Mahindra e2o review, test drive and video

We comprehensively road test Mahindra's all-electric e2o

Published on May 17, 2013 04:50:00 PM

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Mahindra e2o review, test drive and video

The first thing that strikes you when you drive the e2o out of a tight parking spot is the lack of power steering. It’s not quite as heavy as the Nano’s, but for such a small car, it calls for undue effort. As you pick up speed, the steering lightens up, but it’s not very precise and, sadly, doesn’t play to the car’s agile nature (the turning circle diameter is a dime-sized 7.8m) and diminutive dimensions.

The e2o is great for darting in and out of traffic, but there is a fair amount of body roll. What’s more, beyond 60kph, crosswinds affect the e2o, and it rocks from side to side, especially more so when a large vehicle overtakes at speed. However, the amount the car leans looks more alarming than it actually is. That’s because the hefty battery pack keeps the centre of gravity quite low, and once you get used to the unusual dynamics of the car, it gives you a certain confidence, even at top speed.

The ride quality is quite decent for a car with such a small wheelbase and on gentler imperfections, the soft suspension works impressively. However, sharp edges and deeper ruts crash through with the suspension using up all its travel and transmitting the shock to the cabin.