Essentially a 9-seater version of the Bolero Neo, the Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus launched in November 2024. While it directly competes with the Force Citiline, the Bolero Neo Plus also takes on the likes of the Force Gurkha 5-door. Based on our comprehensive review of this Mahindra SUV, here are some salient takeaways that will help you decide whether you should buy the Bolero Neo Plus or not.
Rugged suspension setup
Takes even the worst road conditions in its stride.
Backing the body-on-frame construction of the Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus is a suspension system that can handle everything from broken roads to unpaved trails. There is a double-wishbone setup with coil springs up front and a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs and a stabiliser bar. Compared to similarly priced monocoque SUVs, the suspension of the Bolero Neo Plus feels almost unbreakable and gives you the confidence to plough through even when the tarmac ends.
Remarkable diesel tractability
Drivers will appreciate this oil-burner’s torque delivery.
The ‘mHawk’ 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, nestled under the bonnet of the Bolero Neo Plus, has been lifted from the Scorpio Classic, but it has been detuned to produce 120hp and 280Nm. This four-cylinder mill makes forward progress feel effortless, and getting off the line is easy, with a lug of torque being served up at around 1,500rpm.
Once past 1,800rpm (and up to 2,800rpm), there is enough shove to make overtaking hassle-free, even in higher gears. Driving the Bolero Neo Plus in slow-moving traffic should not be a bother either, with the torque available at below 1,500rpm still being enough to get a move on without stalling the engine. Also, with a 20-80kph roll-on time of 8.07 seconds in third gear, the Bolero Neo Plus is almost as quick as the more powerful Scorpio N.
Underwhelming refinement
The diesel mill makes its presence felt in the cabin.
One of the major cons of the Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus is its overall lack of refinement, specifically in terms of engine refinement and cabin NVH levels. The utilitarian nature of this diesel engine, plus poor sound insulation, means that the occupants will hear this engine clatter at lower RPMs, with the coarseness and overall noise levels escalating as the revs rise. Similarly, the 6-speed manual gearbox feels notchy when compared to more modern SUVs.
Hard-wired agrarian nature
Sophistication is not the Bolero Neo Plus’s forte.
The Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus feels utilitarian when compared to modern SUVs, both body-on-frame and monocoque examples. This feeling becomes apparent due to the hard-wearing and plasticky interior, lack of modern-day creature comforts and tech and side-facing third-row seats that do not even come with seatbelts.
Out on the road, the Bolero Neo Plus’s high centre of gravity leads to prominent body-roll around corners, while road undulations upset the SUV’s poise as vertical movements become evident. Where most modern cars now get six airbags as standard, the Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus only comes with dual front airbags, even in the top trim.
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