindra Bolero Power+

When Mumbai bids its final goodbye to Lord Ganesha, the streets are anything but holy. You would be lucky if you got some space to comfortably stand around immersion spots, let alone drive. So when Mahindra said they would send over the Bolero Power+ in the evening, I mumbled a little prayer for the driver who would be designated to bring it over. My residence and Mahindra's vehicle depot are at two opposite ends of the city, the route is nothing short of a warzone, and the clutch on the Bolero is known to test testosterone levels. Naturally, I was a bit taken aback when the driver appeared to be free of fatigue.

Mahindra Bolero Power+

When I chose to drive it myself, I quickly figured out why. The clutch is much, much lighter. Mahindra hasn't bothered fiddling with the travel of the pedal, though. So, traffic will continue to be your worst enemy and the long throw gears don't make it any easier. What takes the sting out a bit is the super light steering. But then, the turning radius is wider than most roads in Mumbai. So, no - the Power+ hasn't converted the burly Bolero into a city slicker.

undefined

Now that it ducks under the four-metre mark, it has to follow another set of rules: one of which says that the diesel engine cannot be larger than 1.5-litres. The old 2.6-litre unit has been given the boot for a low-tax bracket-approved 1.5-litre 'mHawkD70', 3-cylinder engine. Power is up by 8PS, while torque remains identical at 195Nm compared to the old 'm2DiCR' mill. What's nice about it? It would have to be the NVH levels. Yes, the gear lever does do a nice dance on startup and shut down, but other than that everything else is at acceptable levels. Secondly, it is a conscious sipper. ARAI-rated fuel efficiency is rated at 16.5kmpl, and we saw a maximum of 14.8kmpl on the driver information display - so that checks out as well.

undefined
Get latest updates on
the automobile community
Login Now

As much as most would like to think otherwise, the smaller 1.5-litre engine feels adequate to lug the Bolero around. In fact, it won't blink even if you started off in second gear. If you are slightly skilled with the clutch, it would pull in third from a dead halt too. Get a move on and you would notice that the ratios are closely stacked. Most of the team members who drove it, unknowingly redlined it on more than one occasion.  There's just about enough grunt to get it up to triple digit speeds, but sadly not enough to keep it there comfortably. It also sounds coarse and gruff since the revs are a tad too high, and the efficiency takes a pummeling too. Keep it at 80kmph, and the motor is more than happy chugging along quietly.

Mahindra Bolero Power+

Ride quality, for the most part, is what I like to call 'choppy'. Potholes aren't a big issue and it doesn't thud, but it makes sure you know you drove through one. There's a fair bit of vertical movement, which is amplified if you happen to be seated in the second or third row. A full house will definitely make the ride more tolerable, but drive solo or with just a couple of passengers and the bouncy ride is ought to get to you. Cornering has never been the Bolero's forte, and it is no different with this one. The steering keeps you guessing, and a dead feel on the brake pedal makes you back off as well. On a related note, there's absolutely no safety tech on offer, even as an option. 

Mahindra Bolero Power+

How Mahindra has chopped the length off, is a classic case of what we're known best for - jugaad. The front bumper is practically two-dimensional, the protruding tow hook has been ditched and the rear bumper sits flush with the sheet metal. Since length is measured bumper to bumper, the macho-looking spare wheel on the boot stays as is. It isn't exactly easy on the eyes, courtesy the boxy design, but weirdly enough, it is likeable. The unapologetic 'Yes I look like a box, get over it' theme appeals to me, at least. And, the unabashed design is among the core reasons for its popularity. You see why there's not much effort being put in to make it look modern now, don't you?

Mahindra Bolero Power+

Inside, there isn't much new to speak of either. There are multiple shades of brown around the cabin, and wooden trim around the AC vents and the centre console. Space is adequate for passengers in the first two rows, and the last row is best left vacant. Cushioning is slightly hard, and the front seats don't support the back too well. I found myself fidgeting around the seat way too often. I also wish there was height adjust on offer, for the shorter folks among us. That said, the seating position gives you a fantastic view out.

Mahindra Bolero Power+

Goodies include a digital speedometer, a driver information display, a Kenwood sound system and audio warnings that remind you to wear your seatbelt and close the doors. In true Bolero fashion, there are a few issues as well. For instance, quality is just about acceptable, the speedometer is offset to the left, the power window switches are positioned at an awkward angle next to the handbrake and there's practically no space on the door to rest the arm. And, I'm slightly puzzled as to why Mahindra hasn't utilised the space on the inside to include a set of usable cubby holes. Also, since the Bolero is supposed to be a utilitarian brute, it is rather surprising that the second row does not fold down to the floor.

Mahindra Bolero Power+

The Power+ is a whole lakh cheaper compared to the standard variant, thanks to the tax break. It is easily the best Bolero to roll out of a Mahindra factory and is more refined, more frugal; yet just as rugged as ever. And, other than the exclusion of an unlimited kilometres warranty, there's nothing else one loses out on. Yes, it isn't as well-decked as a Vitara Brezza nor is it as chic as the Ecosport. But, this one isn't supposed to sit pretty in your office parking while you negotiate a deal in the boardroom. It is more at ease out at the farmhouse, getting dirty once a while.

See what our community has to say! NEW

India's largest automotive community

Explore Now
comminity image
×
Recently Visited
Select Category