Mahindra e2o T2 review, test drive

Of course, the first time I set out in this e2o T2, as it’s called, the old stigma raised its head, and I tried to stick to a single lane so I wouldn’t have to use the indicators. But having a ‘distance to discharged’ figure that was three digits long for a change was definitely more re-assuring. The battery level also drained noticeably slower than in the old car. And in case you were wondering what the compromise is for this added range, no new batteries have been added; the motor has just been programmed to use power more efficiently. 

 

As for the steering, the e2o, much like budget hatchbacks such as the Tata Nano, is so compact that once you’re on the move, you don’t really feel the need for powered assistance. However, it was always still quite a handful to strongarm into a tight parking spot. The new electrically assisted system helps tremendously in this regard, but also has its own set of issues. For one, it removes all feel from the steering, and you have precious little connection to what’s going on with the front wheels. This won’t bother the typical e2o buyer too much, and its effects are somewhat nullified by the second issue – a very slow rack. It takes four full turns to get the wheel from lock to lock, and as a result, you’ll find yourself spinning the steering a lot more than you would in any other car, even to change lanes. This was, however, likely done to reduce the load of the power steering on the batteries, and it only serves to highlight just how tight the e2o’s turning circle is.