Mahindra has been testing the all-new Bolero in Germany to put the upcoming compact SUV under different weather conditions. The sub 4-metre Bolero sports an improved chassis, while the engine options will include new 3-cylinder diesel and petrol units.
The next generation Mahindra Bolero was caught testing in Germany earlier this week with heavy and quirky camouflage surrounding the car. Developed at the company’s R&D centre in Chennai, Mahindra has been extensively testing the Bolero in the country and it now seems the test mules have extended to go through versatile terrains and weather conditions globally. Codenamed U301, the new Bolero has been reduced in size to comply with sub 4-metre norms and will get new petrol and diesel engines, apart from new styling.
The new sub 4-metre Mahindra Bolero will most likely be sold alongside the full blown version once it hits the market in 2015. Keeping the same utilitarian design with rugged styling, the new Bolero is expected to get a far better fit and finish, along with improvements to the ladder frame chassis. The new Bolero will also get the option of a new 1.5-litre 3-cylinder diesel engine along with a 1.2-litre petrol motor that is being developed in collaboration with SsangYong. Both the motors will also power other compact SUVs set to be launched by the company next year.
Mahindra’s aggressive testing only goes out to show the company’s plan to launch the product in other global markets as well. There could be a possibility of the company introducing the utilitarian SUV in other global markets including Latin America, Australia and certain parts of Africa and Europe, where the company already has presence. Receiving a significant exemption from excise duty, Mahindra will be able to price the new Bolero more aggressively which will compete against the Tata Movus, Tata Sumo, Chevrolet Tavera and the likes in the segment.
Source – Motoring.com.au
