Performance
The new Gusto receives a 109.6cc, all aluminium M-TEC motor that produces 8 HP of power and about 9 Nm of torque. The M-TEC engine comprises of a stronger crankshaft and bearings, high inertia magneto, high energy HT coil and series regulator which, Mahindra claims, would deliver superior power, efficiency and reliability. Pushing the ignition button makes you immediately realise that the engine is smooth in operation and if blindfolded, a layman might mistake it for a thorough bred Japanese motor. The engine feels peppy and gives the Gusto enough thrust to catch up with life in the fast lane as it felt comfortable even around the 70 kph mark. It has enough power in its kitty for city rides as well the odd hauls on wide, arterial roads. We managed to hit a top speed of 80 km/h on the speedo, which should be good enough for the kind of audience this new unisex scooter plans to address.
Adding a pillion to the scenario does not make world of a difference either and the Gusto offers good throttle response and reassuring acceleration for the humble purpose of commuting its meant for. What’s also unique in the engine is the new design of the kick starter. unlike the conventional kick-starter design on scooters, mounted way too far back and anti-clock-wide rotation, the Gusto features a pushed forward kick with clockwise rotation. The allows the new scooter to be kick-started with the ride perched on the saddle, adding comfort and convenience. The Gusto, despite having a fun to ride engine, provides a good fuel efficiency, rated at 63kmpl as per ARAI. A larger than usual 6 liter tank should endow the Gusto with a decent range too. The stopping power is provided by drum brakes up front and at the rear, though an optional disc set-up for front would have been great.
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