Mahindra Bolero 2020 Review: Prices, Features, Specs, offers and variants

What are the various variants available?

Just like popular Mahindra models like the Scorpio, XUV300, and Marazzo, the new Bolero BS6 has got an updated variant nomenclature and is now available in three variants – the base-spec B4, the mid-spec B6, and the top-spec B6(O). The base B4 trim is priced at Rs. 7.76 Lakh, the mid-spec B6 is priced at Rs 8.64 lakh, while the top-spec B6 (O) comes with a price tag of  Rs 8.99lakh.

The Mahindra Bolero power plus is offered in 4 variants, that are LX, SLE, SLX and ZLX. The LX variant is the base variant and is equipped with very basic features and to improve safety Mahindra has added ABS and driver airbag to the base variant. The top variant or the ZLX variant is equipped with Mahindra’s micro-hybrid system that helps the bolero power plus to achieve fuel efficiency of around 16.5 Kmpl. the addition of features like the driver information display in the ZLX variant gives Bolero a modern touch and the Rear wash and wiper system makes living with the bolero easier. 

We Recommend

We recommend the SLX variant, it offers quite a satisfactory package and with almost all the comfort needs fulfilled, this seems to be the sensible package. Bolero is an SUV that is rugged and can be used to haul a decent load while offering to be a passenger vehicle that can move 7 adults. The SLX offers almost all the creature comforts for such type of vehicle.

Mahindra Bolero Power Plus BS4 March 2020 Offers and Deals

 *All deals are available for limited period in Delhi, NCR

Mahindra Bolero Engine and Performance

The 2020 Mahindra Bolero Power Plus comes equipped with a 1.5L mHawk75 three-cylinder engine that produces 75 hp and 210Nm of torque. Mahindra has been producing the mHawk line of engines for a while now, and they have passed the tests of reliability. The engine that is used in the bolero power plus is different from what is offered in the TUV 300. This engine operates on 3 cylinders and the speciality of this unit is the torque it produces. It reaches its rated value of torque of210Nm at 1600 rpm and the torque curve then plateaus till 2200 rpm. As a result, this engine has a very good pulling power and the vehicle feels very easy to drive in the city traffic. This performance aspect of this engine gives it a very good pulling power, which makes it very capable of load carrying and hauling.

Talking about the engine overall, the unit feels more refined than the previous unit but has similar 0 to 100 Kmph times. The new engine is sufficient for the needs of the vehicle and for the purpose it is designed for.

When considering the performance of the above vehicles we can see that it’s the Force Gurkha that has maximum power and torque output. It’s the Tata sumo that shines in the torque department with a figure of 250Nm starting as low as the idle RPMs. Bolero comes last in the power comparison but the thing we observe is the way the power is distributed. This means that although the Bolero cannot put up impressive acceleration figures, however, can pull a lot more weight.

How well does the Bolero accelerate?

Acceleration has never been a strong suit of the bolero it posts 0-100 times of over 30 seconds which is almost twice the time that urban SUVs of its price range put up. As illustrated by the comparison shown below.

Although the Gurkha has the most powerful engine amongst the three however it could not compete with the duster because of its offroad oriented build. It’s the bolero that comes last and although it does eventually reach 100 after a time of a little over 30 seconds, the engine doesn’t feel refined at speeds of more than 80 kph.

How is its ride quality?

Bolero can only take a complete turn in places that are wider than 5.8 meters. In the Bolero, the power goes to the rear wheels as opposed to the other SUVs which means that weight is almost balanced on the front and the rear axles, but due the suspension setup and its dimensions, it does have some body roll. 

The rear leaf spring suspension doesn’t make it much comfortable for the passengers sitting in the second or the third row

Bolero doesn’t have a very pleasant ride but it can take on quite a lot of undulations in the road. A little weight on the rear axle would improve the ride quite a lot, thus solidifying its reputation as a work vehicle. The engine of the bolero has a lot of low-end grunt and is easy to drive in stop-start conditions, its steering doesn’t make it very agile though.

Are the brakes food enough for a strong bite?

Bolero gets a traditional braking setup that is discs in the front and drums in the rear. It also gets anti-lock braking system as standard, which induces a lot more confidence while driving it. Although the brake pedal has a spongy feel but the stopping distance for the bolero are within the norms

How much mileage does the new BS6 engine return?

The Bolero has a commendable mileage of 16.5 Kmpl as certified by the ARAI. the small displacement engine paired with the micro-hybrid system performs well in the mileage department in the city’s stop-start traffic too. Although at higher speeds exceeding 100kmpl the fuel efficiency starts dropping partly due to the frontal area and the drag produced by Bolero’s near-vertical windshield.

Both the Gurkha and Sumo have an impressive fuel efficiency of 17 Kmpl, That said, the Bolero Power Plus also puts up impressive figures at 16.5 Kmpl for a vehicle of its build. Bolero has a very good range of 990 kms.

2020 Bolero Power Plus Exteriors

Is the new design striking?

The 2020 Mahindra Bolero power plus BS6 exteriors get a significant update and these can be seen on the front grille including new bumper and headlamps. Bolero stands at 1880 mm from the ground which imparts it its bold stance. Mahindra has continued the angry eye look from the Scorpio in the bolero. 

The Bolero SUV gets a revised grille along with a slightly tweaked bonnet and new headlamps which are still halogen units but get a clean partition, nicely integrating the beam light, hazard light, and parking light. The front bumper has been completely redesigned accompanied by a new air dam and fog lamps housing. At the rear, changes can be witnessed on tail lamps and door handle.

The length and width of the bolero are not that big the Bolero is smaller than duster and Gurkha by almost 300mm. the other two vehicles with their similar wdth are wider than the bolero by almost 75mm. but the bolero has a longer wheelbase than the duster.

Exterior Features:

• Fog Lamps

• Chrome Accents on Front Grille

• Body-Coloured ORVM

• Body Coloured Spare Wheel Cover

2020 Bolero Power Plus Interiors

The Mahindra Bolero power plus still features the same utilitarian interior with the digital cluster being the most stand out feature. Bolero offers a beige colour dashboard and beige fabric seats that gives the cabin a spacious and airy feel. Big windows and narrow pillars add to the airiness of the cabin. The seating of the bolero is quite upright but doesn’t feel uncomfortable and also offers plenty of legroom for the passengers in the back seat. The upright seating position gives a commanding view of the front and helps impart confidence to the driver to pass through tight spaces which is very important for urban driving.

Mahindra has given the Bolero power plus a company fitted music system which supports Aux, USB and CD and Bluetooth connectivity. This has made the bolero much more livable. The driver information feature that is offered with the ZLX model offers information like fuel efficiency, door ajar warning, range, AFE and gear indicator.

Overall the car offers enough headroom and legroom for all the passengers. The ride maybe a little stiff for the rear passengers but the rear seats are comfortable. However the same cannot be said for the last row seats, headroom isn’t sufficient for tall people but kids can be quite comfortable.

How good is the music system inside?

Bolero now offers company fitted music system with ergonomically placed controls. The sound quality of the system is okayish though.

• Bluetooth, FM, AM

• 4 Speaker Audio System

• Aux and USB connectivity

Interior Features:

• New seats with better cushioning
• Rear seat armrest
• Digital instrument cluster
• Driver information display
• Music system

How much generous is the boot space?

Bolero is a tall car and with no separation between the 2 row and the boot the useable space increases a lot and amounts for a huge 690 litres. The boot space helps to realize the purpose the Bolero is built for. The last row of seat is actually inside the boot and can be folded in case more space is needed.

Amongst the three vehicles, the Bolero power plus outclasses the other two in terms of boot space. The Force Gurkha is the biggest vehicle, which is quite evident from its dimensions but still falls short of 190 litres of space to compete with the bolero. Bolero Power Plus features a boot space that is almost 1.5 times that of the duster. Even the Closest competitor to the Bolero, the Tata Sumo Gold doesn't offer as much in cargo as the Bolero.

2020 Bolero Power Plus Safety Ratings and Reliability

Mahindra has updated the vehicle with ABS and driver side airbag to meet AIS 415 norms set by the Indian government. It is also equipped with rear parking sensors to improve the safety of the passengers. Mahindra has been making the bolero since 2000 and they have tried to perfect the formula for Bolero in these 19 years. They are so confident of their new engine and the build quality of the Bolero Power Plus that they are giving a 3 year/3 lakh Km warranty (whichever comes first) with the vehicle.

2020 Bolero Power Plus Head-to-Head Competition Check

Mahindra Bolero Power Plus vs Force Gurkha

Force Gurkha might be closer to the Mahindra Thar than the bolero. With additions like the snorkel air intake and multi-link suspension, it is evident that the force is much more aimed at Off-roading than utility. The Gurkha features a more powerful 2.6L engine that is also more efficient than the Bolero power plus’s 1.5L unit. The 4X4 capability of the Gurkha makes it more suitable for very rough terrains but the bolero is the easier vehicle to live within the plains.

Mahindra Bolero Power Plus vs Tata Sumo Gold

Tata sumo Gold is the nearest rival to the Bolero Power plus and is one of the oldest names in the utility segment. Tata sumo has a much taller stance than the bolero and has a comparatively smaller wheelbase. As a result, the Sumo is much more agile than the bolero but there is a drawback of the small wheelbase. The tall stance and a small wheelbase results in a very significant amount of body roll. The engine of the Sumo has much more torque than the bolero power plus but the refinement levels couldn’t be matched. Overall the Sumo is a dated design and the bolero has been updated with better technology and this gives the bolero an upper hand.

Final Verdict 

The 2020 Mahindra bolero power Plus is an all-rounder utility vehicle that has proven its reliability since it was first introduced in the Indian markets. Mahindra has updated the bolero with a host of new safety features like the ABS and driver airbag which makes it safe enough to comply with the new regulations set by the Indian government. Mahindra has updated the seats with more cushioning has vastly improved the comfort levels. Mahindra is also offering a factory-installed music system and driver information display to modernize the cabin a bit, but the digital cluster remains the main attraction of the cabin. Overall the Bolero Power Plus still serves the purpose of utility well and is a good all-rounder.