bichel
01-10-2009, 04:58 AM
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has a very interesting idea here with this FuelSmart technology. The Bolero Micro Hybrid doesn't have batteries and an electric motor to back up the diesel engine like a conventional hybrict. Instead, it uses an engine start-stop system. It's a simple, cost-effective system and M&M claims a five percent improvement in fuel efficiency. We wonder why it hasn't been tried before.
Pull up to a stop light, shift to neutral and get off the clutch. The engine switches itself off in 10 seconds. It restarts automatically when you push the clutch. You don't need to be Einstein to figure out that every second that the engine is off saves fuel and pollutes less. Of course, the heavier the traffic and the more start-stop the conditions, the greater the advantages.
The Micro Hybrid drives like a regular Bolero. With just 63bhp, performance is adequate. The engine performs best when you don't ask too much of it. Shift up through the gears early, and it will reward you with reasonable performance. There's no point revving it hard, because once you get past 3000rpm, there's not much power left.
The steering is vague, the ride is acceptable more level and settled than the Scorpio and there is a fair bit of noise from the direct injection turbo-diesel in the cabin. So far, so Bolero. Until you get to the next stop light or traffic jam.
610
Repeat the procedure of the previous paragraph and the engine shuts down with a shudder. A light in the instrument cluster tells you that the stop-start system is active. Wait for the green light and press the clutch. The engine starts with a shudder and you are off again.
You have to let go of the clutch for the system to work. If you don't, the engine won't shut down. This is a good feature it gives you control over the operation. Imagine if the engine shut down and started every time you had to come to a five-second halt. That wouldn't be good.
However, when the engine cuts off, the AC compressor also switches off. So, if you happen to be stuck at a traffic light for long, things can get rather stuffy on hot day.
Not really. The plastic quality still leaves a lot to be desired, the switches feel flimsy and the cheap-looking door handles and centre console really don't appeal to your senses. The front seats are flat and unsupportive and there's little thigh support. The rear seats feel the same; the Sumo Grande feels better inside.
However, it's not all bad. The air-con knobs are big and easy to use, the stereo is mounted high in the centre console and the visibility from the driver's seat is really good. Wish it had internally adjustable mirrors.and a little more legroom in the rear though. They would have really enhanced the Bolero's appeal.
Pull up to a stop light, shift to neutral and get off the clutch. The engine switches itself off in 10 seconds. It restarts automatically when you push the clutch. You don't need to be Einstein to figure out that every second that the engine is off saves fuel and pollutes less. Of course, the heavier the traffic and the more start-stop the conditions, the greater the advantages.
The Micro Hybrid drives like a regular Bolero. With just 63bhp, performance is adequate. The engine performs best when you don't ask too much of it. Shift up through the gears early, and it will reward you with reasonable performance. There's no point revving it hard, because once you get past 3000rpm, there's not much power left.
The steering is vague, the ride is acceptable more level and settled than the Scorpio and there is a fair bit of noise from the direct injection turbo-diesel in the cabin. So far, so Bolero. Until you get to the next stop light or traffic jam.
610
Repeat the procedure of the previous paragraph and the engine shuts down with a shudder. A light in the instrument cluster tells you that the stop-start system is active. Wait for the green light and press the clutch. The engine starts with a shudder and you are off again.
You have to let go of the clutch for the system to work. If you don't, the engine won't shut down. This is a good feature it gives you control over the operation. Imagine if the engine shut down and started every time you had to come to a five-second halt. That wouldn't be good.
However, when the engine cuts off, the AC compressor also switches off. So, if you happen to be stuck at a traffic light for long, things can get rather stuffy on hot day.
Not really. The plastic quality still leaves a lot to be desired, the switches feel flimsy and the cheap-looking door handles and centre console really don't appeal to your senses. The front seats are flat and unsupportive and there's little thigh support. The rear seats feel the same; the Sumo Grande feels better inside.
However, it's not all bad. The air-con knobs are big and easy to use, the stereo is mounted high in the centre console and the visibility from the driver's seat is really good. Wish it had internally adjustable mirrors.and a little more legroom in the rear though. They would have really enhanced the Bolero's appeal.