2WD FTW

If your budget can't stretch to a 4WD or AWD, can these two two-wheel-drive SUVs meet expectations?

- Rivan RS

It's a matter of great pride that there are only two manufacturers - both Indian that can cater to those who need an affordable rough and tough vehicle, which will also serve most other needs. I'm talking, of course, about the Mahindra Bolero Neo and the Tata Punch. Neither of these SUVs have a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive system, but they are claimed to be among the few that can actually keep pace off the beaten path, and take you to places few other 'SUVs' in the market could. They both also go about that same task in completely different ways.

The Tata Punch is a front-wheel drive, petrol-powered, monocoque-bodied compact SUV that has an automated manual transmission, while the Mahindra Bolero Neo comes in a rear-wheel-drive format, has a diesel engine, a manual gearbox, and a ladder-frame chassis. These two SUVs couldn't be more different if they tried, but it's somewhat amazing that they go around doing very similar jobs. To look at, I'd say both have the requisite strong stance and beefy appearance, but the Bolero Neo looks the part a bit more. Those straight lines, that boxy shape, and the macho styling - along with the fact that the footboard as necessary are in line with what Mahindra wants to portray; a go-anywhere SUV.

Meanwhile, the Punch doesn't lack for a sturdy feel and look, but those gracile LED DRLs and tail lights, and the comparatively smaller (and squatter) stature means that some may not take the Tata as seriously as the Bolero Neo, but they would be mistaken. There's more than enough going on in the Punch's styling from the large headlight units to that flared-out and squared-out wheel arches that would assure most that this can be taken off-road. Both, the Mahindra and the Tata have more than adequate ground clearance (184 mm and 187 mm, respectively), assuring those taking it off the beaten path that you won't hit the undercarriage if driven properly.