Mahindra Bolero Neo: Neo TUV

Technically and aesthetically speaking the new Mahindra Bolero Neo has started where the discontinued Mahindra TUV300 had ended.

- Roy Punnoose Tharyan

While a lot of people liked the TUV300, a lot of people did not like its very boxy appearance. But then the rear wheel drive TUV 300 had its own advantages. That’s where Mahindra & Mahindra capitalised on the rugged looks and pan India appeal of its workhorse brand, the Bolero.

So instead of completely doing away with a model for its non acceptance among consumers, Mahindra used its shrewd business skills and carved out the Bolero Neo out of the TUV300 with a BS 6 engine. It’s not a full-fledged use of the scalpel but a couple of shots of the Botox to be more precise. And to keep its large Bolero family happy, it continues with the other Bolero vehicles. The Neo is more of a polished model that is bound to appeal to the youth of the country. Or so says the company.

The new 4x2 Bolero Neo has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 8.48 Lakh (Ex-Showroom Price, All India) for the N4 variant. The vehicle will come in trim levels N4, N8, N10 and N10 (O) or optional. The N1 Optional which is still to be launched will have all the features of the top end N10 and will additionally have a mechanical locking differential. We drove the N10 (O) variant. The new Bolero Neo will be available in seven colour options namely Rocky Beige, Majestic Silver, Highway Red, Pearl White, Diamond White, Napoli Black and Royal Gold (coming soon ).

Because of the limited time we spent with the vehicle, these are our first impression, rather than a full fledged review.

EXTERIORS