5 new scooters for 2016

5 new scooters for 2016

The 2016 Auto Expo was a big one, not just for the manufacturers but also for the Indian consumers who got to see this motoring extravaganza. And we think the 2016 was a very special one as we saw more concepts than new product launches. The industry has showcased a new design direction and new technologies that will make their way to the Indian market. In the scooter segment too, there were lot of product showcases and we bring you details about some of them here. 

Aprilia SR 150

Nothing with the name Aprilia comes cheap, but the two-wheeler we’re talking about here, might. We’re talking about the Aprilia SR 150.  The company that is a part of Piaggio, will launch the SR 150 in the Indian market by May. And the best part, this scooter will be made in India. In order to do this, the company will use its facility in Baramati. Once launched, this scooter will be a style statement and is sure to attract a lot of buyers, even if the scooter crosses the Rs 1 lakh mark. This is possible because of the design and the brand name it comes with. The overall styling is fresh, attractive and has a good amount of sportiness. 

Mechanically, the Aprilia SR 150 will be no different from its cheaper cousin – the Vespa SXL 150. This 150cc engine produces 14.4bhp at 7000rpm and peak torque of 11.5Nm at 5500rpm. It gets a CVT gearbox, which is a pretty good one. If you’re one of those guys who is colour conscious, well, at the time of the launch, the Aprilia SR 150 will be available with one colour. 

New Suzuki Access 125

The Access has been Suzuki’s most successful scooter in India. In fact, in terms of value for money, the Access was far better than some of the 110cc scooters. But over the years, the sales of the Access 125 started decreasing and finally, Suzuki reinvented the brand, with the introduction of the new Access 125.

The scooter gets a new design that is biased towards the modern retro look, curvy body panels and new instrument cluster. The scooter is now equipped with a larger seat which is better cushioned too. In the age of smartphones, charging is a very important factor and Suzuki has sorted it with the DC power socket. Mechanically too, the Access has undergone major change. The 125cc engine churns out more power at 8.7bhp and 10Nm. Suzuki will launch the new Access in the next couple of months and when it comes, expect a price hike of Rs 2,000 – Rs 3,000 over the current model. 

Mahindra Gusto 125

We rode the Gusto 125 a couple of days before the 2016 Auto Expo commenced. This new scooter from Mahindra will compete with the Honda Activa 125 and the Suzuki Access, but Mahindra has decided to launch the new Gusto 125 close to the end of the current financial year. Based on the same Gusto 110cc platform, the new Gusto 125 is cosmetically identical to the former. The only way to differentiate between the two is through the colour schemes and the decal job and we must say, Mahindra has done a brilliant job at least with the colours.  The Gusto 125 is powered by a 125cc engine that produces 8.5bhp at 7000rpm and 10Nm at 5000rpm. Once launched, the Mahindra Gusto 125 will be available in four paint schemes - monarch black, orange rush, bolt white and regal red.

Yamaha Cygnus Ray ZR

If you’ve mistaken the Cygnus Ray ZR with the Cygnus Alpha and the Ray Z, then you’re not alone. Welcome to the world of confusing names by Yamaha. The Cygnus Ray ZR was unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo and is expected to be launched in the next couple of months. Yamaha is targeting the college kids with this new scooter and for the same reason, Yamaha has stuck to a very attractive design language. To complement it, there is a decent amount of decal job done over the body. 

The Cygnus Ray ZR is powered by the same engine that powers the Ray Z. This 113cc engine churns out 7bhp at 7500rpm and peak torque of 8.1Nm at 5000rpm. The mill is mated to the CVT transmission. Interestingly, Yamaha will offer this scooter in two versions – drum brake and disc brake. And both these versions will be offered with two paint schemes. Also, the disc brake version is equipped with alloy wheels, instead of steel ones. Yamaha will launch the Cygnus Ray ZR by May and will be the most expensive scooter in its lot.

Hero Dare

If you’re wondering why we’ve included the Hero Dare in this list even though it wasn’t present at the 2016 Auto Expo. Well, we’ve an answer for it – the Dare is a relevant scooter for the Indian market and will be launched this year. 

First showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo as a concept, the Dare is one of the first 125cc scooters to come from Hero MotoCorp.  Designwise, the Dare looks brilliant, especially with those diamond cut alloy wheels. The aggressive fascia coupled with the sharp side panels, make the Dare a very attractive scooter. In terms of features, the Dare will be loaded with an attractive instrument cluster, phone charging point, side-stand indicator and under-seat lamp. Talking about its mechanicals, the Hero Dare is powered by a 124.6cc air-cooled engine that produces 9.38bhp at 7500rpm and 9.8Nm of torque at 6500rpm.