Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus testing restarts

After a gap, test mules of the Bolero Neo have been seen again.

Published On Feb 14, 2023 01:00:00 PM

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Mahindra Bolero Neo used for representation purpose only.

Mahindra is set to expand the Bolero line-up soon with the Bolero Neo Plus – a longer version of the body-on-frame, sub-four metre Bolero Neo SUV. The upcoming Bolero Neo SUV won’t be an all-new product, but will essentially be a reworked version of the rugged TUV300 Plus, which was on sale from 2018 till April 2020.

Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus borrows design elements from Bolero Neo
Will share its powertrains with the Bolero Neo
Likely to be positioned below the Mahindra Scorpio Classic

Mahindra was testing the Bolero Neo Plus earlier, and after a gap, the carmaker has started testing it again. The recent spy pictures that have surfaced give a closer look at the upcoming SUV’s design.

Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus: design and styling

Expect the Mahindra Bolero Neo to have similar design elements like the Bolero Neo. The spy pictures show a toothy, chrome finished grille, a sculpted front bumper and black shoulder cladding running the entire length of the SUV. The Bolero Neo Plus will also have the same 15-inch alloys as the regular Bolero Neo. However, like its sub-four metre counterpart, the Bolero Neo Plus seems like it won’t get blacked-out B- and C-pillars.

The rear design of the Plus would be significantly different to the Bolero Neo, something that was also true with the TUV300 and TUV300 Plus. The Bolero Neo Plus will get reprofiled tail-lamps and mildly altered rear bumpers. It will continue to have a tailgate-mounted spare wheel though with an ‘X’ shaped cover.

Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus: seating capacity and equipment

As we had reported earlier, the Bolero Neo Plus will come in five trims and two seating layout options – 7-seater and 9-seater. For emergency services, there will also be a dedicated ambulance version with seating for up to four along with a bed.

The dashboard design will mimic that of the Bolero Neo, and we expect similar equipment levels as well with top-end models getting features like a touchscreen, leatherette upholstery.

Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus: powertrain options

Expect Mahindra to carry forward the same powertrain as the Bolero Neo, which means the Bolero Neo Plus will get a 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Mahindra is unlikely to equip it with an automatic gearbox and it won’t have 4WD. However, like the Bolero Neo, it could get a mechanical locking differential that helps in sticky terrain and low traction.

Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus: expected pricing and positioning

The Bolero Neo Plus will join Mahindra’s ever expanding line-up of ladder frame vehicles. The Bolero Neo Plus will certainly sit above the Bolero Neo, and close to the new Scorpio Classic, making for a more practical alternative to Mahindra’s hugely popular SUV. It is likely that the Bolero Neo Plus will be about Rs 1 lakh more than the Bolero Neo. For reference, the Bolero Neo is priced between Rs 9.48 lakh-11.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Expect the launch in the coming months, and when it goes on sale, the Bolero Neo Plus will not have any direct rivals.

Spy image source

Also see:

Discounts of up to Rs 70,000 on Mahindra Bolero, Bolero Neo and XUV300

Mahindra Thar 2WD diesel waiting period extends over a year