Top 5 India-bound scooters for 2018

Top 5 India-bound scooters for 2018

Scooters are steadily encroaching into the commuter motorcycle territory in India and 2018 is expected to see some more of them. We have put down a list of top five scooters we expect to see next year. Interestingly all of them are powered by 125cc engines and could potentially compete against each other. Read along to find out-

Suzuki Swish

Suzuki unveiled the new Swish at the Tokyo Motor Show this year. The scooter sports a sharper design language than its predecessor. The aggressively styled, large LED headlamp with daytime running lights will surely draw attention. However, the manufacturer did not reveal any mechanical details during its unveil, but we can expect it to be the 125cc engine similar to the one in the Access. 

Once launched, the Swish would go head-on against Honda’s recently launched Grazia.

Aprilia SR125

The Aprilia SR125 was spotted in India, during homologation at the ARAI facilty. The manufacturer tasted success with the SR150 and would see no harm in introducing a smaller capacity offering here. The SR125 looks exactly like its bigger sibling and sports dual tone seats along with 14-inch alloy wheels. 

The SR125 will be powered by the 125cc engine used by Vespa. This unit churns out 9.9bhp and 10.6Nm of torque. Once launched, the scooter will go up against the Honda Grazia, the Vespa SXL 125 and the upcoming Suzuki Swish.

TVS 125cc scooter

This scooter from TVS was spotted testing a couple of times in India. It features an angular and sharp styling that seems to be derived from the Graphite scooter concept showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. Although mechanical details are unknown, the scooter is expected to be powered by a 125cc engine. 

The Hosur-based manufacturer is likely to christen the scooter as ‘SXR 125’ and is expected to unveil it at the 2018 Auto Expo. 

Hero Dare

The Hero Dare will be positioned as an urban commuter and will primarily target the urban youth of the country. However, the production version of the Dare will sport a different name.

The design is expected to be sharp and modern, along the lines of the Dare concept shown a few years ago with an aggressive fascia and uniquely styled wheels. While power outputs are unknown, the scooter will use a 125cc engine mated to a CVT gearbox. 

Yamaha Nozza Grande

Yamaha sells the Nozza Grande in international markets and was spotted testing the scooter in India, undisguised. The scooter’s design language is i-tune with the Fascino’s free flowing design. It sports DRLs, LED tail lamps and a semi digital instrument cluster. 

The Yamaha Nozza Grande comes powered by a 125cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine featuring a fuel-injection system. However, it might get the carburettor to India to keep costs in check. We expect it to churn out 8bhp of power and 9.5Nm of torque and come mated to a CVT gearbox.