The first thing which you are reminded about is the rugged look of the Bolero. Actually that is the best part of this vehicle. It really does look good, but in other areas? um.. not too good. It competes against the Sumo, Qualis and Tavera. But the bolero is much cheaper. Also the other three are used as tourist taxis while the bolero is not used in that way. But its price makes it a little tempting. But, life is difficult for such an muv with such competitors. So does it make sense in buying a bolero?
The jeep facia really rocks. It gives the bolero a really rugged and agressive look. That rounds up the front styling. The side has a lot of character. Its naked hinges leave this ’ruff and tuff’ impression. Then there are the alloys which are good add ons which enhance the looks of this muv. The rear has the spare wheel with a cover. The tail lamp is also rectangular and is very simple. The bolero, despite its rugged looks is not built all that well. Also the fit is not very good.Tto sum it up, the bolero oozes attitude and details like the naked hinges, headlamps and the grille make it the most rugged muv in the country.
The interior is bare basic. Don’t worry, you do get an air con, but otherwise nothing much. The instrument panel doesn’t have a tacho. The steering is not car and ergonomics are bad. The dash is in total disorder. There is sufficient space in the front. The seats are comfortable enough. At the rear also you get good legroom and the comfort levels are decent. The materials used inside aren’t the best available. The interior is definitely not car like and it is very bad when compared to the sumo victa. But if you don’t want all these frills, then there is nothing wrong. actually, it suits the bolero’s rugged image; ie no fancy things; just the basic needs.
The engine is a indirect injection diesel that displaces 2500 cc. It puts out 72 bhp which is just sufficient. the engine cannot be called refined. There isn’t much control over nvh. Inside the cabin, noise is filtered to an extent. Start the engine and it wakes up with a growl. As you accelerate, you can feel the punch available even low down. Performance is far from enthusiastic. Acceleration is quite good at low speeds but as you increase the speed it starts to become slow. But it is just enough for city driving. I don’t think figures are necessary. There is enough power on tap, but the problem is the weight of the bolero. The top speed is around 110 km/h. so it is something like a slow rhino (oh yeah, rhinos are slow aren’t they?).
The bolero is difficult to haul around in the city. It is heavy and there is some body roll while turning. Ask it to tackle steep turns and it won’t impress. even thoug handling is not like that of a hatch, it can be called decent. but ride is good enough. It can go over bumps and potholes without much effect in the cabin. It soaks irregularities at all speeds (afterall you can’t go very fast). At last, here is what it was made for. Off road driving! it is a toughie and is not made for the stupid city. The bolero is a superb off roader, especially the 4 wheel drive. It can conquer rough rocky terrain with the ferociousness of a rhino. When you are off road, you won’t mind the nvh, bare interior, and speed. the bolero is excellent off the road, and that is the reason why it is used in many off road rallies. Compared to the bolero, the sumo is a softie.
Fuel efficiency is decent. For such a heavy vehicle, you can’t expect much. But its okay on the bolero. in the city it consumes one liter for travelling 10 km and on the open road it returns 12 km/l. In mixed conditions it returns a little more than 11 km/l. For an muv like the bolero, these figures are good enough.
So should you buy it? well..no if you are lookig for a spacious alternative to a Sedan. But if you are looking for an MUV, the bolero is worth considering. Its price is quite low and it looks attractive too. Fuel efficiency is decent. It has many setbacks, but if you don’t mind these, go for it. The sumo makes a better city muv with all its creature comforts and its soft looks. But if you are looking for a rugged muv which you will take off road often, then nothing better. The bolero 4wd is the best option. Trust me, it is impressive off the road.
LOOKS-9/10
BUILD-8/10
FIT AND FINISH-7.5/10
INTERIOR-5/10
ENGINE-8/10
PERFORMANCE-7/10
RIDE AND HANDLING-8.5/10
OFF ROAD ABILITY-9.5/10
FUEL EFFICIENCY-8.5/10
VALUE FOR MONEY-9/10
GRAND TOTAL-79.5/100
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PS- now some of my views. The bolero is the best looking muv to come from m&m. They can sort out the quality issues on the bolero like they did on the scorpio. Also, the interior can be improved a little with a few features from the scorpio. Then they can turbo charge this engine to give an output of around 90-100 bhp which would be cool. Even better, they can build a bolero with all the features of the scorpio along with more power and car like handling. Then even if the price is increased, it will sell like hot cakes. Afterall, people accept the scorpio. A scorpio with rugged looks? cool!