Spied - 2016 Mahindra Bolero caught on test

Mahindra has started work on a replacement for the Bolero. The next generation of the 'best selling SUV in India', would launch sometime in 2016.

While previous spyshots showed the sides and rear of the car, these images show us what the front could look like. Though the test mule is camouflaged, the vertical grille seems inspired by the XUV500 and Scorpio. Towards the rear, the prototype wears the Scorpio's taillights and an external spare wheel, which is similar to the Bolero sold today.

Codenamed U301, the new Bolero is reported to use a hydroformed ladder frame chassis. Mahindra would explore the possibility of having two variants of the SUV - one measuring sub-4 meters in length and the other longer than that. The sub-4 meter variant could source power from the three-cylinder 1.5-liter diesel engine seen on the Quanto.

The Bolero is up there with the Alto or Santro, for brand recognition in India. Despite being over 14 years old, sales of the SUV have increased with its age as the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 saw Mahindra sell over 100,000 units/annum.

Apart from the new Bolero, Mahindra is also working on the S101 compact SUV, a facelift for the Scorpio and an all-new Scorpio.

[Images from Motor Beam]