Mahindra And Mahindras Muv Bolero Unveiled

The Bolero will be the first Mahindra vehicle aimed squarely at the urban MUV market from the design board. This vehicle is the first-ever Mahindra product to feature an independent front suspension (as against leaf spring suspension) which should endow it with almost car-like ride and handling characteristics.

"Many a critic would argue that the Bolero looks have a lot in common with that of the Jeep Cherokee. We have been building jeeps for many years now and our home-grown designers have done a good job in interpreting the jeep theme in their own way," Anand Mahindra, managing director, Mahindra and Mahindra told ===Business Standard. Alan Durante, executive director (Automotive division) added that the Mahindra Bolero was designed to address the need of the Indian urbanite who appreciates better NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) characteristics out of his multi-utility vehicle.

 

This model has been priced at a competitive Rs 4,98,503, including sales tax and octroi in Mumbai, cheaper than competitors Tata Sumo (deluxe), Toyota Qualis and Tata Safari.

M&M is targetting a 25 per cent market share of the urban MUV market. Initial production is likely to remain at about 800 units a month, to be raised to about 1,000 a month shortly. About 160 vehicles have already been sent to various Mahindra showrooms for test drives.

The Bolero GLX (2WD) will feature many goodies as standard fixtures, including power windows, power steering, central locking and Kenwood stereo. The seats have been designed by Lear Corporation.

The four-wheel drive option can be ordered for another Rs 44,000, but will not have independent front suspension for the time being. A premium version, that can be made to order, has other options including a Visteon rear entertainment system with a digital video disc (DVD) player and a Global Satellite Positioning System. The latter is available only for Delhi and Mumbai, at the moment.

The Bolero also debuts the new Mahindra Corporate logo. The oval logo will represent the changing face of Mahindra, its focus on the demands of customers and will feature on all vehicles introduced henceforth.