Mahindra Bolero Neo: Old VS New – Is This The ‘New Bolero’ We Need?

As the name suggests, the Mahindra Bolero Neo is being positioned as the new Bolero. Going by its looks and stance, anyone can think of it as a relatively modern-looking version of the iconic Bolero, which continues to be on sale alongside it. However, the story of the Bolero Neo goes back to the arrival of the Mahindra TUV300, essentially the pre-facelifted version of our main car.

Mahindra launched the TUV300 tough utility vehicle in 2016 as its offering in the burgeoning compact SUV segment, which had only started gaining popularity with models like Ford Ecosport and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. However, with its ladder-on-frame construction and three-row seating arrangement. Let's learn how these two SUVs are differnt from each other. In the meantime, make sure to join 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.

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Mahindra Bolero Neo Old vs New: Design And Brief History

The Mahindra TUV300 was designed by Mahindras Design Studio in Mumbai as a modern interpretation of the good old Bolero. The squared look and upright stance of the old-school Bolero were reimagined in a slightly more modern avatar, and with that, the TUV300 came into existence.

Compared to the Bolero, the Mahindra TUV300 had a fresher grille, bumpers, and more stylish windows and door panels. The TUV300 also received a minor facelift in 2019, adding gloss black highlights for the headlamps, tail lamps, and LED DRLs in the higher-spec variants.

It returned to the Indian market after a small hiatus in 2021 in the form of Bolero Neo. Essentially a facelifted version of the TUV, the Mahindra Bolero received a tweaked grille with slimmer chrome inserts, mildly tweaked headlamps and tail lamps, and all-new front and rear bumpers. Even the tailgate-mounted spare wheel cover was redesigned, now including the new branding.

Mahindra Bolero Neo Old vs New: Powertrains

The Mahindra TUV300 debuted the homegrown brands new-generation 1.5-litre three-cylinder mHawk diesel engine, available in two states of tune. This engine claimed 85 PS and 230 Nm in the lower-spec variants and 100 PS and 240 Nm in the higher-spec variants. In addition to being offered with a 5-speed manual, a new 5-speed AMT was also introduced in the lineup.

When the TUV300 was rebranded and reintroduced as the Mahindra Bolero Neo, it got the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine in its 100 PS state of tune. However, this time, the Bolero Neo was launched only with a 5-speed manual transmission, with no AMT variants planned.

Mahindra Bolero Neo Old Vs New: Interiors And Equipment

Compared to the very utilitarian-looking cabin of the old Bolero, the Mahindra TUV300 received a more upmarket cabin design with a dual-tone black and beige theme for the dashboard and door panels. While it was still not the most premium-looking cabin in the compact SUV category, it was still a pleasant place.

The higher-spec variants of the TUV300 came with the four-spoke, tilt-adjustable, multi-functional steering wheel from the Mahindra Scorpio and a hexagonal centre console with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. They also came with other essentials like remote central locking, manual AC, front seat armrests, a driver seat height adjuster, and mobile charging ports.

The Mahindra Bolero Neo was launched with the same cabin layout and no changes. It also continues to have the same steering wheel, centre console with the 7-inch screen and lower centre console while still having the same black and beige theme for the cabin. As before, the steering wheel, door grab handles and surrounds of AC vents have a contrast satin silver finish.

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Verdict

While the previous-generation Bolero was still going strong despite its archaic roots, Mahindra tried to give the customers a slightly more modern alternative in the same space as the TUV300. Mahindra did get initial success which couldnt turn into a mega story like the Bolero in the following years. The three-row compact SUV has come back as Mahindra Bolero Neo, and while it does a good job as a facelifted TUV300, we wish it had more features to have a more upmarket and newer feel.