Maxi on practical value, mini on price
I have just driven the Bolero Maxitruck Plus and referring to it as a truck may be a little confusing. However, when one inspects its ladder frame and all the attachment points on the chassis, you will realise that perhaps one should accept the truck referral because this suspension has clearly been designed and built to last a long time.
In America and elsewhere owners refer to their bakkies as trucks. But then, compared to our bakkies, theirs are trucks. Turn the tables though and our trucks will dwarf their trucks/bakkies. So, depending on where you are and what one is referring too, one has to be careful when you talk about your mechanical workhorse.
I have just driven the Bolero Maxitruck Plus and referring to it as a truck may be a little confusing. However, when one inspects its ladder frame and all the attachment points on the chassis, you will realise that perhaps one should accept the truck referral because this suspension has clearly been designed and built to last a long time. And considering the fact that Bolero is one of the biggest sellers in India (and we have all seen enough TV footage to realise that the roads in India are not for sissies) – one has to volunteer some respect towards this vehicle even before you have driven it. This is one tough – slow, but tough bakkie – aka truck!
It will never ever win any prizes for beauty – not even close – the front end looks a little like a bulldog that has taken too many on the chin and the large modern headlight clusters do look somewhat out of place in this old-style square front end, but let me tell you – kick that bumper and it will bite you – it is solid metal. I will certainly not appreciate any Bolero running into my Figo’s rear end. Be that as it may though, I love simplicity and the Bolero offers plenty of that.
If you are large in stature, the inside of the cabin will probably offer some challenges as the seats are quite upright and the control peddles (brake, clutch and accelerator) are quite forward – towards the driver – so it does take some getting used to initially. The interior design – yes design – is one of those no-mess-no-fuss applications – sparse and practical and the rest of the vehicle will most certainly outlast the plastic fittings but hey, this truck is not about cosmetics – this is a serious workhorse cum business/transport vehicle and considering the price and what you get included, many business owners will take two to start with.
The Maxi combines a large load box with an economical torque-focussed turbo diesel. It is comes kitted with a 2,0-litre m2DICR TA/TB Turbodiesel – no it is not some newly identified medical disease but a mouthful it certainly is. The engine produces 46kW@3200r/min and 195Nm@1400-2200r/min and, what I enjoyed most, is that it sounds like a real, robust and absolute diesel.
Once one has adjusted the seat – considering that there is not much to adjust – and you hit the road you will realise and, very importantly, accept that this is a workhorse you settle into a groove of acceptance in which patience plays a large role and simply runs through the gears and hit fifth by the time you reach 50km/h. Relax and just smile at all those hurried drivers that zip along at great speed. No, it sounds as if the Maxi is as slow as a tortoise – not really, but you get the picture.
With its independent torsion bar/stabilizer bar and hydraulic shock absorbers, and leaf springs in the rear, the Maxi is certainly not the most comfortable. Some weight in the load box will soften it somewhat though. I must add though that I was quite impressed with the Maxi’s smooth gearbox, and yes, it was quite refreshing to just allow the diesel to do what diesels do best – idle along – and enjoy.
Conclusion
Appreciate the Maxi for what it is – no mess no fuss – and it will not disappoint – and all of this for less than R150 000 – it must be the maxi deal of 2015?
