In general, BS6 scooters in India have become considerably expensive than their BS4 counterparts
Indian buyers have been showcasing substantial demand for petrol-CVT scooters over the past couple of years. The Indian automotive industry is making a slow recovery from COVID-19. Meanwhile, safety concerns associated with using public means of transportation has had some impact on passenger vehicle sales.
The stringent BS6 emission standards, which became mandatory in April 2020, have necessitated higher prices for most products on our market. The trend is particularly evident among budget two-wheelers that now come with fuel injection or e-carburettors.
Affordability is still maintained in certain products despite being considerably expensive than their BS4 counterparts. Here are 10 such scooters, with a starting price tag below Rs 70,000 ex-showroom:
1. Suzuki Access 125 (Ex-showroom price: Rs 68,800)
Suzuki Access 125, offered in five variants, is priced from Rs 68,800 to Rs 73,400. It is powered by a 124cc air-cooled fuel-injected engine. With BS6 update, the engine offers 8.5ps and 10Nm; up by 0.1ps and down by 0.2Nm compared to its BS4 counterpart. Features include a semi-digital instrument cluster, LED headlamp, external fuel lid, USB charging socket, alloy wheels, CBS (Combined Braking System), etc. It primarily competes with Honda Activa 125 and Hero Maestro Edge 125.
2. Yamaha Ray ZR 125 (Ex-showroom price: Rs 67,530)
Yamaha Motor India launched new Ray ZR 125 Fi (Drum and Disc Brake) alongside the sportier Ray ZR 125 Fi Street Rally variant. Ray ZR drum model is priced at Rs 67,730 while its disc version sees a price tag of Rs 69,730. Range-topping Yamaha Street Rally is offered at Rs 70,730. Features of Street Rally variant include dual-purpose tyres, alloy wheels and knuckle guards. Yamaha Ray ZR is powered by a 125cc air-cooled FI motor, equipped with ACG silent start system, offering 8.2ps and 9.7Nm. Yamaha Ray ZR 125 competes with TVS NTorq 125 while ZR 125 Street Rally goes against Aprilia Storm 125 BS6.
3. Yamaha Fascino (Ex-showroom price: Rs 67,230)
Yamaha Fascino is offered in four variants: STD Drum, STD Disc, DLX Drum and DLX Disc. Prices go up to Rs 72,262. Key features include alloy wheels, 21-litre under-seat storage, multi-function key fob and increased focus on aesthetics. The Yamaha Fascino is powered by a 125cc motor packing 8ps and 9.7Nm. Despite having several alternatives, young female riders find special charm in it.
4. TVS Ntorq (Ex-showroom price: Rs 66,885)
Ntorq is TVS Motor Company’s flagship scooter. It is offered in three variants: Drum, Disc and Race Edition; with prices reaching up to Rs 73,365. Onboard features include LED headlamp with DRLs, T-shaped LED tail lamp, 12-inch alloy wheels, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation assist, CBS, etc. TVS Ntorq is powered by a 124.8cc motor good for 9.38ps and 10.5Nm.
5. Honda Activa 6G (Ex-showroom price: Rs 65,419)
Honda Activa 6G is one of the bestselling two-wheelers in India. It is presented in two variants: Standard and Deluxe. Prices hit up to Rs 68,000. Offered in six colours, Honda Activa 6G is seen with equipment as well as design updates alongside its BS6 109.51cc engine which makes 7.6ps and 8.79Nm. It gets telescopic fork suspension in the front and hydraulic monoshock at the rear. CBS is standard.
6. Hero Destini 125 (Ex-showroom price: Rs 65,310)
Hero MotoCorp offers Destini 125 in two variants: VX and LX. Prices start at Rs 65,310 and Rs 70,367, respectively. Offered in a total of six colour options, Destini 125 gets LED pilot lamps, semi-digital instrument console, telescopic front forks, CBS, etc. It is powered by a 124.6cc engine good for 9ps and 10.4Nm. It receives front and rear drum brakes along with CBS.
7. TVS Jupiter (Ex-showroom price: Rs 63,102)
With prices going up to Rs 69,602, TVS Jupiter gets three variants: Standard, ZX and Classic. It is among the bestselling scooters in the country, usually second only to Honda Activa. There are 13 colour options. Notable features include LED lighting, revised instrument cluster, USB charger, smartphone connectivity, 21-litre under-seat storage and more. The 110cc fuel-injected single-cylinder engine makes 7ps and 8.4Nm. There are two rides modes: Eco and Power.
8. Honda Dio (Ex-showroom price: Rs 61,497)
Honda Dio is a rather sportier alternative (by looks) to Honda Activa. It comes in two variants: STD and DLX (priced at Rs 63,892). It packs several changes in BS6 format, including revised styling. The digital instrument cluster shows info such as fuel range, average fuel efficiency, real-time fuel efficiency, etc. There are four colours on offer: Blue, Red, Orange and Grey. Honda Dio is powered by a 109.51cc fuel-injected engine which makes 7.76ps (0.16ps less than BS4 model) and 9Nm.
9. Hero Pleasure Plus (Ex-showroom price: Rs 55,600)
Hero Pleasure Plus was added to Hero MotoCorp’s BS6 portfolio in January 2020. It is presently the brand’s entry-level scooter. Directed at both male and female riders in the country, Pleasure Plus is powered by the same 110cc engine employed in Hero Maestro and Duet. It generates makes 8ps and 8.7Nm of torque. Unlike most entrants on the list, Hero Pleasure Plus does not get telescopic forks.
10. TVS Scooty Pep+ (Ex-showroom price: Rs 52,554)
At Rs 52,554, TVS Scooty Pep+ is the most affordable scooter on our market. Available in two variants, it is also one of the most fuel-efficient scooters in India. The scooter promises a fuel economy of 65 km/l and is pretty light at 93kg. TVS Scooty Pep+ is powered by an 87.8cc engine making 5.43ps and 6.5Nm. The output is up by 0.43ps and 0.7Nm over its BS4 counterpart.
