Mahindra Gusto Review: A Practical 110cc Scooter

The pros: Unique styling loaded with all basic features, adjustable seat , easily accessible, smooth engine operations and nice suspension system.

The cons: Should have equipped up with alloy wheels and disc brakes.

The crux: Gusto is a family scooter which rides and looks well. Suitable for both sexes. It also offers good fuel economy.

Rating

The 110cc scooter segment in India has the fastest growth rate of 27 per cent, which is the reason that every manufacturer wants to give its best shot to the segment. Therefore, after Centuro, Mahindra Two-Wheelers decided to launch its next vehicle in the very segment to cash its high popularity. So, when Mahindra started to design this scooter, they had a pretty clear vision to make a reliable, efficient and practical scooter for Indian families.



When Mahindra unveiled the scooter to us, it was pretty evident that designers at Mahindra have given proper attention to each and every detail. On the other hand, a wide research among Indian buyers helped Mahindra to understand the unattended needs of the scooter users, which helped them to invent some first-in-class features. We also got a chance ride the scooter and here is our first impression:


Styling:



Mahindra has designed the Gusto from scratch and it doesn't resemble any scooter in the market. Not a single detail has been inspired from other Mahindra scooters that make it unique and fresh. The Gusto has been designed with muscular and bold lines, which gives it a sportier appeal. The front apron consist integrated indicators in black housing and silver fins. With a sharp headlamp, LED pilot lamps and bikini fairing, the front profile has been kept attractive to attract masses towards it. But it is the side profile, which appeals the most, with 12-inch wheels, sharp and big side panels and sportier muffler make it look quite well. The wing shaped side panel has metallic Gusto badge and Mahindra logo, giving it a premium feel. To set it apart from crowd, Mahindra gave it a quite different rear with an oval rear light, which houses turn indicators, LED tail light and reflectors with a 3D Mahindra moniker in middle.



Overall we liked the Gusto, and have to praise Mahindra for this nicely styled product, it has an universal appeal and will surely target most of scooter buyers.

Switchgear and Ergonomics:



Mahindra Gusto comes with regular switch gear and an analog dashboard comprising of a speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge and other tell tale lights. Mahindra has tried to make this scooter practical for commuters and there are some nice innovations, which make it more practical than the competitors.

Mahindra Gusto is the first scooter to get seat height adjust, yes this scooter allows you to adjust the seat height from 770mm to 735mm. This feature makes it quiet easier to be used by different members of the family. Apart from this it comes with a small quick storage compartment attached with the dashboard in which you can put your mobile phone, wallet etc. Apart from this, it comes with a seat click mechanism, which doesn’t let the seat fall when you are putting luggage in the under seat storage. The storage is adequate and you can put an open face helmet. There are two hooks provided to attach bags, one is on the front and one below the seat.



The seat is wide and well cushioned and the scooter comes with a large aluminum grab rail, which provides a better grip. The ride position is quite ergonomical and even the long rider will find it comfortable on long daily commutes. However, a remote fuel lid opener would make it easier to get refilled. Overall, it is a very practical scooter and it will be the USP as well.

Engine & Performance:



Mahindra has developed a new all aluminum 109.6cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled engine for the Gusto and named it M-TEC. It develops maximum power output of 8bhp and a peak torque of 8.5Nm. Ignite the scooter and you will find that the scooter idles quite smoothly, flick your wrist and it goes well from the word go. The scooter has linear power delivery, which means you have to put no effort to reach 60, 70 or even 80kmph. This motor loves to be revved and I achieved a top-speed of 90kmph that too with a pillion. It gets more refined as you accelerate and you will find it a joy to ride scooter. I was trying to find niggles but in our short ride, I didn’t find any. However, as we were riding it on wide open roads of Rajasthan, we didn’t get a chance to ride it performance in stop and go traffic, but as it was performing well at lower speeds as well, we are quite sure it will be a stress free scooter in traffic as well.



Mahindra claims an ARAI approved fuel efficiency of 63.2kmpl. However, we didn’t get a chance to check its mileage, but the claimed figure is better than most of the competitors.

Ride and Handling:



Mahindra Gusto rides quite well and ride and handling is better than most of the 110cc scooters. It comes with front telescopic and rear spring loaded hydraulic suspension. The suspension setup is quite balanced, which allows it to absorb pot holes and bumps with ease. With firm suspension and a wheelbase of 1275mm the scooter is also quite stable on high speeds. It rides on 12-inch steels wheels with 90 section MRF Zappers, which also add to the ride quality. We rode this scooter on sand and gravel, muddy village roads and found that this scooter will do well on Indian roads both urban and semi urban.



The Gusto has been bolted on a tubular underbone chassis, which makes it rigid. It has 130mm drum brakes at both front and rear and braking capabilities are adequate. Overall, we liked the way Gusto rides, however the straight roads doesn't allow us to check its cornering capabilities.

Verdict:



Mahindra has done an excellent job with the Gusto and come up with a scooter, which rides and looks well, has features that make commuting easy and a good fuel economy. With all that it has a seat height adjust, which makes this scooter easy to be used by both sexes. So, the Gusto is the scooter, which can be used by whole the family and if you are looking for such a ride for your family, it certainly make sense.