Mahindra Bolero is among the most well-known names in the world of UVs. First launched two decades ago, the Bolero is staple of many semi-urban and rural dwellers who swear by this model’s ruggedness and dependability. However, in spite of its proven nature, one can’t deny its age and for this very reason, the Bolero has been receiving flak from many car buyers. This is exactly where the recently launched Mahindra Bolero Neo comes in. Based on the Mahindra TUV300, the new model offers several updates that work together to bestow the donor car with a more rugged appeal. Clearly, the Bolero Neo is more modern than its namesake but is that enough to ignore the proven qualities of the older UV? We find out in our detailed Mahindra Bolero Neo vs Bolero comparison here.
Also Read- Mahindra Bolero Neo vs TUV300 – Comparison (Price, Specs, Mileage)
Design
The Mahindra Bolero didn’t look too modern even when it was launched gazillion years ago. Over the years, it has received numerous updates but its basic design has remained to be the same basic boxy shape. The Bolero Neo isn’t a beauty contest winner either and offers the same upright stance as well as boxy shape. However, in spite of the same traditional approach for the design, the two models look quite different from each other. The Bolero is clearly a more basic looking model. It even looks more rugged but the Neo, in spite of its utilitarian design, manages to look more modern. It won’t be wrong to say that the Neo is a more modern interpretation of the classic jeep look – it’s more attractive and looks more contemporary whilst maintaining the classic look. That said, Mahindra has tried to bring Neo’s styling in line with that of the Bolero through some updates. For instance, it has been given all-around body cladding, clamshell bonnet and X-shaped bumper design. In terms of dimensions, both have the same length, but the Neo is wider by 50 mm. The Bolero, however, is 63 mm taller.
Also read: Mahindra Bolero Neo Launched – Specs, Features, Details!
Mahindra Bolero Neo vs Bolero Specifications
This is exactly where the Bolero Neo has a clear advantage over the older model. Both the vehicles are built on a ladder-frame chassis but it’s actually the Neo that has more modern underpinnings. Built on the same third-generation ladder-frame architecture as the Scorpio and the Thar, the new model ends up benefitting from better dynamics than the older UV. In comparison, Bolero’s underpinnings can be traced back to the Armada, which, in turn, was built on an updated version of the platforms used on even older models. The Neo also has a more modern suspension setup. Both the UVs have an independent front suspension but the Bolero has archaic leaf springs in comparison to the multi-link setup of the Neo.
Also read: 2021 Mahindra Scorpio Spotted Testing – Watch The Walkaround Video!
Both the Utility Vehicles are powered by the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine albeit in different states of tune. The older model has a mHawk75 motor and the Neo has the mHawk100 version. The former offers a maximum power of 76hp at 3600rpm and a peak torque of 210Nm at 1,600-2,200rpm. The latter has a maximum power of 100hp at 3,700rpm and a peak torque of 260Nm at 1,750-2,250rpm. In both cases, a micro-hybrid system helps boost the fuel economy. One area where the Neo excels is that it has a mechanical locking differential on the rear axle, which means the new model turns out to be more careful than the TUV300 it’s based on.
| Mahindra Bolero Neo | Mahindra Bolero | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged diesel | 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged diesel |
| Power | 100hp at 3700rpm | 76hp at 3600rpm |
| Torque | 260Nm at 1,750-2,250rpm | 210Nm at 1,600-2,200rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
Interior
Neither of the two Boleros we have here is focused on offering a plush cabin. These vehicles have a similarly utilitarian cabin with the newer model offering a handful of more features. As is the case with the TUV300, the Bolero Neo comes with a dual-tone colour theme. It also has slightly more features than the donor model, especially on the top-end trim. Both the models have 7 seats with side-facing seats at the rear. The top-of-the-line N10(O) variant of the Bolero Neo comes with many features that you don’t get in any other similarly priced Mahindra model. These include- LED DRLs, driver seat height adjustment, cruise control, electrically adjustable ORVMs, front armrest, dual front airbags, ABS, Bluetooth and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). Even the mechanical locking differential (MLD) is available only in the top-sped N10(O) variant. The Bolero, in comparison, feels spartan with the only highlights of the equipment list being a driver airbag, ABS, aircon, power windows and remote locking.
Also read: Mahindra Thar Petrol Reviewed By Isuzu V-Cross Owner In Thar Desert!
Mahindra Bolero Neo vs Bolero Price
By now, our comparison here would have made it clear that the Bolero Neo is more modern than the age-old UV it’s named after. Hence, it would have not been surprising to see the new arrival priced at a premium over the old UV. However, this is not the case. Prices of the Mahindra Bolero Neo start at Rs 8.48 lakh, which is lower than Rs 8.63 at which the Bolero range starts. The top-spec Bolero B6(O) costs Rs 9.61 lakh, while the N8 Neo costs Rs 9.99 lakh – it’s costlier but offers more power and features. Prices of the top-spec N10(O) version are yet to be revealed.
| Mahindra Bolero Neo | Mahindra Bolero | |
| Price range | Rs 8.48-9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India) | Rs 8.63-9.61 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| Variants on sale | N4, N8, N10* | B4, B6, B6(O) |
Also read: Upcoming Mahindra XUV700 to get Smart Door Handles Like Range Rover Velar!
From this, it has become very evident that the Mahindra Bolero Neo offers a much better value than the Bolero as it offers an equal number of seats with similar dimensions, more features, better performance, MLD and a more modern design at the same price.
Stay tuned to CarBlogIndia for more such comparisons!
