KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The only compact SUV that comes with a mechanical locking differential
- The only rear-wheel drive compact SUV
- No automatic transmission option available
- Gets three rows of seating
The Mahindra Bolero Neo has been around for quite some time now, and while some might say it does not have a direct rival, we feel there is a segment of buyers who might consider the Bolero Neo as a wild-card option, espectially with its prices ranging between Rs 9.94 lakh to Rs 12.15 lakh. Let's analyze who exactly does the Mahindra Bolero Neo go up against, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community for all the latest automotive news and updates!
First, What Is The Mahindra Bolero Neo?
The Mahindra Bolero Neo is essentially a rebranded TUV300 that plans to take the legacy of the original Bolero forward. The Bolero Neo is a potential option for those looking for a compact SUV, but with the ability to take on the unbeaten path when needed, thanks to the addition of a mechanical differential lock.
At the same time, it possesses a smoother ride experience than the OG Bolero, and the interiors have been modernized just enough. While it still lacks a few novelty features, there's enough to get the basics right. Powered by a 1.5-litre mHawk diesel engine, it churns out 98.5bhp and 260Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Look elsewhere if you want an automatic transmission.
Mahindra Bolero Neo Rivals
With its pricing, the Bolero Neo sits in the middle of the compact SUV segment, and it happens to be the only one that is rear-wheel driven. Here's a look at the possible rivals of the Bolero Neo.
Tata Nexon
The Nexon's latest upgrade made it a lot more attractive to buyers, with fresh looks, a fully-revamped interior, addition of new features and some cool paint schemes as well. It retains the same powertrain options under the hood; a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. While the diesel misses out on the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the petrol engine can be paired with all the options available, such as the aforementioned DCT, a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, and a 6-speed AMT as well.
In terms of features, the Nexon gives you DRL light bars with welcome/goodbye signatures, along with a 10.25-inch touch screen (7-inch on lower variants), a four-speaker sound system, electric sunroof with voice commands, ventilated power-adjustable front seats, and a 360-degree camera among other things. Not to mention, it gets a five-star safety rating.
Also read: MY2024 Tata Nexon And More Gets Discount Of Upto Rs.1.4 Lakhs
Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue came out in 2019, and has been continuously updated since then. The latest-gen Venue received a few new variants with more features, and there was also a special Knight Edition as well. The Venue can be had with a 1.2-litre nat-asp petrol, a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Only the turbo-petrol can be had with an automatic transmission option, while the nat-asp petrol and the diesel get only a 5-speed manual option.
Also read: Hyundai Venue S+ Variant Launched, An Affordable Sunroof Variant
Maruti Brezza and Fronx
The Maruti Brezza, along with the Fronx, are the only two compact SUVs here that come solely with a petrol engine. While the Brezza comes with the 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine, the Fronx gets the option of either a 1.2-litre nat-asp petrol, or a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol Boosterjet. The Brezza is priced between Rs 8.34 lakh to Rs 13.98 lakh, while the Fronx can be had between Rs 7.51 lakh to Rs 12.57 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
The Brezza and the Fronx both benefit from a 360-degree camera, an Arkamys sound system, hill-hold assist, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, voice assistant, and a lot more. However, the Brezza is a touch more powerful than the Fronx, producing 100.5bhp and 136.8Nm of torque, paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. In comparison, the Fronx nat-asp produces 88.5bhp and 113Nm of torque, while in its turbo guise, the figures go up to 98.6bhp and 147Nm of torque.
Mahindra XUV 3XO
The Bolero Neo faces competition from its own sibling as well. The XUV 3XO comes with two 1.2-litre turbo-petrol options with varying outputs and a 1.5-litre diesel. Both powertrains get the option of a 6-speed manual transmission, but while the petrol get an Aisin-sourced torque-converter automatic, the diesel makes do with an AMT.
The XUV 3XO offers Level 2 ADAS, along with things such as a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, cooled glovebox, dual-zone climate control, Harman Kardon sound system with an amplifier and a sub-woofer, wireless smartphone charging, six airbags, and a 360-degree camera among many other things. Prices range between Rs 7.49 lakh to Rs 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
Also read: Mahindra XUV 3XO EV Spotted Testing: Check out Details
Verdict
These were some of the rivals that the Mahindra Bolero Neo goes up against, and there is another one from Skoda coming in 2025 as well. If you can sacrifice novelty features and a more car-like drive experience, the Bolero Neo should be on top of your list.
