Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the Cliq in India at Rs 42,499 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This is their most affordable scooter and borrows its design from one of the Navi-based concepts exhibited at the 2016 Auto Expo. It is being manufactured at the company's Tapukara plant in Rajasthan and will be sold in the same state first. Then, phase-wise launches will take place across the country. Here's all that you need to know about the new product that Honda has dished out this time.
Platform
Even if the Cliq is a new product, the components used by Honda are the same. And why not! Like the Navi, the Cliq also uses the same successful platform of the popular Activa 4G. The styling bits have been carried over from the Navi and some mechanicals have been borrowed from the best-selling scooter.
Design
We are not sure if its external appearance will appeal to everybody, but the design is definitely unique. The Cliq features a front apron mounted headlamp like the Dio. The instrument console is also placed at the top with no bodywork on the handlebar. The body panels resemble bits from the Navi and for an extra Rs 500, one can have a funky set of decals to add some exclusivity.
Features
The company says that the Cliq gets a wider floor board and seat, while there's an option for a luggage carrier on the rear steel bar grab rail. The under-seat storage incorporates a mobile charging socket as an add-on. The Cliq runs on 10-inch steel wheels with block pattern tubeless tyres from CEAT, which are designed for traction on multiple terrains. Apart from the CBS (Combi Brake System), the Cliq gets AHO (Automatic Headlamp On) as a safety feature. This eliminates the headlamp switch from the console, thus keeping the headlight always on for better visibility.
Suspension and brakes
The suspension setup on the Cliq comprises of the same spring loaded hydraulic shocks used on the other 110cc Honda scooters. The braking duties are done by 130mm drum type brakes on both the front and the rear wheels. As mentioned before, it gets the combi-braking system for more efficient and safe braking.
Engine and gearbox
The Cliq's power output is rated at 8bhp and 9Nm of peak torque, which comes from the same 110cc HET (Honda Eco Technology) powerplant. This is the same engine that is shared across the entire 110cc scooter range of the company. The motor is BS-IV compliant and comes paired to a CVT automatic transmission. The scooter weighs 102kg and has a fuel tank capacity of just 3.5-litre, like its sibling Navi.
Colours, Price and Competition
The Honda Cliq will be available in four different colours – patriot red, moroccan blue, orcus grey and black. Priced at Rs 42,499 (ex-showroom New Delhi), the Honda Cliq goes up against the TVS Scooty Zest 110, Suzuki Lets and the Hero Pleasure. The minimised body panels have helped the company cut down on material costs even if the underbone chassis remains the same. So they have been able to price it the lowest in their scooter portfolio, which might go in favour of their success.
