Mahindra Bolero SLX BS3

I have been using Bolero GLX for the last 12 years. Due to an operated spine, Its one amongst very few vehicles in which i feel comfortable. Over the last few years I have also turned claustrophobic and suffer from respiratory problems. It didn't let me down here either. Plenty of fresh air always ready to greet you with good view of the road, never ever gives you a 'sunk in' feeling whether you are driving or seated back, all this makes you extremely comfortable. Driving within 60 to 70 km speed range with judicious braking, you can get the best out of this member of your family. Ideal for Long distance journey. Its a car, its an SUV. It has been my greatest companion all these years. Greatest and enduring help came when I took her along during my 5 year stint with pilot training schools in Maharashtra and madhya pradesh. It carried everything of mine. right from a gas stove to a mop. It now helps me traverse through the rugged, stony river beds of Beas and Chakki Rivers of Punjab Himachal sometimes wading through gushing waters to reach my scattered farmlands. A once in 6 months thorough check up by your mechanic by sitting close-by (on a chair) to watch over the proceedings, is another delight for a farmer and off-roader. And believe you me; It cements your relationship, both with the mechanic and most importantly with your vehicle. And that in fact is the key to get the best out of your 'mechanical better half'. Suggestion for M and M: Same Body shape I repeat same body shape with extremely tough bumpers, with better chassis if possible, ABS, EBD, efficient hand-brake, lumbar support seats and audio controls on the steering wheel will definitely extend her dominance in the Indian market.

The outgoing Bolero was much more 'butch-styled' and looked rugged. I feel the M&M engineers picked a bit more inspiration from their own TUV than what should have been optimal. I really wish Mahindra added android auto, apple CarPlay and a rear camera (even if the image quality is crappy). I mean why include a touch screen and not use it? This car ticks a lot of boxes for me. I can live without the ACC or rear AC vents. However given how convenient android auto is, the lack of it is a glaring omission in my books.

Robust, abuse-friendly build & body-on-frame construction. A typical Mahindra UV in every way. Love it or hate it design Clean, simple and boxy. Tall seating, excellent visibility and narrow footprint make driving, a bit easier. Ample ground clearance is helpful in tackling rough roads. Bolero is reasonably cheap to maintain when compared to present-day BOF MUVs and SUVs. There is something about the body-line and proportions of this car that has had me give a 2nd look every time I see one on the road.

I for somehow like this product, and whether it got what it takes to don the Bolero badge, only time and ownership experiences would tell. Sure it won't win design contests in the looks department, but there's something about that boxy look that would make you detest and like it at the same time. It looks purpose built, kind of an indestructible and tough as nails vehicle ready to tackle rural country which is where it would spend much of it's time, I believe.

Rugged, diesel powered, clattery (in a good sense), unrefined, private vehicles will very soon be a thing of the past. What with the advent of eerly silent EVs and Mild hybrids, what will be missed is the certain "feel" and "fun factor" driving torquey, rugged and clattery (I call that diesel roar) diesels. Not that I am against EVs, but there is a certain place in my heart for the roar of the engine and the ruggedness which the new generation will miss.