After what happened last time around, they’re hoping
this cat really does have nine lives
Question: When does a horse turn into a cat (without using
magic, of course)? Answer: When Mahindra 2 Wheelers launches its latest 110cc
commuter, the Pantero. They won’t like you saying this, but it’s essentially
the replacement of the deader than a-dodo Stallio. Honestly, even the dodo
stood a better chance of surviving extinction than the Stallio. So, does the
Pantero banish the Stallio’s ghost? In a word, yes.
Mahindra Pantero
Mahindra claims that the Pantero is an all-new motorcycle,
not an upgrade with a few changes here and there. However, until people are
allowed to dismantle a Pantero and a Stallio side by side with dozens of
vernier calipers at hand, I suppose no one’s going to believe it. On top of
everything, the new bike looks like the old one, which doesn’t help matters any
– that’s the best thing buyers liked about the Stallio, Mahindra’s researchers
say. Yeah, right. But the Pantero does feel good to ride.
The 106.7cc motor develops a reasonably vibe-free 8.4bhp and
8.5Nm, as long as you’re in the low- and mid-range. Outright revving does see a
bit of harshness creeping in, but nowhere close to being a deal breaker.
Gearshifts are hassle-free, acceleration befitting a 110cc motor – it won’t
make your hair stand on end, but no bullock carts will overtake you either.
Ride quality is excellent, really certainly one of the best in its class.
Handling is predictable and surefooted, but nothing stand-out. It’s light and
flick able, yes, but somehow the fun factor’s missing here. What the Pantero really
needs is a front disc brake. The drum brake on offer here is amongst the worst
I’ve had the opportunity of squeezing, and it fails to provide adequate
reduction in speed even going uphill – quite a non-feat, I must say.
A red-light area
with no disrepute attached
I’m told that the Pantero feels much better than the
Stallio. I wish I could remember what the Stallio felt like, to be honest, to
tell you similar things. However, even with no recollection of its previous
incarnation, the Pantero seems to be a sorted motorcycle.
What promises to be even better is the Centuro – essentially
the same motorcycle, but with minor changes to the chassis and a host of
first-ever features that will pique the curiosity of buyers. So, it seems the
transition from equine to feline has gone well enough for Mahindra 2 Wheelers.
Now to see whether prospective customers are willing to bell this cat.
The rival
Honda Dream Yuga
The best basic commuter in India. Being miserly isn’t as
much fun on other bikes.
The verdict of
Mahindra Pantero is 5/10
|
The specs
§
The numbers: Single cylinder, 106.7cc, 8.4bhp, 8.5Nm, 4M, 120kg
§
The cost:
§
The verdict: A commendable comeback from Mahindra. The Pantero
feels solid, rides well and hopefully, will be value for money as well.
§
5/10
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