Entering college is one of the most exciting phases of one’s life. It’s the time when students get their first taste of liberty which can be further escalated by a good pair of wheels. While motorcycles are exciting, scooters make for a more practical mobility option. That’s owing to their easy-to-ride nature, storage options and nifty features. While some of these get a frugal motor, others are performance-oriented. That being said, in case you’re a college student and confused about choosing one from the multitude of scooters available in the market, here are five options that can meet your expectations.
Let’s start with the longest-running model in this list, the Honda Dio. Since its introduction in India, the Dio has been one of the top choices of youngsters owing to its sporty styling and a plethora of bold colour options. Although it gets the dated link-type suspension setup, its 105kg kerb weight is one of the lowest which aids in easy maneuverability.
The Dio also runs a refined and fuel-efficient motor which is a 109.19cc, carbureted unit borrowed from the Activa. A decently-sized footboard and under seat space add to its practicality while the new model sports an LED DRL as well. Priced from Rs 53,218 (Std) to Rs 55,218 (DLX), the Dio sits on the affordable side of the spectrum.
If a more powerful and feature-packed scooter is on your list but budget is also a constraint then the TVS Ntorq 125 perfectly fits the bill. While the standard variant is already value-for-money, TVS recently launched a more exciting Race edition of the scooter. It is priced at Rs 62,995 which is a premium of Rs 3,000 over the disc brake variant.
Besides featuring edgy graphics, the Race edition sports full-LED headlamp and LED DRLs along with hazard lamp. What it retains from the standard model is a Bluetooth-enabled ‘SmartXConnect’ display which connects with your smartphone and gives access to turn-by-turn navigation with call and message alerts. Furthermore, the Ntorq is also one of the peppiest scooters in its segment with a 124cc motor, three-valve motor, good for 9.1bhp and 10.5Nm. For added convenience, the aptly-sized boot gets a charging socket to keep your gadgets running.
For those who want to make a statement wherever they go, Suzuki’s Burgman Street 125 is the one for it's sure to grab eyeballs. It gets a maxi-scooter styling, something that is uncommon on the Indian roads. While the LED headlamps and digital instrument cluster lend it a snob value, the cruiser-like foot position further adds to the ‘cool’ factor. What’s more, the 124cc, air-cooled motor of the Burgman is one of the most refined and fuel-efficient in its segment. It also gets nifty features such a pair of open front glove box along with a USB charger. Available in a single variant, Suzuki retails the Burgman Street 125 at Rs 69,898.
With other students plying around on modern scooters, a retro-looking pair of wheels would have its own charm. And, Vespa scooters have it in abundance. With most of these models carry a premium price tag, Vespa recently launched its most affordable model, the Urban Club. Based on the VXL 125, the Urban Club gets blacked-out treatment on mirror, grab rail, wheel and brake levers. Its compact dimensions make pottering around the city quite an easy task while the 124cc with a power output of 9.5bhp and 9.9Nm has enough grunt. Piaggio has pegged the Urban Club at Rs 74,831.
While scooters are mostly associated with convenience, the Aprilia SR 150 is focused more on performance and handling. Its 154cc engine makes 11.4bhp and 11Nm which is the highest from a scooter in India. On top of that, its tubular chassis coupled with the large 14-inch wheels lend it handling dynamics which is on par with motorcycles.
The SR 150 is not for those who wish for sheer comfort as the ergonomics are more on the sporty side. Also, the small footboard may not be very practical but that contributes to its compact dimensions which make it profoundly flickable in traffic. Also, the SR 150 is the only scooter with ABS braking system which adds to the safety quotient. Well, all of that comes with a premium price tag of Rs 85,394.
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
