Latest spyshots of the 2016 Mahindra Bolero test mule, published on Motor Vikatan, reveal a portion of the dashboard.
Codenamed Mahindra U301, the interior of the prototype is still a long way from being production ready but you can notice a revised centre console with new audio system and a completely new steering wheel. The layout of the dashboard seems to be retained.
In order to take advantage of the India small car excise duty benefits, Mahindra is expected to offer a sub-4 metre version of the UV, seen in these photographs, in addition to longer versions. The shorter version would be powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine, like the engine on the Quanto, to comply with small car norms.
While the previous test mules carried the spare wheel on the tailgate, the latest prototype looses it, providing a better view of the tailgate. The rear windshield has become smaller than that of the current model and the rear overhang is considerably shorter.
Recently, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, stated that the company is working on three new platforms which will spawn several new products, refreshes and variants till 2025. The U301 is believed to be based on one of these three platforms.
The current Bolero has been a stupendous success for the company. It's the largest selling UV in India with annual volumes crossing the 100,000 mark, consecutively for the last three years (2011, 2012 and 2013, excluding pickup variants).
The introduction of the next generation model with a sub-4 metre variant can stretch the Bolero's price further downwards, expanding its operational field.
[Source: Motor.vikatan.com]
