Mahindra Bolero 2011-2019 DI - AC BS III

The rugged Bolero is one of the spacious sports utility vehicle from the stables of Mahindra and Mahindra. At present, this SUV is available in five exterior paint options for the buyers to choose from. These include Rocky Beige, Java Brown, Fiery Black, Toreador Red and a Diamond White with metallic finish option. The braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient, which keeps it well balanced and stable. The front wheels are fitted with disc brakes, whereas the rear gets drum brakes. On the other hand, front and rear axles are assembled with a rigid leaf spring type of suspension mechanism. Among the various trims available, Mahindra Bolero DI AC BS III is the mid range variant. It is powered by a 2.5-litre diesel power plant, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2523cc. It has the ability to produce a maximum power output of 63bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 180Nm. This diesel mill is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the SUV to deliver 13.96 Kmpl on the highways and 9.4 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions that is rather good for this segment. Its fuel tank capacity is about 60 litres, which helps in planning longer journeys. The company has given this variant a number of sophisticated features for the convenience of the occupants. These aspects are an air conditioner with heater, well cushioned seats, cup and bottle holders, 12V power sockets and many other utility based aspects.

Exteriors:

Starting from the front fascia, it is designed with a massive radiator grille that has a few body colored slats and a chrome plated company insignia in the center. The hawk-eye shaped headlight cluster is powered by halogen lamps and a side turn indicator. Just below this grille, there is a black colored muscular bumper, which comes with a wide air dam for cooling the powerful diesel engine quickly. The large windscreen is made of toughened glass and integrated with a pair of wipers as well. On the other hand, the side profile is elegantly designed and comes with flared up wheel arches, which also has extended fenders. It is equipped with a robust set of 16 inch steel wheels with full wheel caps. These rims are further covered with 185/85 R16 sized tubeless radial tyres that offers a superior road grip. The door handles and external rear view mirrors are painted in black color. Its rear end is designed with a black colored bumper, a bright tail light cluster and a full size spare wheel, which is affixed at the tail gate. The large windshield is integrated with a high mounted stop lamp for safety of the vehicle. Its overall length measures about 4170mm along with a total height of 1880mm. It comes with a decent width of 1660mm, which includes external rear view mirrors. The minimum ground clearance is 183mm, which helps in dealing with terrains and a large wheelbase of 2794mm that ensure a spacious cabin inside.

Interiors:

The roomy internal cabin of this Mahindra Bolero DI AC BS III variant is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are covered in fabric upholstery. These seats provide ample leg space for eight passengers and gives a pleasurable driving experience. The smooth dual tone dashboard is equipped with features like a large glove box, a three spoke steering wheel with a company emblem in the center and an advanced digital display as well. It has other utility based aspects like cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets for storing magazines and other smaller things at hand, storage spaces in center console, 12V power socket in front and middle row, remote fuel lid opener, rear seat headrest, easy access parking brake lever, body colored inside door handles and adjustable driver seat with lumbar support.

Engine and Performance:

This trim is packed with a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which is mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box. It allows the SUV to attain a top speed in the range of 120 to 130 Kmph and cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 25.6 seconds . This diesel motor can churn out 63bhp at 3200rpm along with a maximum torque output of 180Nm between 1440 to 1500rpm that is rather good for this segment.

Braking and Handling:

The car maker has assembled its front wheels with a set of disc brakes, while the rear gets conventional drum brakes as well. The front and rear axle are fitted with rigid leaf spring type of suspension mechanism, which keeps the vehicle well balanced. On the other hand, it comes with a manual steering system, which is quite responsive and makes handling convenient. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.9 meters that is rather good for this segment.

Comfort Features:

This variant comes with an advanced digital display, which houses a low fuel warning light, driver seat belt warning notification, a multi-tripmeter and a few other functions as well. Apart from these, it also has cup holders in the center console, a large glove box, comfortable seats with ample leg space, sun visors with passenger side ticket holder and many other such utility based aspects for comfort of the occupants. The air conditioning unit comes with multi-directional AC vents with flow control that cools the cabin quickly.

Safety Features:

This Mahindra Bolero DI AC BS III variant is made of a rigid body structure, which comes with side and front impact beams. It protects the occupants sitting inside in case of any crash. The company has also given a full size spare wheel with the tools required to change a flat tyre . Apart from these, this variant is equipped with halogen headlamps, seat belts for all passengers, adjustable driver seat, passenger side rear view mirror and several other features.

Pros:

1. Reliable engine performance is a big plus point.

2. Spacious internal cabin with good seating arrangement.

Cons:

1. Exterior appearance needs to improve.

2. A few more safety and comfort features can be added.