Revamped Design and Appeal
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo, a rebranded TUV300, continues to shine as a compact, ladder-frame SUV tailored for Indian roads. Its rugged look features a bold grille with chrome slats, halogen headlights with DRLs (N10(O) variant), and a spare wheel on the tailgate, giving it a true SUV stance, per CarWale. Available in six colors—Napoli Black, Majestic Silver, Highway Red, Pearl White, Diamond White, and Rocky Beige—it appeals to rural and urban buyers, unlike the Tata Nano EV’s city-focused electric design. At 3,995mm long, 1,795mm wide, and 1,817mm tall with a 2,680mm wheelbase, it’s nimble yet spacious, per V3Cars.
Performance and Efficiency
The Bolero Neo is powered by a 1.5L mHawk 100 diesel engine (100 bhp, 260 Nm), paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, per CarDekho. The N10(O) variant includes a mechanical locking differential for better traction on slippery surfaces. It offers an ARAI-claimed mileage of 17.29 kmpl, with real-world figures around 15-17 kmpl, costing ~₹4-5/km at ₹80/L diesel, less efficient than the Nano EV’s ~₹1-1.5/km electric cost, per Cars24. The engine’s strong low-end torque suits rough roads, but cabin noise and gear vibrations at idle are noted drawbacks, per AutoCar India.
Interior and Features
The 7-seater cabin (5+2 layout) offers a 384L boot and a dual-tone beige-black theme, per ZigWheels. The N10(O) variant features a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth (no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), cruise control, keyless entry, and a height-adjustable driver seat. Safety includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and a rearview camera, but its 1-star Global NCAP rating (side-facing third-row seats) raises concerns, per V3Cars. The Nano EV’s modern touchscreen and airbags offer better tech, but the Neo’s spacious interior suits families, per Times Drive.
Price and Variants
Priced from ₹9.95 lakh to ₹12.15 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), on-road prices range from ~₹11.44-14.49 lakh, per CarDekho. Variants include N4, N8, N10, and N10(O). EMIs for a ₹10 lakh loan (₹1 lakh down, 9.8% interest, 5 years) start at ~₹22,695/month, per CarDekho. The Nano EV’s ₹4.75-7 lakh price is lower, but its 2025 launch is unconfirmed, per Cars24. Discounts up to ₹73,000 (MY2024) are available, per CarWale.
Specifications
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L diesel, 3-cylinder |
| Power/Torque | 100 bhp @ 3750 rpm, 260 Nm @ 1750-2250 rpm |
| Mileage | 17.29 kmpl (ARAI), ~15-17 kmpl real-world |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, RWD |
| Price | ₹9.95-12.15 lakh (ex-showroom) |
- Features: 7-inch touchscreen (N10(O)), dual airbags, ABS, cruise control
- Dimensions: 3,995mm (L), 1,795mm (W), 1,817mm (H), 180mm ground clearance
- Seating: 7 (5+2 layout)
- Boot Space: 384L
Final Take
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo, at ₹9.95-12.15 lakh, offers rugged durability, decent mileage, and family-friendly space, ideal for rough terrains. It lacks the Tata Nano EV’s electric efficiency and modern tech but excels in affordability and off-road capability. Book a test drive at Mahindra’s official site or visit dealers for offers