Test Ride: Mahindra Centuro

How does the latest offering from the Mahindra stables match up? Read on

Indian automobile major, Mahindra & Mahindra, came up with an amazing commuter segment bike recently. The launch has been appreciated by many as it serves the need of a segment that seems ready for more such offerings.

And to tap into this market, the 110 cc Mahindra Centuro is on its way to make an impact in the two-wheeler segment in India although the competition would be fierce.

Mahindra being the new entrant in the market, will find it a little difficult to gain a strong foothold in the market but the strength of the company can't be underestimated. The company finds this market very attractive, which is why they launched two consecutive models in the 100-110 cc category.

The company representative sounded bullish on Mahindra two-wheelers during the launch event and declared the company's intention of rolling out 10 more new bikes in the near future. At an excellent price point of Rs 45,000, the Centuro has been priced at the lower end but Mahindra has tagged it as a premium bike, offering great features.

To initiate sales at a faster pace, the company is offering a discount of Rs 1,000 on the first 10,000 bookings and is also offering a five year warranty on the bike.

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Engine

Mahindra Centuro features a 106cc single cylinder engine that has the capacity to generate peak power of 8.5bhp at 7500 rpm along with a peak torque of 8.5Nm at 5500 rpm.

The engine specs are similar to the Pantero it launched earlier; however, it has made a few changes like CDI addition and exhaust timing to improve performance.

The engine is tuned to produce better ride quality and refined pick up. The manufacturer has incorporated a new mechanism of 'jet flow' which ensures oil circulation at different speeds. After a test drive of the Centuro by Bikedekho's expert, a number of positive reviews got attached with this commuter bike.

The test drive revealed the smoothness felt while riding as well as the NVH levels that appear to be up to the mark. The adjustable low end performance of the bike makes it easy to ride in city traffic.

The 106 cc engine is efficient enough but as it crosses 6500rpm to touch the peak speed of 90km/hr, the bike utilises all the power at its disposal. The 4-speed gearbox mated with 106 cc engine allows gear ratios which are well-defined and ensures a buttery ride.

Mahindra claims that the Centuro offers mileage of 85.4km/l, which seems to be amazing; however, the city ride of the bike gives a decent mileage of 68km/l.

The test drive also revealed Centuro's easy handling as it weighs only 110 kg. The manufacturers could have equipped the bike with a disc brake at the front, though the 130 mm drum brakes serve the purpose.

The company seems to be targetting that section of buyers who desire 'something more' in the 100-110 cc segment and the Centuro is just that sort of a bike offering pretty good riding dynamics, that you can find in the best-in-class commuter bikes.

The switch gear is very basic in structure and also has pass light switch and choke to it. The main attraction is the full digital instrument cluster with analog tachometer.

The exciting features added to this bike include 'guide me home' headlights, locate bike indication through sounds and foldable key fob. The daily purpose of commuting serves well with cushioned seats and thigh support from fuel tank.

The rear foot pegs also supports a comfortable ride.

Mahindra Centuro pictures a basic structure as the manufacturer is focused on making it more of the commuter kind. The looks of the bike are not the focus of attention.

This is a standard bike with great combination of style and performance.

At the front, the bike sports bold headlamps along with LED pilot lamps, that are the best in class. The pricing of the bike also has a competitive edge to sustain the fierce competition existing in the segment.

Mahindra & Mahindra's two-wheeler division is looking forward to new launches in the near future even as this launch proves to be a success. However, this city bike still has a long way to go.