Mahindra Bolero Fuel Smart (Old)

    Compared to modern SUVs, the Bolero may be crude and outdated but it is by far the best-selling SUV in India

    Published on Dec 10, 2009 08:00:00 AM

    1,40,953 Views

    It’s no different from an ordinary Bolero except when it is time to idle. When you are at neutral (with your foot off the clutch), the system waits for 10 seconds and switches the engine off with a mild shudder. A flashing light in the instrument console tells you the system is active. Step on the clutch and the engine fires up instantly for you to select first and go. This system works well and you won’t be delayed moving off from the traffic lights.

    The Bolero is also much improved from behind the wheel. The controls in general function in a more direct manner, the rack and pinion steering, first seen in late 2002, is a massive improvement over the old steering system and this allows you to direct the massive Mahindra with surprising ease.

    The light wheel and decent feel mean you actually maneuver through traffic with surprising ease. The improved steering makes it easy to place this big vehicle where intended and straight-line stability is improved as well due to the longer wheelbase and the addition of an anti-roll bar on the rear suspension. The Bolero also handles with a greater amount of confidence.

    However, given its vintage, the Bolero’s road manners are much better than you would expect. On uneven surfaces, it’s less of a kangaroo than a Scorpio; the ride is quite level and absorbent over most surfaces with only sharp bumps kicking through to the cabin. There’s not much steering feel and the crisp handling typical of modern SUVs is just not there.

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments
    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now
    Search By Car Price
    Poll of the month

    Which brand showed the best India-bound two-wheelers at EICMA 2024?

    Hero (Xpulse 210, Xtreme 250, Karizma XMR 250, Vida Z)

     

    38.98%

    Royal Enfield (Classic 650 Twin, Bear 650, Flying Flea C6)

     

    28.76%

    KTM (390 Adventure R, 390 SMC R, 390 Enduro R)

     

    18.84%

    Aprilia (Tuono 457, Tuareg Rally)

     

    13.43%

    Total Votes : 998
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe