The MUV segment, which for long has been driven by the tour and taxi operators, seems all set for a new look. And this time, it’s one with a chic appeal. The MUV giant Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), which has come to signify high quality, ruggedness, durability, reliability, ease-of-maintenance and operational economy for its user groups, now offers Bolero. And if you think it’s another MUV, you may need to think again, for, as the punch line goes, `anything else is just a car.’
For those who go by looks, Bolero looks at its best from the front-Macho and Sleek. The bumper and grill gel well, giving it a trendy, aerodynamic front look. The rear end of Bolero is similar to Armada or any other Mahindra vehicle. It carries the same tail lamps, which light the other Mahindra models. How about a clear glass wrap-around lamp? The change in the tail lamps would have surely brightened up the monotonous rear of the Bolero.
But, the similarity ends with the exteriors. From inside, it’s a complete different vehicle. New ergonomically designed PU moulded seats with headrests ensure a comfortable ride for both the driver and the passenger. The GLX version comes loaded with all the frills that a mid-sized car owners aspires for: Digital odometer, various warning lamps, power windows, new-generation chassis, aesthetic injection moulded dash board, double wishbone independent front suspension to ensures smooth and comfortable ride, factory fitted powerful air conditioning, power windows, and Kenwood stereo. The speedo too is pretty comprehensive and well detailed, with an array of instruments including a digital odometer with two trip meters. However, a rear wash wipe and defogger would have been a welcome edition for those rainy days.
However while driver and front passenger seats are an ergonomic’s dream, it’s not the same perfection when it comes to the power window switches, located on the center of the dashboard, one may not find them an easy reach. It’s no different for the snazzy stereo, which is installed almost on the floor and may require one to do quite a bit of stretching exercise. The steering wheel is a bit big and obstructs the speedo as well as the windshield. The handbrake is also inconveniently located, with it been not an easy reach to the lever.
The gear level positioning also needs to be worked upon. The company seems to have worked a lot on the suspension; the heavy-duty suspension tackles potholes and broken roads with complete ease. It tracks straight and does not follow ridges on the road or get unsettled easily.
The vehicle is powered by a 4-stroke over square, 4 Cylinder, Inline XD-3PF IDI Diesel engine, which give a maximum power of 72.5 hp @ 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 15.3 kgm @ 2000 rpm. The engine and BA10 gearbox is a carryover from Armada with minor refinements. However, gearshift shows a significant improvement and the gear ratios are also well laid, making it a smooth drive in the city.
Seeing the competition, Bolero may not be the best of the lot but surely comes among the top contenders, especially when it comes to value for money. Mahindra has packaged it in an awesome manner making it one of the most affordable vehicles, loaded with all the goodies. Car like feel, excellent sound insulation, suspension, good trim levels make it a stunner in its category.