Mahindra Gusto review, test ride

Mahindra Two-Wheelers recently launched their very first in-house developed scooter, the Gusto, built by their R&D team in Pune, to take on the Indian as well as the international markets. While Mahindra has initially introduced the Gusto in India, it will go on to launch the gearless scooter in South Asian, Latin American and African markets.

The Mahindra Gusto sports good paint quality, and comes with straight body lines. It’s a somewhat boxy looking scooter, styled conservatively to appeal to a wider audience. Stylish fins placed next to a set of integrated turn signal indicators, lend good relief to the Gusto's front apron. The smartly-designed headlight provides good visibility at night, and comes supported by a set of LED lamps as well. Switchgear on the Gusto feels premium, is nice to touch and easy to come to terms with. The Gusto's palm grips could have done with better feel, and likewise, both brake levers don’t feel as good as on every other scooter in India. The Gusto does well to include a rear brake locking clamp as standard, an important feature on gearless scooters for improving safety when stationary.

The Gusto comes with large, well placed rear-view mirrors that provide clear rear view covering an ample field, however their mounting stems come with flimsy, ill-fitting cladding. The Gusto’s backlit instruments display an easily legible speedometer, odometer and fuel-gauge apart from the other regular warning icons. Just beneath sits a handy storage compartment. Even a taller rider’s knees have enough space to move around freely when turning the Gusto, which is good. Two bag-hooks are in place for quick storage in the foot-well region.

The flip-to-access Gusto key gives this Mahindra an up-market feel, and has an inbuilt torch as also two extra buttons. The first button operates a jingle and flashes the turn indicators, while the other silently flashes only the indicators to help owners locate their Gusto looking for it in crowded or dark parking lots.