The fight of 125 cc auto scooters has been increasing day by day. Every time a 125 cc scooter is launched we think this might be the best available scooter in the market, but now among the available options and our point of view of Mahindra Gusto 125 is right below. Rider's Note: To set fires of the sales at Mahindra 2 wheelers, Mahindra is out with this new product, we are really impressed with the mechanical changes made in the machine, the engine is refined, smooth, and suspension is less talking and works efficiently, real smooth. For a customer who is looking for 125cc segment scooter this just gives the maximum in the available option.
Design and Style:
At first glance one might see no change in its appearance but then there are few changes when we look close at it. Say chrome finish, front grill, handle guards, though the indicators look same the number plates are rested below i.e. right above the Mahindra logo.Majority of the design is brought forward from the 110cc sibling with very few noticeable changes. The false air intake at the front grill which is a different part, side panel has 6 intakes and chrome stripe which makes a clear difference from the younger version. One would finds more edges than curves which make it look like a family scooter. Also the 125cc Gusto has dual tone colours which are really attractive.
Engine and Performance:
The air cooled and carburettor fed fuel system in the 125 cc M-TECH power-plant is more refined than the younger version and produces power of 8.5 BHp @7000 rpm and max torque of 10N-m which is somewhat same in all the vehicles of this segment. As the company says one can take out the scooter with confidence and smile (true to that). The acceleration is up to the mark and an easy going feeling is found.The micro igniter chip embedded in the engine doesn't waste any power that has been generated while you increase the throttle. The unused power will be stored and then utilized when there is need of power again when throttled. The engine is mated to CVT transmission.
Gusto could take 70kmph easily without any trouble, which we feel is sufficient enough for city ride and an economy range between 40-50 kmph would return fairly good fuel efficiency. We expect it to be around 48-50, and it depends on ones riding style too.
Brakes and Suspension:
Gusto 125 uses 130 mm drum brakes for the front as well as the rear wheel. The introduction of disc brake at least at front end would have uplifted the product portfolio of Mahindra scooters. But M2W (Mahindra 2 Wheelers) might come up with this option soon in future days. The suspension is really good, from what we experienced the air springs have done decent job of giving maximum comfort and braking has nothing to complain about, effective braking when both the brakes are applied. It uses telescopic suspension with air spring at the front and hydraulic coil type at the rear. The air suspension provides better handling and stability.Instrument cluster:
The instrument cluster has been carried forward from the 110cc sibling which has speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and various light options. The reason why the instrument cluster is carried forward is due to the ergonomic of scooter speedometer readability.The Storage capacity below the seat is a bit less than other competitors yet can fit a half face helmet inside. Also the unique feature of the 125 Gusto is that it houses a quick storage space below instrument console. The leg room space is more than enough to keep a gas cylinder also extra space could be found. Maximum utilization of the space has been done by M2W.
Additional Features:
Headlight:
There is always something that Mahindra finds to do unique sort of things at every part of the vehicle. Taking instance of people reaching home late night or in dark and find it difficult to reach the gate or search for key. There are 6 LED guide lamps above head light which are kept running for 30 seconds after the vehicle is switched off and automatically switch off. This is something which we don't get to see in any other scooters.
Remote key:
Foldable key as used in Mahindra SUV's. Find me lamps for finding Gusto easily in large parking lots, lights only key and a LED torch has been fused in the remote key. Only the top end model comes with remote key.
Bigger Tyre Size:
12" MRF tubeless tyres, other scooters have 10" in the market, either be a home brand tyre or coordinated one. These 12" tyres make the scooter more stable on road. The wheelbase is longest in the segment with 1275mm between the wheels.
More Leg Room:
In the segment, one can visibly find out the leg room being spacious enough to carry a gas cylinder. Alongside the legroom there is enough ground clearance of 165mm.
Quick Storage:
This innovative pocket near speedometer has been provided for better utilization of space; say one can easily access goggles, keys, wallet from it. It is quick and easy to access.
Body Colour Mirrors:
Body colored mirrors are being provided for the 125cc scooters ie the colour of the scooter body will be provided even on the mirror panel.
There is always something that Mahindra finds to do unique sort of things at every part of the vehicle. Taking instance of people reaching home late night or in dark and find it difficult to reach the gate or search for key. There are 6 LED guide lamps above head light which are kept running for 30 seconds after the vehicle is switched off and automatically switch off. This is something which we don't get to see in any other scooters.
Remote key:
Foldable key as used in Mahindra SUV's. Find me lamps for finding Gusto easily in large parking lots, lights only key and a LED torch has been fused in the remote key. Only the top end model comes with remote key.
Bigger Tyre Size:
12" MRF tubeless tyres, other scooters have 10" in the market, either be a home brand tyre or coordinated one. These 12" tyres make the scooter more stable on road. The wheelbase is longest in the segment with 1275mm between the wheels.
More Leg Room:
In the segment, one can visibly find out the leg room being spacious enough to carry a gas cylinder. Alongside the legroom there is enough ground clearance of 165mm.
Quick Storage:
This innovative pocket near speedometer has been provided for better utilization of space; say one can easily access goggles, keys, wallet from it. It is quick and easy to access.
Body Colour Mirrors:
Body colored mirrors are being provided for the 125cc scooters ie the colour of the scooter body will be provided even on the mirror panel.
GUSTO Siblings: 125cc machine has body colour mirrors
Expecting matte finish colours in future in the shades of blue and grey. Soft and comfortable Handle grips have been provided along with handlebar end weights for better stability and control. Chrome finish comes in abundance, while the 110 cc Gusto has lesser chrome, the 125 cc brother has more chrome at a price.
Adjustable Seat Height:
This concept has been carried forward from the 110cc Gusto, which is catching more response from the customers. Around 4-4.5"height can be adjusted. Comfort wise the seat is comparatively wider and longer than Activa's. Also the seat has to be held while fueling the scooter unlike the Gusto which has self locking mechanism to hold the seat which is hassle free. This feature is first of its kind in the segment.
The Ride:
As we started the scooter the very refined tune of the engine welcomed us for the ride. There small-small things make the customer happy about the product. For someone owning a 110cc scooter this 125cc machine made the difference. But comparing it to its sibling this offer 15 more cc but the number of power and torque nearly looked the same i.e. 0.5hp more and 1Nm gain. Nevertheless it gave us the power of 125cc scooter.We took the scooter for a ride of nearly whole day, which had the normal city traffic, spacious university campus, slightly unpaved road surfaced with considerable gravel. Though we didn't expect much from the scooter initially, we were impressed with the suspension at work. It's worth mentioning about the suspension again and again, this is called near perfection. It even took care of a mid age pillion rider too.
The power delivery is liner and does give that bit of power when required. The M-TECH engine is claimed to has a chip which can store the unused power previously and then give the same when used in successive throttling. But we didn't feel the complete power packed 125cc push.
The scooter cruises at 60-70kmph without much effort and it is a good feeling riding a 125cc scooter. You'll need to keep an eye on the speedometer since without noticing one might cross 60kmph mark. The ground clearance was clearly good enough; the gravel (which I encountered on the way) didn't hit the belly much compared to my 110cc scooter.The scooter is light weight which makes the female population take a look at this product while the men population can nearly kiss the road. ;) The fuel tank is below the seat which has a capacity of 6.5 Lts, which is just required to meet up the running range. As per our expectations 125 cc Gusto would return 45-48 kmpl. So all in all this is a family vehicle suitable for all the family members of both genders.
Verdict:
Can one owning an 110cc scooter upgrade to Gusto 125? Well we have a mixed feeling over this question. There are few point which we would like to highlight USB charging which is found in majority of the scooters, getting off the seat to fill petrol every now and then, led lights in the space below the seat which helps in finding stuff are some of those feature which one needs to consider before upgrading to 125cc offering from Mahindra. But then there are other features like height adjustable seat, find me lamp, quick storage compartment, guiding lamp, remote key which actually makes life easy. At Kangtani automobiles, located in the heart of Mysuru the Gusto 125 is expected to roll out in more number, while Mahindra provides 2 years free maintenance.
Scooter Courtesy: Kangtani Automobies, Mysuru
Review By: Rakshit Shastry
