Mahindra Bolero Facelift: The Mahindra Bolero has been synonymous with a tough and reliable attitude for almost two decades, particularly in the semi-urban and rural markets.
Renowned for its tough build, imposing road presence and no-nonsense utility the Bolero trucks have made a mark over the years.
Fast forward to today, and Mahindra is all-set to launch the updated model –the Bolero Facelift– with minor cosmetic changes and new features to ensure that it stays relevant in today’s rapidly changing automobile market.
While there’s nothing revolutionary about the facelift, it does indicate Mahindra’s desire to bring the Bolero to the modern age while continuing to ride on its tried-and-tested formula.
The result is a car that can still appeal to its fan base while also being a lot more accessible to new buyers.
Outside: Twiddled for Freshness
The Bolero, post the facelift, continues to sport the signature boxy feel, which has represented sturdiness with a no-nonsense rank or file.
There isn’t much here, but what’s here is good. It now comes with a lightlyrevised front grille, fresh bumper design and a new set of clear-lens headlamps.
These alterations give it enough of a modern look without abandoning that utilitarian aesthetic.
Mahindra has also added new body decals, revised wheel covers, and dual-tone colour schemes to up the style quotient. With only small cosmetic updates, the Bolero is still the same rugged and practical — what its buyers love it for.
Inside: Used with some minor ugrades
The interior of the Bolero Facelift continues to be utilitarian but there are some appreciable updates in place.
The dashboard is still simple and user-friendly, but Mahindra does throw in a digital instrument cluster, an updated center console, and fabric for the seats that feels upmarket compared to the older model.
There are still 7 seats including the old-fashioned jump seats facing sideways in the back, so it will remain a people carrier for families and business users.
Space and headroom is generous, but comfort features are rudimentary.
Power windows, manual air conditioning and central locking are some of what’s on offer here, but don’t be greedy and count on having something like a touchscreen infotainment or climate system, that one isnt here.
Performance and Ride Quality
The power source on the Bolero Facelift remains the tried and tested 1.5-litre mHawk75 diesel engine that belts out 75 bhp and 210 Nm of torque.
This machine is famous for its reliability, low-end torque and fuel efficiency! With 5-speed manual transmission, the Bolero offers comfortable and easy driving for both in the city and on rough roads.
What really distinguishes the Bolero is how well it copes up with bad roads and challenging circumstances.
The suspension is designed to take the bumps and its high ride height helps the car sail over potholes and dirt tracks with ease.
But carry on down the freeway and some limitations become apparent: there’s quite a lot of body roll, and that high-speed stability is a little off.
Safety and Features
The Bolero facelift is now in accordance with the new safety laws and features dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors and a seatbelt reminder amongst others.
For a car that once boasted hardly any safety equipment, these are all big inclusions.
It also doesn’t have creature comforts like a rearview camera, infotainment system or advanced driver aids, however.
Yet for the audience it’s aimed at — these omissions after all may not be deal breakers.
Pros
Tried and tested diesel motor
Tough construction and high ride height
Better looking with updated styling
Roomy 7-seat cabin
Page Now meets safety requirements
Easy to maintain and retains high resale value
Cons
Cabin design is past its time with few high-tech features
No petrol or auto petrol to compare against
Some discomfort and lack of refinement at highway speeds
No frills interior, no touchscreen or fancy infotainment
The jump seats that face to the side provides little in the way of protection
Mahindra Bolero Facelift: Conclusion
Though, In words of design and appearance if you are expecting a revolutionary change in the new Fceflit Bolero, you may get disappointed, for it has nothing of the sort but minor cosmetic tweaks that make it look in line with modern era.
Underneath it all, the truck is a proven workhorse and has proven it still appeals to both fleets and personal users with a heavy duty nature, low cost of ownership and no-nonsense design.
Sure, it may not be up to tech or refinement of those fresh urban SUV rivals, but its appeal lies in its ruggedness and real world utility rather than cutting-edge cool.
For folks looking for a truck that can traverse bad roads and still accommodate several passengers, while being reliable for years with little fuss, the refreshed Bolero stands as a clever, sensible alternative.