Mahindra has launched its electric car, the e2o, at a price of Rs 5.96 lakh in Delhi. Here's our first impression of what it's like to drive.
Mahindra has done a decent job of translating DC’s NXR concept into the production e2o, but as often happens; a considerable amount has been lost in translation. Fit and finish of the multi-layer high-impact plastic body is improved, but some large gaps, like the one for the door, remain.
The big surprise, however, is that once you are sat in the back, the rear seat is actually quite roomy, comfortable and useable. The front seats are even more comfortable with plenty of thigh support from the wide seats. Even things like the roof lining and dashboard fit and finish don’t disappoint. A large touchscreen interface has been well integrated and the monochrome digital speedo-slash-information pod looks sufficiently high tech. There are still a few tacky bits like the gear selector and the power window switches, but overall, the insides really do work.
First impressions from the behind the wheel are pretty good too. The pedals are massively off-set and take getting used to, and the gearlever also is a bit fiddly. Squeeze the accelerator, however, and the e2o takes off from rest smoothly and in a jerk-free manner and it is quite easy to keep pace with traffic.