The Mahindra Bolero, known for its ruggedness and popularity especially in semi-urban and rural markets, has undergone crash testing by Global NCAP as part of the "Safer Cars for India" campaign. With the results expected to be released this week, there is considerable anticipation about how this model has performed, given its critical role in Mahindra's lineup and its widespread use across varied Indian terrains.
Global NCAP has been instrumental in promoting vehicle safety through its independent crash tests, which have significantly influenced both consumer preferences and manufacturers' approaches to safety. The Bolero, with its no-frills, sturdy design tailored for tough conditions, faces its own set of challenges in meeting the increasingly stringent safety standards set by such assessments.
Crash Test Insights
According to sources, the Bolero has received a "very poor" safety rating in the latest tests conducted by Global NCAP. While the exact star rating will be disclosed later this week, initial reports suggest challenges primarily due to the lack of adequate safety features in the third row, where the Bolero traditionally offers side-facing jump seats without headrests or seat belts.
Comparison with Previous Models
This situation mirrors the outcomes faced by older versions of another Mahindra model, the Scorpio, which received a zero-star rating and was criticized for its unstable vehicle structure. It will be intriguing to see the detailed results for the Bolero, especially in terms of its structural integrity and the effectiveness of its safety features.
Vehicle Specifications and Safety Features
The Bolero is equipped with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 75 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission and is available in a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The vehicle's traditional build, based on a ladder-frame chassis, is aimed at providing durability rather than cutting-edge safety technologies, which might impact its performance in such safety tests.
Implications for Mahindra
As Mahindra continues to modernize its fleet with newer models like the Marazzo, Thar, Scorpio N, XUV300, and XUV700 — all of which have scored four stars or higher in Global NCAP tests — the Bolero's results could prompt a rethink in terms of its design and safety features, especially as consumer awareness and expectations around vehicle safety continue to grow.
The upcoming release of the Global NCAP results will provide a clearer picture of where the Bolero stands in terms of safety and what Mahindra might need to do to align this enduring model with modern safety standards.