Fuel efficiency is usually one of the most important factors for many people when buying a car. A car that gives good mileage helps save money in the long run. Mahindra Bolero is a popular SUV in India, known for its rugged design, reliability, and strong performance. Because of its durability, many people use it for personal and commercial purposes.
The Bolero comes in three different variants: B4, B6, and B6 OPT. In this article, we will compare the fuel efficiency of these three variants in a simple way so that anyone can understand.
Understanding the Engine and Fuel Efficiency
The Bolero comes in three models – B4, B6, and B6 OPT. All three use the same 1.5-liter diesel engine. This engine is designed to provide good power and fuel efficiency.
The key engine features are:
- Maximum Power:9 kilowatts at 3600 rotations per minute
- Maximum Torque: 210 Newton meters between 1600-2200 rotations per minute
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
Since all models share the same engine and weight, their fuel economy is quite similar. In standardised testing, the Bolero gets around 16 kilometres per litre. However, in real-world driving, the mileage is usually between 13 to 16 kilometres per litre due to factors like road conditions, driving style, etc.
Factors That Impact Real-World Fuel Efficiency of Bolero
The Bolero’s advertised fuel efficiency figure is 16 kilometres per litre. However, the actual mileage you get may be different based on driving style, road conditions, vehicle load, and maintenance.
1. Driving Style
Accelerating slowly and maintaining a steady speed helps improve mileage. Aggressive acceleration and braking will cause more fuel to be burned, reducing efficiency.
2. Road Conditions
Highway driving usually gives better mileage because you can drive at a constant speed without stopping often. Driving in cities with heavy traffic means more braking, idling, and acceleration, which lowers fuel efficiency.
3. Vehicle Load
Carrying more passengers or heavy cargo makes the engine work harder, increasing fuel consumption. Travelling with fewer passengers or less cargo weight allows better mileage.
4. Tyre Pressure and Maintenance
Properly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance between the road and the wheels, improving mileage. Regular maintenance like tune-ups, air filter changes, and engine oil changes help keep the engine running efficiently.
Which Bolero Variant is Best for Fuel Efficiency?
The Mahindra Bolero comes in three variants – B4, B6 and B6 OPT. When it comes to fuel efficiency, all three variants deliver around 16 kilometres per litre. So, if getting good mileage is your main priority, any of these options would be suitable.
The B4 is the most affordable variant with basic features. Additionally, the B6 model comes with some additional comfort and convenience, such as power windows or an improved audio system. It has better features than the B4, but the mileage is still 16 km/litre—the same as the base variant.
Finally, the B6 OPT is the top-end variant with maximum features and accessories. However, its fuel efficiency remains similar to that of the lower B4 and B6 models at approximately 16 km per litre.
So, all three variants return the same mileage. The decision comes down to your budget and desire for more features, not fuel economy. The features increase from B4 to B6 to B6 OPT, but fuel efficiency stays constant.
How to Improve Fuel Efficiency in a Bolero?
If you have a Mahindra Bolero B4, B6, or B6 OPT model, there are some easy things you can do to improve fuel efficiency. This applies to all variants, as they have the same engine and mileage capacity.
- First, try to drive at a steady, constant speed. Avoid sudden starts, stops, and high acceleration, which use more fuel. Changing gears smoothly and at the right engine speeds can also help save on fuel.
- Additionally, make sure to check and maintain the proper air pressure in all tyres regularly. Incorrect tyre pressure causes more rolling resistance, which reduces mileage.
- Also, limit any unnecessary idling of your Bolero’s engine. If you stop for more than 60-90 seconds, it’s better to turn off the engine completely until you need to start driving again. This prevents fuel waste at idle.
- Reduce any extra weight in the vehicle. Remove or avoid carrying unnecessary cargo or luggage, which makes the engine work harder and lowers mileage.
- Importantly, make sure to service your Bolero at the recommended intervals. This includes changing the engine oil and inspecting and replacing air and fuel filters when required. Well-maintained injectors and a clean air intake system can optimise the engine’s efficiency.
By following these basic steps of – driving at a uniform, moderate pace, changing gears properly, inflating tyres, minimising idling, removing excess load, and regular servicing – owners can maximise the fuel economy of their Bolero B4, B6 or B6 OPT. Good driving habits and vehicle maintenance lead to better mileage.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Bolero is a well-built, fuel-efficient, and reliable SUV. All three variants—B4, B6, and B6 OPT—share the same engine, fuel capacity, weight, and dimensions, meaning their real-world mileage is quite similar, with only minor differences due to braking systems and additional features. The B4 variant is typically the best for those prioritising fuel efficiency due to its drum brakes. The B6 variant offers a balance between mileage and additional features. In contrast, the B6 OPT variant prioritises safety and comfort at the cost of a slightly lower mileage due to its disc brakes.
Although the ARAI-rated mileage is around 16 kmpl, real-world mileage depends on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. For buyers looking for maximum fuel efficiency, the Bolero B4 is the best choice. At the same time, those seeking comfort and safety may prefer the B6 or B6 OPT variants despite the small difference in mileage.
