Mahindra Bolero Fuel Smart (Old)

The square sunken headlights, the nicely done wheel arches, the square and almost architectural façade, it's as familiar as it can be. The flat and stamped doors look like they've been designed to deliver a retro effect, the door handles are difficult to operate and need crowbar-like force. The body finish is generally poor with inconsistent panel gaps and a wavy finish.

In this start/stop system, the engine shuts down when the car is stationary and starts up automatically when it’s time to get going. In fact, all hybrids including the Honda Civic Hybrid have a start/stop system but the Bolero isn’t a hybrid. There are no expensive batteries or electric motors to assist the regular 2.5-litre turbocharged direct injection diesel. It’s a simple, low-cost system developed jointly by M&M and Bosch for duty in the direct-injection 2.5-litre motor that powers the Bolero.

The hardware is essentially a starter motor reinforced to take the additional stress of frequent starting. The system includes an uprated alternator and a stronger battery which is up from 55 amps to this car’s 72 amps. The brain of the system comprises controlling software integrated into the ECU, a crankshaft sensor to sense crankshaft position, and a battery sensor which monitors the battery charge level and relays this information to the energy management system. If the battery doesn’t have enough charge to restart the car, the system won’t shut the engine down.