The Bolero Neo+ is available in two trims with 9-seater layout.
16 Apr 2024 | 3151 Views | By Saptarshi Mondal, Autocar India
Mahindra has launched the new Bolero Neo+ in India with prices starting from Rs 11.39 lakh for the entry-level P4 trim, going up to Rs 12.49 lakh for the top-spec P10, both prices ex-showroom, India. The Bolero Neo+ is a stretched three-row, 9-seater version of the sub-compact Bolero Neo SUV.
In fact, it can be traced back to the erstwhile TUV300+ that was discontinued in the run up to the BS6 norms in 2020, but is now reborn as the Bolero Neo+. It essentially builds on the Bolero nameplate, just as its sub-4m sibling did in 2021.
Visually, the Bolero Neo+ looks very similar to the Bolero Neo save for the front bumper that gets a slightly revised fog lamp housing and a bull bar-like design element, and a new set of 16-inch alloy wheels. But the real difference is in their size – the Bolero Neo+ measures 4400mm in length, making it 405mm longer the Bolero Neo, although the wheelbase has remained unchanged.
All of the additional length has gone into a longer rear overhang which means the body panels aft the rear doors are new – it gets a larger rear quarter glass and larger wraparound tail lamps. The rear again is very similar to the Bolero Neo with an X-shaped spare wheel cover. Do note that this body style has been available in ambulance-spec since mid-2023, but now can also be had as a passenger vehicle.
On the inside, the dashboard has been carried forward unchanged from the Bolero Neo which itself hasn’t changed much over the years from the original TUV300+. The only notable updates since then are an updated 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a new steering wheel and a revised instrument cluster.
But what’s unique here is a 3-row setup in a 2-3-4 seating configuration, with the last row getting two side-facing seats. Other features of note include Bluetooth, USB, and aux connectivity, electrically adjustable ORVMs, a height-adjustable driver's seat, 6-speaker sound system, front and rear power windows, manual AC and front seat armrests. Safety features include dual airbags, ABS, EBD and ISOFIX mounts. There’s, however, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Under the hood, the Bolero Neo+ gets the familiar 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine from the Scorpio range, but here is tuned to produce 120hp and 280Nm of peak torque. It comes mated solely to a 6-speed manual gearbox and power is sent to just the rear wheels. It’s underpinned by the same ladder-frame chassis as the Bolero Neo, but misses out on the mechanical locking differential that’s available on the latter. The Bolero Neo, meanwhile, gets a smaller 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 100hp.
The Bolero Neo+ is essentially a people hauler, targeted at tour and travel operators and contractors who lease vehicles to companies. As such, it rivals the likes of the Force Citiline and the upcoming Gurkha 5-door.