The scooter segment in India has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years, giving the vertical new life and the forgotten vehicle a new lease of life in the world’s largest two wheeler market. Not so long ago, scooters were a thing of the past and a large percentage of commuters in the country preferred bikes. However, models like Honda Activa and Scooty Pep brought about a revolution and now all automakers are focusing this peripheral. New launches have become regularity and Mahindra Gusto is the latest to join the bandwagon. Introduced at a price of INR 43000 (ex-showroom), this model is expected to provide tough competition to Honda Activa, a market leader.
There had been a lot of talk about Mahindra Gusto in the past few weeks and the scooter has already made waves in the media. Deemed to be a huge success, this two-wheeler boasts of technological advancement and the firm claims that the same will give the model an advantage over other rivals. Speaking at the launch, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director at Mahindra & Mahindra, said, "The Gusto is Mahindra’s first ground-up scooter developed entirely in house. Based on deep consumer insights, it deploys innovative technology to create a category defining product, which will provide exceptional value in the fast growing 100 cc scooter market. This is truly what our Rise philosophy is about. With the Gusto, we are committed to further consolidating our Two Wheeler business in India and globally."
Adding further, Rajesh Jejurikar, Chief Executive of the Two Wheeler Division, said, "The Italian styled Gusto is powered by the smooth & fuel efficient M-TEC engine. It is India’s first scooter with a Height Adjustable Seat. The telescopic suspension with air springs and 12- inch wheels give it a best-in-class ride experience. Other category-first features like Remote Flip Key, Find-Me Lamps and bright Halogen Head Lamp with LED Pilot Lamps, create amazing value."
As it was evident from the comments made by the officials, Mahindra Gusto is going to ride heavily on the M-Tec engine and its Italian design. This scooter has been developed at the Mahindra Two Wheelers’ Research and Development Centre, which is located in Pune, Maharashtra. This scooter, it must be said, has plenty of unique features, including Height Adjustable Seat, Remote Flip Key, Bright Halogen Headlamp with LED Pilot Lamps and Quick Storage compartment. Mahindra Gusto is powered by a 109.6 cc four stroke air cooled M-Tec engine that develops an output of around 8 BHP along with peak torque of 9 Nm. Industry experts feel its inaugural price of INR 43000 is going to be an exciting prospect for Mahindra Two Wheelers and might actually help to boost sales.
Regardless of all this, giving competition to Honda Activa is not going to be easy for Mahindra Gusto. The scooter from Honda has been the shining star of India’s two-wheeler market and recently surpassed Hero Splendor to become the numero uno, which explains its magnanimity. Comfortable, performance based, fuel efficient and aggressively priced, Honda Activa is a customer favourite and has found a liking among all age groups of both male and female. It is easy to ride and is powered by an efficient engine that produces a maximum output of 8 BHP but most importantly, Honda Activa renders a mileage of 60 kmpl, which is just phenomenal.
Many industry experts feel it is going to take a long time for Mahindra Gusto to come to the level of Honda Activa and it might not even be possible. However, experts also say that Mahindra Gusto is going to be a huge success in the market and carve a niche for itself.
