Honda Activa 5G competitor Mahindra Gusto 110 had been absent from action since the new safety norms came in place earlier in April this year. It has finally been updated with CBS (Combined Braking System) and is back in the market. However, competing with the Honda Activa and TVS Jupiter, it has a tough road ahead, especially during these turbulent times of slowdown. Here’s how the scooter stacks up against the segment leaders:
Design: Not the prettiest in the pack
The Mahindra Gusto 110 CBS is cosmetically unchanged. Its front apron has a unique grille with large clear lens indicators. Ample use of chrome adds to the premium looks. The main body has a rather boxy look, while the tail lamp with a large Mahindra badging makes the scooter look different. However, the same cannot be said about its overall design. Also, the analogue instrument cluster looks dated and is no match to the competition. Colour options include 6 offerings.
The Honda Activa 5G follows the family design philosophy but the pseudo air slits on the front apron are good to look at. Also, the LED headlamp is a handy addition. The instrument cluster is a mix of digital and analogue along with an Eco Speed Indicator. The console in the Honda Activa 5G is simply the best-looking of the lot. The country's best-selling scooter is offered in 8 colour options, including an attractive Dazzle Yellow Metallic shade.
The TVS Jupiter, the new prince of the automatic scooter world, is the more premium looking of the trio here. The simple design lines of Jupiter are pleasing to the eye. The external fuel filler cap is also a handy feature, but the key slot is no match to the 4-in-1 lock with seat opening switch in the Honda Activa. The Jupiter has the largest footboard space in the segment (375 mm), though. Also, the easy access kick start can be used without the main stand. There are 10 different shades you can pick from.
Features: Gusto's golden moment
The Mahindra Gusto 110's key features include flip key, easy storage pocket, front-facing kick start, find me lamps and guide lamp. A segment-exclusive adjustable seat can reduce the height from 770 mm to a low of 735 mm. The scooter boasts large 12-inch wheels and a telescopic front suspension as well. The latter is something which even the segment-leading Honda Activa 5G does not offer. Brakes, though, are drum units at both ends, just like on the Honda Activa 5G.
| Specification | Mahindra Gusto 110 | Honda Activa 5G | TVS Jupiter |
| Engine | 109.6 cc M-TEC | HET, 109.19 cc | 109.7 cc CVTi |
| Max. Power | 8.2 PS at 7,500 rpm | 8 PS at 7,500 rpm | 8 PS at 7,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 9 Nm at 5,500 rpm | 9 Nm at 5,500 rpm | 8 Nm at 5,500 rpm |
| LxWxH (in mm) | 1,825x697x1,188 | 1,761x710x1,158 | 1,834x650x1,115 |
| Wheelbase | 1,275 mm | 1,238 mm | 1,275 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 153 mm | 150 mm |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Spring-loaded hydraulic | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Spring-loaded hydraulic | Hydraulic, spring-loaded | Spring-loaded hydraulic |
| Tyre Size | 90/90-12 | 90/100-10 | 12-inch, 90/90 |
| Front Brake | 130 mm drum | 130 mm drum | 220 mm disc/130 mm drum |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm drum | Drum (130 mm) | 130 mm drum |
| Seat Height | 770 mm, 735 mm | 765 mm | 765 mm |
| Starting Price Tag (ex-showroom, Delhi) | INR 50,996 | INR 54,911 | INR 52,945 |
We would have loved to see an LED headlamp in the Gusto 110. However, Mahindra offers only an LED pilot lamp. Let’s hope it will introduce an LED headlamp along with the BS-VI upgrade.
On the other hand, Honda Activa 5G’s biggest USP, optional CBS, is no longer a selling point and is standard across the industry. However, the large sales and service network continues to be a major selling point. After all, brand reliability is one of the biggest selling points in India. The Honda Activa 5G’s seat opening switch, though, is a handy feature. There's also a new Limited Edition variant with new colours and decals.
Honda is working on a BS-VI compliant, Activa 6G. The new model should feature a telescopic front suspension and maybe even a convenient external fuel filling system. The sixth-gen Activa will also have fuel injection and a connected instrument console. The feature list may include an optional front disc brake as well.
The TVS Jupiter too has large 12-inch wheels like the Mahindra Gusto 110. Besides that, it is claimed to have the best in class mileage. The front suspension is a telescopic unit, while the rear suspension is a gas-charged monoshock unit. The all-black alloy wheels certainly look trendy. The TVS Jupiter features an LED headlamp also, in the ZX trim and above, as well as a mix of digital and analogue instrument console. The ZX trim benefits from also gets adjustable rear shocks (preload only) as well.
The Mahindra Gusto 110 has a high ground clearance of 165 mm, which is better than the TVS Jupiter’s 150 mm and the Honda Activa 5G’s 153 mm. The Mahindra Gusto 110 also gets a large 6-litre fuel tank and lowest as well as the highest in-class seat height of 730 mm and 770 mm. That makes the Mahindra Gusto a good option for both tall and short riders.
Also Read: 5 Yamaha two-wheelers we want to see launched in India
Engine and Performance: David vs Goliath
The Mahindra Gusto 110 is powered by a 109.6 cc air-cooled, M-Tec mill that produces 8.2 PS of power and 9 Nm of torque. The engine is one of the better ones by Mahindra but still lacks the liveliness of the Honda Activa and TVS Jupiter.
The best-selling Honda Activa 5G is throttled by a tried and tested 109.19 cc powerplant that develops a healthy 8 PS of power and 9 Nm of torque. TVS’ Jupiter is propelled by a 109.7 cc engine which produces 8 PS of power and 8.4 Nm of torque. The scooter also has an Ignition Map Technology to aid ignition.
Also Read: Top 5 premium scooters on sale in India - IAB Picks
Price: Greenies matter
The Mahindra Gusto 110 is offered in two trim levels, with the entry-level variant costing INR 50,996 and the higher placed VX trim priced at INR 55,660 (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). It is the most affordable scooter in this comparison.
The Honda Activa 5G is priced on the higher side at INR 54,911 for the standard variant and INR 56,776 for the deluxe trim (both ex-showroom, Delhi). However, it offers greater value for money if you take into consideration easy access to service touchpoints.
The TVS Jupiter offers a complete package with a starting price of INR 52,945 and an INR 59,935 price tag for the range-topping Classic Edition (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). The ZX trim with drum brake costs INR 57,443, while the ZX trim with disc rake option will set you back by INR 59,935 (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
