Honda was the first to launch a BS6-compliant scooter in India in the form of the new Activa 125 Fi back in September 2019. Now, its closest competitor, the Suzuki Access 125, is all set to follow the BS6 suit in a few days. While the official launch of the new Access 125 is awaited, the company has already revealed its details. In that case, we pitch both the BS6-compliant scooters in order to see which one’s better on paper.
Design and features
The new Access 125 has retained the same retro-inspired design with no changes in its styling whatsoever. However, it has been updated in terms of features with the most important being the introduction of LED headlamps. Suzuki has also introduced an external fuel-filler cap, USB charging socket as standard and a voltage meter for indicating the battery status. The new Access will also be more comfortable, courtesy the elongated seat and footboard length while the under seat storage space has also been increased.
Now, the new Activa 125 Fi retains the overall silhouette of the BS4 version. However, the new model looks slightly more edgy due to sharper contours around the headlamp and tail lamp while the chrome treatment lend it a fresh appeal. On the feature front, the Activa has an upper hand over the Access as it has received a host of new features with the BS6 update. Firstly, it gets an updated instrument cluster which shows ample of information such as fuel range, average fuel efficiency, real-time fuel efficiency and other basic data. Other new features include a side-stand engine inhibiter and external fuel filler with its opening mechanism integrated within the key fob.
Engine
Following the BS6-bound update in the engine, both scooters have witnessed minor changes in their power figures over their BS4 models. They share an identical displacement of 125cc along with the mandatory fuel-injection. With this setup, the Activa produces 8.1bhp and 10.3Nm. On the other, the Access churns out slightly more power at 8.5bhp but marginally lesser torque at 10Nm. However, the Activa has an added advantage of an ACG starter for silent engine starting process along with an ‘Idling Stop System’ which shuts the engine automatically after it is left idle for a particular duration.
Cycle Parts
The Access and the Activa are majorly similar in this department. Both ride on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheel with telescopic forks and a monoshock for damping. Furthermore, both scooters also get an option of a front disc brake, besides drum brakes being standard. However, the Access 125 has a benefit of lesser weight as it tips the scales at 102kg while the Activa 125 is 9kgs heavier at 111kg.
Pricing
Honda has priced the new Activa 125 Fi between Rs 67,490 (standard) to Rs 74,490 (Dlx). Although the prices of the new Access 125 are yet to be announced, it will most likely be cheaper than the Activa, considering the price difference in their BS4 counterparts. The existing versions of the Access are pegged from Rs 58,323 (steel wheels) to Rs 61,292 (disc, alloy wheels) and the BS6 model is expected to be around Rs 5,000-8,000 more expensive.
