Upgraded Mahindra Bolero SPIED in India

Mahindra is all set to make the Bolero MUV compliant with the new safety norms under the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP). The MUV will get a slew of safety features including a driver airbag, ABS, reverse parking sensors, speed alerts and seat belt reminders. Spyshots of an upgraded Mahindra Bolero have surfaced. While the test mule has minimal camouflage, it could be testing a wide range of mechanical upgrades considering the fact that tighter emission norms under the Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) regime is just around the corner.

Spyshots courtest Team-BHP

Presently, the Mahindra Bolero sold in India is available with 7 seat and 9 seat variants, and is targeted at urban,  semi-urban and rural markets. The new version is also expected to offer similar choices. The Bolero has been India’s  best selling MUV for years, mainly due to the fact that it’s rugged, very reliable and has minimal maintenance costs.

It’s quite fuel efficient, too. Mahindra’s engineers will have a stiff challenge going forward as they will have to  engineer not just the safety standards into the new Bolero platform but also bring in a brand new, Bharat Stage 6  compliant diesel engine.

The Bolero currently operates with two engine options: a 1.5 liter-3 cylinder twin scroll turbocharger equipped  diesel engine with 70 Bhp of peak pwer and 195 Nm of peak torque, and a 2.5 liter-4 cylinder M2DICR turbocharged  diesel engine that outputs 63 Bhp of peak power and 180 Nm of peak torque. A five speed manual gearbox drives the  rear wheels in both the Bolero models.

Independent front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension is offered on the  Bolero’s passenger vehicle variants. The MUV is also available in pick-up truck trim, which features leaf spring  suspension all around. While Mahindra also offers a four wheel drive layout for the Bolero with the 2.5 liter diesel  engine, this variant is limited only for government orders.

While a lot of enthusiasts have shown a desire to buy the 4X4 variant of the Bolero with a few even managing to  acquire it after convincing dealers, there’s no indication from Mahindra that such an option would be on sale for  everyone in future. The next-generation Thar, which will be a lifestyle vehicle and will have plenty of creature  comforts, is expected to be the most affordable 4X4 go anywhere vehicle from Mahindra.

The next-generation Thar is currently under development, and test mules of the same have been spotted multiple times. The 2020 Mahindra Thar – which will share its platform with the new Scorpio – will be launched next year. An Auto Expo 2020 debut is on the cards.