Mahindra Bolero 2011-2019 SLX 2WD BSIII

India's largest SUV maker Mahindra and Mahindra has delivered some splendid models for the automobile market. One such utility vehicle in its stable is Mahindra Bolero . It is a seven seater SUV that comes in numerous trim levels with a diesel engine as standard under the hood. This variant is powered by a 2.5-litre diesel engine that complies with Bharat Stage III emission norms. This motor has the ability to produce a peak power of about 62.1bhp and generates a peak torque output of 195Nm. The manufacturer is offering this variant with several innovative features including an advanced digital display, which provides information regarding vehicle speed, tachometer, time, date and other such aspects. It is also incorporated with an sophisticated engine immobilization device including a state-of-art encrypted key recognition system, which rejects any duplicate key and safeguards the vehicle from theft. Its interiors are quite spacious and are done with a dual toned beige color scheme, which gives a plush look to the cabin. As far as the exteriors are concerned, it comes with a boxy body structure that is equipped with several masculine features like hawk-eye shaped headlight cluster, front grille with honey-comb mesh and so on. At present, the manufacturer is offering this SUV with a standard 1 year/unlimited kilometer warranty, which can be extended further at an extra cost.

Exteriors:

As said above, this vehicle has a boxy body structure, but is affixed with rugged cosmetics, which gives it an aggressive look. On its front, it has a classy design metallic radiator grille with honey-comb mesh and is further affixed with a chrome strip. Surrounding this is the hawk-eye shaped headlight cluster that comes incorporated with powerful halogen headlamps and turn indicators. Below this, it comes fitted with a body colored bumper, which is designed with a small air dam along with a pair of fog lamps . The overall look of its front is emphasized by the company's insignia fitted on to the grille. On the sides, it has motor-sport inspired body decals along with several other attractive features like body colored ORVM caps and black door handles. Its wheel arches are integrated with body colored strips and have been equipped with a set of conventional 15 inch steel wheels. These wheels have been equipped with wheel caps and are covered with tubeless radial tyres of size 215/75 R15. Coming to the rear, it has an outdated body structure that is integrated with a large windscreen and tailgate. Its rear bumper is fitted with foot step, which further adds to the convenience. The company is also offering a spare wheel with body colored cover, which is affixed to the tailgate. This sports utility vehicle comes with a decent length of 4107mm along with an overall width of 1745mm and an impressive height of 1880mm.

Interiors:

Its interiors are quite spacious and can provide seating for at least seven passengers. Its cabin is treated in a dual tone beige color scheme, which gives a plush look to the interiors. Its cockpit is fitted with a conventional dashboard, which is elegantly decorated with a wood finish central console and stylish AC vents. It is also integrated with a futuristic digital display that provides all the information required by the driver. It is equipped with a speedometer, fuel gauge, date, time and other notification lights. Its central console has a ergonomic gear lever with elegant fabric drape. The cabin is fitted with ergonomically designed seats in all three rows, which contributes towards fatigue-free driving experience. Its leg, and head room is quite good owing to the large wheelbase of 2680mm and height of 1880mm. On the other hand, it has several utility based features like storage compartment, accessory power socket, remote fuel lid opener and so on.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is powered by a 2.5-litre, M2DiCR diesel engine that complies with Bharat Stage III emission norms. It is based on a SOHC valve configuration with 4-cylinders and 8-valves that displaces 2523cc. This power plant is incorporated with high pressure common rail fuel injection system that helps in producing a peak power of 62.1bhp at 3200rpm and develops a peak torque output of 195Nm in the range of 1400 to 2200rpm. This motor is skillfully paired with a five speed manual transmission gearbox that transmits the torque output to front wheels. The automaker states that the vehicle can produce a minimum mileage of 12.4 Kmpl in city road conditions, while giving away a maximum of 15.96 Kmpl on highways.

Braking and Handling:

The car maker has equipped its front wheels with a set of disc brakes, while pairing its rear wheels with a set of drum brakes. On the other hand, it comes with a robust suspension system, which keeps the vehicle well balanced on any road conditions. Its front wheels are coupled with an independent strut loaded with coil springs and anti roll bar. At the same time, its rear wheels have been equipped with elliptical leaf springs, which absorbs shocks caused on roads. This SUV comes incorporated with an advanced rack and pinion based power steering system with a turning radius of 5.8-meters, which makes it simpler to handle.

Comfort Features:

The Mahindra Bolero SLX 2WD BSIII is the mid range variant, but it still comes equipped with several top rated aspects. Its dashboard is installed with a heating, ventilation and AC unit with customizable cooling system, which keeps the entire ambiance pleasant. It comes with a list of features including ergonomic seats, middle row center armrest, storage compartment, grab handle on dashboard, remote fuel lid opener, 12V charging point and key less entry. This trim is also incorporated with an advanced music system that supports CD and MP3 playback.

Safety Features:

This mid range variant has been incorporated with limited safety features, which safeguards the vehicle and its passengers. It comes incorporated with a state-of-art engine immobilization device including encrypted key recognition system that prevents any unauthorized entry and rejects duplicate key. It also has safety aspects like child safety lock for rear doors, strong bumpers, head restraints, keyless entry, powerful headlamps and dual horn.


Pros:
1. Ample interior space is a big plus.
2. After sales service is quite good.

Cons:
1. Initial cost of ownership can be more competitive.
2. Below par safety and comfort features.