Mahindra 2Wheelers have launched an all-new scooter called the Gusto. Let’s see how good it is

Story & Photography: Rommel Albuquerque

Mahindra launched their flagship scooters, the Rodeo and the Duro, a few years ago and both scooters received a decent response from buyers. But Mahindra felt that they could make a much better product. After a lot of customer feedback, pointing out areas that needed improvement and features that they would like to be added, Mahindra got down to hard work and after two years of research and development, they’ve come out with the Gusto.

On the looks front, the Gusto will definitely stand out in a crowd. Mahindra have tried blending a retro-ish front end with a more contemporary looking rear and that has resulted in the distinctive styling of the Gusto that partly reminds you of the old Kinetic Honda when you see it head on. In profile, what is most evident is that the Gusto promises to cajole the rider with immense legroom. Get astride and the promise turns to reality for indeed there is quite a bit of legroom. As a result, you’ll be able to comfortably stow a bag on the foot-board as well.

The seat too has a unique shape and opens, unconventionally, from the front. What is most convenient is Mahindra’s provision of an in-built mechanism that locks the seat in open position so that you don’t have to hold it up as in the case of other scooters. The party piece, however, has to be the seat height adjust mechanism for the rider. Yes, you heard right. The seat height can be changed either from its high setting (770 mm) to its low setting (735 mm) with the pull of a lever located inside the under-seat storage area. This new height adjustment feature is great as short riders can plant their feet firmly on the ground and tall riders will feel at home when the seat is on a high setting.

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