India’s best selling MUV is all set for a much needed replacement this year. Mahindra’s new Bolero (code named internally as U301), has been caught testing in Thane by Motoroids follower Siddhant Kadam. The U301, like its rugged predecessor will sit on a conventional body-on-ladder framed chassis, which will be a shorter iteration of the new ladder-frame that underpins the new Scorpio – unlike the monocoque based S101/102 compact SUVs that are also due for launch sometime this year.
The design will be all-new, but keep the inherent boxiness intact along with the signature Mahindra toothy grille. Besides being shorter than 4 meters in length, most of the body will be flat paneled, both to keep costs in check.
The interiors of the 2015 Mahindra Bolero will be significantly upgraded, and within the completely redesigned dashboard, the U301 will feature a new XUV 500-like instrument cluster, an all-new three-spoke steering wheel, with top trims to reportedly sport steering-mounted controls, and a touchscreen infotainment system as well.
Under the hood, the next generation Bolero is expected to get the same three cylinder, 1.5 liter, turbocharged diesel engine that powers the Quanto. For the new Bolero though, this motor will be re-tuned to offer more torque and fuel efficiency. Also on offer could be a 1.6 liter petrol engine that will be developed in collaboration with SsangYong. It may come with an option of an automated manual transmission (AMT), or a 5-speed manual transmission, and will reportedly be available in 2WD guise only, at launch.