Table of Contents
Introduction
This is what we’re filming today—and yes, as many of you might have guessed, it’s essentially an updated version of the TUV300.
However, Mahindra now calls it the Bolero Neo. And yes, it’s named after this iconic model right here.
The original Bolero might be known for being basic and no-frills, but that’s the point. It’s designed to be a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle, built to withstand the harsh terrains and rough roads across India.
And it does that job exceptionally well—just ask the thousands of loyal Bolero owners across the country.
But Mahindra has noticed a growing number of customers looking for a bit more style and comfort in their utility vehicles.
That’s where the Bolero Neo comes in. Mahindra claims it brings in that extra layer of sophistication, without losing the tough DNA of the original.
So let’s begin by taking a closer look at the design.
Overall, the look is still boxy and muscular, very much in line with the TUV roots. But Mahindra has smartly added distinct Bolero elements to build a strong visual connection to the legendary nameplate.
Bolero Neo dimension and styling
Now, starting at the front, the Bolero Neo showcases rectangular headlamps that stand out with a fresh DRL signature. The classic Mahindra grille remains, flanked by a bumper that features sloping, slatted cuts at the lower edge for added aggression.
Shifting to the side profile, it might appear a bit shorter—and that’s no illusion. Mahindra has lowered the body by 20 mm and the bonnet by another 20 mm, making the SUV sit lower. However, the chassis and ground clearance remain unchanged, as they’ve simply dropped the body onto the same chassis.
The new alloy wheels wear a smarter pattern and complement the SUV’s upright, squared-off styling. A bold design addition is the thick side molding, a nod to the traditional Bolero identity, reinforcing that this is more than just a rebadged TUV.
One element that continues is the sloping B-pillar—a design that divides opinions. Some find it stylish; others might prefer a cleaner silhouette. One practical issue, though: when opening the door, it can swing a bit too close to your face for comfort.
At the rear, the design still echoes the TUV 300, but now with a distinctive X-shaped spare wheel cover that proudly wears the Bolero branding. The tail lamps have been subtly redesigned, while the top variants get a roof spoiler for a sportier look.
There’s also a rear grab handle for easier access to the tailgate, which opens to reveal two side-facing jump seats—a true utility touch, especially for larger families or rural hauls.
Bolero Neo 7 seater
The rear jump seats aren’t exactly the most comfortable spot to be in, as I found out with Samuel beside me.
As you can see, legroom is tight, and we both had to adjust our feet and knees awkwardly to squeeze in.
To its credit, this version is slightly wider and offers a bit more headroom compared to the regular Bolero.
You also get butterfly-style rear windows, which help with ventilation in this tight space.
But here’s the catch—space isn’t the main concern. The bigger issue is safety.
There are no seat belts provided for the jump seats, and in the event of a crash, this area is far from safe.
Our honest recommendation? Use this space as a boot, and keep all passengers in the forward-facing seats where safety is better accounted for.
Bolero Neo rear seat comfort
Rear seat space could be more generous, especially in the second row. I do have some legroom, but it’s nothing exceptional.
This seat is set to my driving position, and I’m around 5 feet 8 inches tall. There’s a bit of space under the front seat to tuck your feet in, which helps a little.
However, it doesn’t give you that open and airy feeling you’d expect from a large SUV.
What helps is the wide glass area. The windows offer a clear, scenic view, and though I initially disliked the sloping pillars, they do come in handy now—they don’t block your vision at all.
Headroom is excellent, more than enough for most people.
There’s also an armrest provided, and the seat cushioning feels firmer and more supportive than what you get in the regular Bolero.
Bolero Neo interior
The supportive feel of the seats continues at the front as well. Things are quite comfortable up here.
The front seats are well-contoured and supportive, offering decent comfort for long drives. The armrests are well-positioned, and the gear lever is easily within reach, making overall ergonomics quite user-friendly.
In terms of design, the dashboard looks clean and symmetrical. Mahindra says it has been designed by Pininfarina, and it certainly carries a well-balanced, premium look.
The instrument panel now features a new 3.5-inch TFT display, which adds a modern touch. That said, the rest of the dashboard and equipment layout is quite similar to the older TUV.
You do get a touchscreen infotainment system, but it’s disappointing that it lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Other features include manual AC controls located lower on the console and an Eco mode for the air conditioning. The vehicle also comes equipped with Micro-Hybrid (Start-Stop) technology, which helps improve fuel efficiency.
In terms of storage, there are a few practical touches—a couple of cubby holes, a pen holder, and a decent glove box. However, overall interior storage space is limited.
One interesting bit: the power window switches are mounted in the center console, not on the doors. A single control panel serves both the driver and the front passenger.
As for variants, Mahindra has introduced three trims. A fourth variant featuring a mechanically locking differential will be launched later. More on that function soon.
Bolero Neo performance
As we wrap up the video, let’s talk about the driving experience of the Neo.
There’s a lot of expectation from the engine, especially since Mahindra is known for its excellent powertrains. The Neo is powered by the familiar 1.5-litre, three-cylinder mHawk engine.
It delivers the same power and torque figures as the TUV300. However, with the shift to BS6 emission norms, there’s been a slight but noticeable improvement in drivability.
It was always a strong performer, and now, on the Neo, it’s just that little bit better.
Power delivery starts early, around 1500 RPM, and there’s a strong surge of torque. The engine pulls confidently until about 3500 RPM, after which it begins to taper off. There’s no real benefit in revving beyond 4000 RPM, so it’s best to upshift smoothly.
In terms of refinement, the engine feels fairly smooth, though engine noise is audible inside the cabin. Still, that’s expected in this segment and isn’t a major concern.
Bolero Neo ride and handling
ome of you may have guessed—we’re at the Mahindra test track in Pune.
It’s a compact and fairly simple track, so there’s only so much we can say about the ride and handling in this environment.
That said, the steering feels well-weighted, offering a decent level of confidence behind the wheel.
There also appears to be less body roll compared to the TUV300, which is a welcome improvement.
Bolero Neo off-road
Unfortunately, we couldn’t head out of the plant to test the Bolero Neo on the typical rugged terrain it’s built for.
However, Mahindra has set up a small off-road course at the facility to simulate rough roads and challenging conditions.
As expected, the Bolero Neo performs impressively well. Of course, this is a controlled environment, with obstacles designed to showcase the vehicle’s strengths. Still, the way it handles them is smooth and fuss-free.
The chassis and suspension absorb shocks effectively, and the ride feels stable and composed, making it well-suited for real-world rough roads and mild off-roading.
One key feature that aids its off-road ability is the automatic mechanically locking differential (MLD).
Here’s how it works: if one wheel loses traction and lifts off the ground, a regular differential would send all power to the spinning wheel, leaving you stuck.
But with the MLD, as soon as the system detects a difference in wheel speed, it automatically locks, redirecting power to the wheel with grip, helping you move forward with ease.
It’s a smart system that gives the Bolero Neo an edge off the tarmac.
Bolero Neo price and verdict
So, the Neo delivers solid performance, but the big question is, is it truly a Bolero?
The original Bolero is known for its rugged design and tough character, traits it wears proudly in its no-nonsense styling.
In contrast, the Bolero Neo’s design doesn’t immediately scream “rugged”. Its styling is more modern and urban-friendly.
However, under the skin, the Neo is built on a new-generation chassis that is just as tough—if not tougher—than the traditional Bolero.
It uses the same 1.5-litre engine, but here it’s tuned to produce more power.
When it comes to the cabin, both are similar in size, but the Neo feels more refined, better built, and is loaded with more features and equipment.
Then there’s the pricing. In some cities, the Neo is more affordable than the regular Bolero. In others, the price difference is just ₹30,000–₹40,000.
So, if you can look past the Neo’s softer exterior, you’ll find that it’s every bit a Bolero underneath—capable, durable, and ready for the rough stuff.
Bolero Neo rear differential explained.
Okay, as promised, let’s break down how differentials work.
When you’re driving in a straight line, the engine sends equal power to both the left and right wheels. That’s simple enough.
But when you take a turn, things change. The inner wheel covers a shorter distance, while the outer wheel has to travel farther.
This is where the differential comes into play. It allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, sending less power to the inner wheel and more to the outer wheel, ensuring a smooth, balanced turn.
It’s a purely mechanical device, operating on a simple principle—resistance on one wheel causes the power to shift to the other. It’s clever, simple, and effective.
However, there’s a downside, especially in off-road conditions. Imagine a situation where one wheel lifts off the ground. The differential, trying to do its job, sends power to the free-spinning wheel, and you end up stuck.
That’s where locking differentials come in.
One solution is a brake locking differential (or electronic locking differential). Here, the brakes stop the free-spinning wheel, creating resistance, so the differential redirects power to the wheel with traction.
An even better solution, especially for off-roading, is a mechanically locking differential (MLD)—and that’s what you get on the Bolero Neo.
What’s great is that it’s fully automatic. There’s no lever to pull or switch to activate.
For example, on an axle-twister, if one wheel goes up in the air and the other stays grounded, once the RPM difference between the two wheels exceeds 100, the mechanical lock kicks in.
You’ll feel a slight jolt as the lock engages—it’s noticeable but effective. That’s just how a mechanical system behaves, giving you real-time traction when it’s needed most.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus stands out as a tough and dependable SUV in the compact segment.
With its rugged styling, spacious cabin, and versatile performance, it appeals to buyers who want a vehicle that can handle both city driving and mild off-road conditions with ease.
The refined engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for daily commutes as well as long-distance travel.
Inside, you get comfortable seating and generous cargo space, adding to the SUV’s practical appeal.
While it may miss out on some premium features found in higher-end models, the Bolero Neo Plus makes up for it with its sturdy build, reliability, and value-driven pricing.
For buyers looking for a budget-friendly SUV that doesn’t compromise on durability or functionality, this is a strong contender.
In short, the Bolero Neo Plus delivers a well-rounded package, ideal for those who prioritize reliability, utility, and affordability.
