The Indian SUV market has long been a playground for utilitarian machines, and Mahindra’s latest move reinforces that tradition. The third-generation Mahindra Bolero, originally launched in 2000 and refreshed in 2011, received a fresh facelift in 2025. Building on that platform, the company now offers a Bold Edition – essentially an accessory bundle that dresses the vehicle in bronze-tinted trim while slipping in a few contemporary conveniences.
Visually, the Bold Edition distinguishes itself with bronze-coloured inserts on the front bumper intake, grille, fog-light garnish, side cladding, mirror caps and roof rails. The package also brings a set of five double-spoke alloy wheels that echo the bronze theme. Inside, the cabin adopts black leatherette seats highlighted with matching bronze piping, and floor-mat accents continue the motif. Most importantly for everyday usability, a rear-view camera is now integrated into the infotainment screen, a feature absent from previous Bolero generations.
Powertrain and chassis – pure, uncomplicated muscle
Under the rugged exterior, the Bold Edition retains the proven 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel unit first introduced on the older model. This engine delivers 76 hp (equivalent to 57 kW or 77 PS) and a torque figure of 210 Nm (155 lb-ft). Power reaches the road solely through a rear-wheel-drive configuration coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox, underscoring the vehicle’s no-frills character.
The ladder-frame chassis, a hallmark of off-road durability, pairs with a suspension tuned for rough terrain rather than plush comfort. The 2025 facelift updated the exterior dimensions to a length of 3,995 mm (157.3 inches) while preserving the iconic “brick-on-wheels” silhouette. Inside, a new 9-inch infotainment system offers Bluetooth connectivity and a USB-C charging port, bringing a touch of modernity to an otherwise rugged package.
Pricing, market positioning and real-world suitability
Mahindra advertises the standard Bolero in a price band of ₹8.57 lakh to ₹9.99 lakh (approximately US$9,000-$10,500), depending on trim level. The Bold Edition is sold as an accessory kit through authorised dealers; its exact cost has not been disclosed, but it sits well below the base price of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which starts at ₹2.55 crore (about US$270,000) – roughly 27 times more expensive.
Customer feedback highlights the vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses. For drivers who frequently navigate villages, unpaved roads or farmyards, the Bolero’s simple mechanical layout, cheap parts and widespread service network make it an ideal workhorse. Its high ground clearance and robust ladder-frame excel on hilly terrain such as the Uttarakhand hills, and the diesel engine copes comfortably with occasional 200-250 kg payloads.
Conversely, the same reviewers caution against using the Bolero as a primary city commuter. The cabin is described as basic and noisy, the ride is bouncy, and steering feels heavy in traffic. The vehicle lacks an automatic transmission and offers only modest safety equipment compared with newer rivals. Those with back problems may find the seats insufficiently supportive; a Citroën Aircross X is suggested as a more comfortable alternative for urban and highway use.
For buyers whose driving split includes a significant highway component (around 55 %) but also demands rugged rural capability (about 30 %) and occasional heavy loads, the Bolero remains a pragmatic choice within a ₹10-12 lakh budget. While not as refined as Mahindra’s XUV 3XO diesel, it outperforms many competitors in durability and load-bearing capacity.
