Suzuki has recently introduced the new BS6-compliant version of its highest-selling two-wheeler, the Access 125, in India. The scooter goes up against the newly-launched Yamaha Fascino 125, and the Honda Activa 125 FI which was the first among the three to receive the BS6 update. Now, for our readers who are planning to buy one of these, we tell you which one is better on paper.
Design
Starting with the Access, Suzuki hasn’t updated the styling of the scooter. It retains the retro-inspired design with rounded body panels along with subtle chrome accents. While the new Activa also features an overall silhouette similar to its BS4 model, it gets sharper lines and creases across its body work. In the case of the Fascino 125, it has been heavily updated over its 110cc counterpart. The front apron looks curvier now while the swooping tail section is also longer, integrating a redesigned tail lamp. Moreover, the new Fascino also gets a healthy dose of chrome, which lends it a retro appeal.
Features
On the feature front, the Activa 125 FI has a major upper hand over both the rivals. Honda has equipped the scooter with a bunch of new features such as an auto start-stop function, silent engine starter, LED headlamp, external fuel filler cap with opening mechanism integrated within the key fob and a side stand engine inhibitor which prevents the engine from cranking if the side stand is out. More importantly, the new Activa gets the most comprehensive semi-digital instrument cluster showing details such as fuel range, real-time fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency, Eco indicator, service due reminder and other basic information.
The Access 125 also gets a couple of new features. Similar to the Activa, the Access gets an external fuel filler cap, however, the locking mechanism is located on the cap. It also gets LED headlamp now along with an updated instrument cluster which comprises of battery voltage indicator and Eco Assist function. The Fascino 125 gets a few features which are similar to the Activa such as auto start-stop function, silent engine starter and a side stand engine inhibitor. However, it loses out on LED headlamp and external fuel filler cap while the instrument cluster remains a fully-analogue unit.
Engine
All three scooters are powered by a 125cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected motor with a Variomatic gearbox. They also remain similar in terms of power figures with the numbers hovering around 8bhp and 10Nm. However, the power-to-weight ratio differs as the scooters boast of varying kerb weights. The lightest of the lot is the Fascino which weighs 99kg while the Access 125 comes close at 102kg. Meanwhile, the Activa is the heaviest at 111kg.
Cycle Parts
Coming to the cycle parts, these 125cc scooters remain closely similar here as well. All of them ride on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheel which are suspended by telescopic forks and a monoshock. Furthermore, braking is handled by drum brakes at both ends while front disc brake is available as an option. The setup is assisted by combined braking system.
Pricing
The new Suzuki Access 125 is the most affordable of the lot, with the prices starting at Rs 64,800 (steel wheel, drum brake) and going up to Rs 69,500 (special edition). While it lags in terms of features, the comparatively low price tag makes up for that. Lying in the middle in terms of budget is the Fascino. It starts at Rs 67,430 (drum brakes), which is similar to the Activa 125’s entry-level standard variant. However, the Fascino’s top-spec model with front disc brake costs Rs 68,930 while the Activa’s top-end Deluxe variant retails at Rs 74,490. Although the Activa 125 is the most expensive of the three, the premium is justified due to the host of additional features it has over its competitors.
