In India, the commuter motorcycle segment constitutes the lion share of the two-wheeler market. However, in the past decade, the scooter market has witnessed an impressive growth with several buyers opting for scooters over geared motorcycles. The year 2018 saw several new scooters like the Honda Grazia, Suzuki Burgman Street 125 and the TVS NTorq 125 receiving a strong response. Clearly, there’s a market for such products and every OEM wants to capitalise on this demand. On that note, for the scooter buyer out there, here are some of the upcoming scooter launches of 2019.
TVS Jupiter 125
After introducing the NTorq 125, which is selling like hot cakes, TVS seems to have no plans of resting yet. The Hosur-based manufacturer is reportedly working on a fuel-injected version of its popular Jupiter scooter which is likely to sport a 125cc motor. The engine will produce slightly more power and is likely to be more efficient due to electronic fuel injection. Apart from that, the Jupiter 125 is expected to come with the new features like a semi-digital instrument console, adjustable rear suspension and combined braking system offered on the Jupiter Grande model.
Hero Maestro Edge 125
Showcased during the 2018 Auto Expo, the Maestro Edge 125 is Hero MotoCorp’s upcoming premium scooter offering in the 125cc segment. It packs features like USB charging, boot light, front disc brake, semi-digital instrument cluster, side-stand indicator and Hero’s patented i3S start/stop technology. Powering the Maestro edge 125 is the same 125cc unit that does duty in the recently launched Destini 125. The motor puts out 8.7bhp and 10.2Nm and comes mated to a CVT gearbox. Braking will be done by drum brakes on both ends with a combined braking system (CBS) as standard.
Okinawa i-Praise
With pre-bookings already started, Okinawa scooters will be launching the new i-Praise e-scooter in India. Set for its official launch in January, the i-Praise will feature a detachable lithium-ion battery that can be conveniently charged at home in just 2-3 hours. The e-scooter will be powered by a 1000 Watt, BLDC electric motor capable of attaining a top speed of 75kmph. The new i-Praise is said to return a range of 160-180 km on a full charge, says the company.
Aprilia Comfort
Aprilia’s scooter range leans towards the sportier side, which currently limits the brand’s ability to tend to the remaining type of scooter buyers in the market. In order to change that, the company has been developing a new scooter that will be positioned as a family scooter called ‘Comfort’. As the name suggests, the scooter is aimed to be as comfortable as possible featuring a large seat, big floorboard and ample storage space. It will be powered by a 125cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor paired to the CVT unit from the SR 125. Aprilia is likely to launch the scooter in August 2019 during the festive season.
UM Chill 150
Featuring a modern-retro design, the Chill 150 will be UM’s first scooter offering in India. UM plans to sell good volumes of the scooter owing to the growing scooter segment. Highlights like a 150cc air-cooled motor, disc brakes at both ends and ABS should make the Chill 150 an interesting scooter, provided UM prices it aggressively. Set for launch by August 2019, the scooter will be offered in four bright colours with ample chrome highlights. The Chill 150 will compete directly against Vespa’s 150cc scooter range.
Aprilia Storm 125
Displayed during the 2018 Auto Expo, the Aprilia Storm 125 is a new scooter based on the SR 125. Featuring matte paint finishes and smaller wheels shod with chunkier tyres, the Storm 125 is targeted at the young audience. It will be powered by the same 125cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor that does duty in the SR 125. The company had planned to introduce the scooter in 2018 itself but decided to update the braking system with the combi-braking system (CBS) as per the upcoming safety norms that kicks in on 1 April, 2019. Competition-wise, the Storm 125 will go up against the Honda Grazia and the TVS NTorq 125.
