The SUV segment in India is more popular than ever, with buyers looking for rugged and practical vehicles. Mahindra is a brand synonymous with SUVs in India, and it has recently launched the Bolero Neo Plus to strengthen its portfolio. The Bolero Neo Plus is an updated version of the standard Bolero Neo with some added features and variants.
In this guide, we will take a comprehensive look at what the new Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus has to offer. We will examine its exterior and interior design, safety features, engine specifications, real-world driving dynamics, ownership experience, and help you determine if it’s the right SUV for you.
Overview of Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus
The Bolero Neo Plus is a rugged, body-on-frame SUV that builds on the success of the standard Bolero Neo launched in 2021. It features an updated exterior design with new front and rear bumpers, revised headlamps and fog lamps, and newly designed alloy wheels.
Exterior Design and Features
The exterior design of the Bolero Neo Plus can be best described as a balance of muscular and modern. The signature Bolero grille and tall stance give it a butch appeal while the redesigned bumpers and hood lines lend a fresh touch.
Some key exterior features include:
- Projector headlamps with integrated DRLs
- Fog lamps with cornering function
- New front and rear bumpers
- Side cladding and roof rails
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Rear wiper and washer
Interior Design and Features
The cabin of the Bolero Neo Plus has also been enhanced over the standard model. It sports a dual-tone black and beige interior theme with silver accents around the AC vents and center console. The seats are covered in premium fabric material.
Some noteworthy interior features are:
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Digital instrument cluster with MID
- Height-adjustable driver seat
- Front center armrest with storage
- Rear parking sensors
- Power windows
- 12V charging socket
Safety Features
Mahindra has equipped the Bolero Neo Plus with vital safety equipment including:
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Speed alert system
- Seatbelt reminder
- Door ajar warning
- High-speed alert system
- Reverse parking camera
These safety features improve the SUV’s crashworthiness and make it more secure for family usage.
Engine and Performance
The Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus comes powered by a BS6-compliant 1.5L mHawk100 diesel engine that produces 100hp power and 260Nm torque. This engine comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox only as of now.
The SUV is rear-wheel drive and gets a mechanically locking differential for added traction off-road. Some key performance specs are:
- Power – 100hp
- Torque – 260Nm
- Transmission – 5-speed MT
- Drivetrain – RWD
- Top Speed – 150kmph
The engine offers adequate power for city commutes and highway cruising but lacks outright punch. The gearbox has average shift quality but the clutch is light.
Variants
The Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus is available in 4 variants:
- N4 – Base variant with minimum features
- N8 – Mid-spec variant with power windows, central locking
- N10 – Second-top variant with 7-inch touchscreen, wheel covers
- N10 (O) – Range-topping variant with all features
The N10 (O) variant is the most value-for-money choice as you get all the necessary features.
Driving Experience
Here is an overview of how the Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus drives and handles in real-world conditions:
Handling and Ride Quality
The Bolero Neo Plus uses a body-on-frame construction which gives it rugged off-road ability but affects ride and handling on tarmac. The steering has decent weight but lacks feedback. Body roll is controlled despite the tall stance.
Ride quality is decent but the rear passengers experience some side-to-side jerks on uneven roads. The SUV soaks up potholes and undulations reasonably well. Overall, it offers an average ride for city and highway use.
Noise, Vibration and Harshness
Mahindra has improved the overall NVH levels on the Bolero Neo Plus over the standard model. However, engine noise is audible, especially on start-up and acceleration. Road noise insulation is acceptable but you can hear suspension thuds on sharp bumps.
Overall, the NVH levels are much improved but still intrusive compared to sub-4 meter SUV rivals from Maruti Brezza and Kia Sonet.
Fuel Efficiency
The Bolero Neo Plus returns a respectable fuel efficiency of 15-17 kmpl in the city and around 18-20 kmpl on highways. These figures are quite good for an SUV of this size and weight class.
However, when driving with a full passenger load or in challenging conditions like hilly terrain or towing, expect the efficiency to drop slightly. Overall though, the Bolero Neo Plus is quite frugal.
Ownership Experience
Here is an overview of the ownership experience of the Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus:
Service Network
Mahindra has a wide service network across India with authorized service centers present even in remote towns. Service quality is good and spare part availability is decent. Extended warranty options are also available.
Maintenance Costs
Maintenance costs for the Bolero Neo Plus are affordable. The first three labor-free services will cost around Rs. 5000-6000. Apart from regular service, the key recurring expenses are air filter cleaning and brake pad replacement. Overall maintenance is hassle-free.
Resale Value
Most Mahindra SUVs tend to hold their value well in the used car market. The Bolero has always been in high demand in the resale and used car market. The Neo Plus can be expected to offer similarly good resale value after 3-5 years of ownership.
Final Verdict
The Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus makes for a tough, rugged and value-for-money SUV for extended family usage and outdoor expeditions. It builds on the strengths of the standard Bolero Neo with added features, improved NVH levels and variant choices.
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The Bolero Neo Plus offers the right blend of space, practicality, off-road ability and affordability. For SUV buyers looking in the sub-10 lakh price bracket, the Bolero Neo Plus warrants a strong consideration. Overall, it upholds Mahindra’s credentials for making sturdy and dependable SUVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mileage of Bolero Neo Plus?
The Bolero Neo Plus offers a fuel efficiency of 15-17 kmpl in city driving conditions and 18-20 kmpl on highways. This is quite respectable for a body-on-frame SUV of this size.
What are the key features of Bolero Neo Plus?
Some of the notable features are – dual airbags, ABS, rear parking camera, 7-inch touchscreen, height-adjustable driver seat, rear wiper and washer, and power windows. The top N10 variant is well loaded.
How is the service network of Mahindra?
Mahindra has a widely spread service network across India including Tier 2 and 3 cities. Service quality is satisfactory and spare parts availability is also decent. Extended warranty options are provided.