Mahindra Bolero Neo

The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo is powered by a single engine option:

• 1.5-litre mHawk100 Diesel: This three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine produces 100 bhp of power at 3750 rpm and 260 Nm of torque between 1750-2250 rpm. It is mated exclusively to a 5-speed manual transmission.

This engine is known for its torquey nature, which is beneficial for low-speed drivability and tackling inclines or rough terrain. While it provides adequate performance for city commuting and highway cruising, it can feel strained at higher speeds, and the refinement levels are not on par with more modern diesel engines. The 5-speed manual gearbox is reasonably smooth to operate. The Bolero Neo features a rear-wheel-drive layout and, on the top N10(O) variant, includes Multi-Terrain Technology (MTT) with a mechanically locking differential (MLD), which enhances its capability in challenging low-traction conditions. The ARAI-certified mileage is 17.29 kmpl, which is decent for an SUV of this type.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo, with its body-on-frame construction and multi-link coil spring rear suspension, offers a ride quality that is geared towards tackling rough roads and uneven surfaces. At lower speeds, the ride can feel a bit firm, and bumps are noticeable, particularly in the rear. However, as speed increases, the ride tends to settle down.

Handling is predictable but not particularly agile. The steering is a power-assisted unit and feels relatively light at low speeds. Due to its tall stance and body-on-frame chassis, there is noticeable body roll when cornering. The Bolero Neo is best driven in a relaxed manner and is not designed for spirited driving. Its strength lies in its ability to handle broken roads and mild off-road conditions with relative ease, thanks to its robust construction and rear-wheel drive.

The interior of the 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo offers a functional and relatively spacious cabin, designed with practicality in mind. The layout is straightforward, featuring a dual-tone theme (likely black and beige) that aims to enhance the sense of space. Higher variants come equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 3.5-inch digital display within the instrument cluster.

The seating configuration is 7-seater, with a traditional 5-seater layout in the first two rows and two jump seats in the rear. The front and second-row seats offer decent comfort, though the jump seats in the third row are best suited for children or for very short distances. Interior features include manual air conditioning, power windows, central locking, keyless entry, and cruise control on higher variants. Storage spaces are adequate for a vehicle in this class. The boot space is 384 litres with the third row folded, which is reasonable. While the interior is more modern than the original Bolero, some plastic quality and finishes might feel basic compared to monocoque rivals in the same price bracket.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo, available on higher variants, is a 7-inch touchscreen unit. It includes basic functionalities such as Bluetooth connectivity, USB playback, and a radio. It does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which is a notable omission compared to many contemporary vehicles, even in lower segments.

The system is paired with a 4-speaker audio system (with 2 tweeters on some variants). While the touchscreen adds a touch of modernity to the cabin, its interface and features are relatively basic. The 3.5-inch digital display in the instrument cluster provides essential information like trip meter, fuel efficiency, and other tell-tale warnings.

The exterior design of the 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo retains the boxy and upright stance characteristic of the Bolero family, emphasizing its rugged and go-anywhere appeal. It features a bold front fascia with the signature Mahindra grille, flanked by static bending headlamps with LED DRLs. The front bumper is revised, and the fog lamps are repositioned in the updated model.

From the side, the design is straightforward and functional, with prominent wheel arches and side cladding. It rides on 15-inch alloy wheels (on higher variants) shod with thick rubber, reinforcing its tough image. The rear features the tailgate-mounted spare wheel, a Bolero trademark, and updated taillamps. The overall design is more refined than the classic Bolero but still clearly signals its utilitarian roots. Dimensions are 3995 mm in length, 1795 mm in width, and 1817 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2680 mm. The ground clearance is 160 mm, which is decent for tackling uneven surfaces.

Safety is a significant concern for the Mahindra Bolero Neo, as highlighted by its Global NCAP crash test rating. Under the older Global NCAP protocols, the Bolero Neo received a 1-star safety rating for both adult occupant protection (20.26 out of 34 points) and child occupant protection (12.71 out of 49 points). This rating is considerably lower than many of its competitors and indicates a basic level of safety performance in crash scenarios.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. Higher variants add ISOFIX child seat anchorages and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). However, the lack of more airbags (like side or curtain airbags), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), and the unstable structure in crash tests are major drawbacks. The absence of seatbelts for the third-row jump seats further compromises passenger safety.

The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo operates in a unique space in the Indian market. While it is a sub-four-meter SUV, its body-on-frame construction and 7-seater configuration set it apart from typical monocoque compact SUVs. Its primary competitors are other vehicles that offer a rugged build or 7-seater capacity in a similar price range, although direct rivals with the exact same combination are limited.

Key competitors include the Mahindra Bolero (classic), and to some extent, 7-seater options like the Maruti Suzuki Eeco (more van-like) or even entry-level variants of larger SUVs or MUVs. In terms of price, it competes with higher variants of sub-four-meter SUVs like the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet, although these are primarily 5-seater monocoque vehicles with different strengths. The Bolero Neo's appeal lies in its durability, 7-seater capacity within a compact footprint, and rear-wheel drive with optional MLD for enhanced traction.

The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo continues to cater to a specific segment of the Indian market that values ruggedness, utility, and the ability to traverse challenging road conditions. Its body-on-frame construction, rear-wheel-drive layout, and 7-seater configuration provide a practical solution for larger families or those in semi-urban and rural areas where durability is a key concern. The torquey diesel engine is well-suited for its intended purpose.

However, the Bolero Neo has significant drawbacks, most notably its 1-star Global NCAP safety rating for both adult and child occupants, which is a major concern in an era of increasing safety awareness. The interior, while functional, lacks the refinement and features found in many modern competitors, and the infotainment system is basic. The ride can be bumpy at low speeds, and handling is not its strong suit. Despite these limitations, for buyers who prioritize a tough, reliable, and relatively compact 7-seater vehicle that can handle rough usage, and for whom advanced safety features and modern amenities are secondary, the 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo remains a relevant option.