Yamaha's Vespa?

The Yamaha Fascino is a cheaper option for those who want to buy a stylish scooter like Vespa, says Naveen Soni

Yamaha Motor India has launched a new 113cc premium scooter Fascino in India, priced at Rs 52,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi). It is a cheaper option for those who want to buy a stylish scooter like Vespa, but are bound by their budgets. Yamaha Fascino shares the platform as well as the power mill with the existing Ray and Alpha. However, it has a complete new look with a fusion of retro and modern styling.

The new Yamaha Fascino comes with a uniquely shaped, stunning headlamp, mounted on the handlebar. The front apron-incorporated turn indicators along with a grill have chrome work at the top. Rear view mirrors, side panels and rear panel also get chrome elements including 3D metallic logos, providing a premium feel to the design. Side panels and tail section of the scooter have been carved beautifully in a flowing manner.

Aluminium rear grab rail has also been designed to gel well with the body work.

The meter console of the Fascino looks very stylish and trendy. It also showcases the comfort and convenience of the scooter. Seat of the scooter is wide and well cushioned, however, it is 7mm leaner around thighs to ensure easy leg reach for better control.

A convenient bag hook has been provided at the front and there is sufficient space on the foot-board, so that the rider can sit comfortably even after keeping shopping bags there. It has a large 21-litre of underseat storage space, which can swallow a full face helmet. Apart from this, a small storage has been provided at the front, where you can keep your wallet, phone or other stuff during ride.

As we mentioned above, the Yamaha Fascino sports the same 113cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, which powers the company's entire scooter range in India. The motor is based on the company's new Blue Core technology, which has been invented to achieve optimum performance. Using carburetor type fuel supply system, it makes up to 7bhp of power at 7,500rpm and delivers torque upto 8.1Nm at 5,000rpm. It comes with automatic transmission using a CVT gearbox with dry centrifugal clutch. The scooter claims to return a fuel efficiency of up to 66kmpl in the standard conditions.

Bolted on an underbone type frame, the new Yamaha Fascino has overall dimensions (L x W x H) of 1,815mm x 675mm x 1,120mm along with a wheelbase of 1,270mm. Seat height of the scooter is 775mm, which includes a ground clearance of 128mm. It has a fuel tank capacity of 5.2-litre and weighs just 103 kg. The Fascino runs on 10" steel plate type wheels, which comes with 90/100 section tubeless tyres. It has telescopic forks at the front, and the rear unit gets spring loaded hydraulic damper. To control the scooter, both the front and rear wheels have been equipped with drum type braking units, which are sufficient for the machine.

The stylish Yamaha Fascino is available in five vibrant colour options: Sassy Cyan, Rouge Red, Haute White, Cool Cobalt and Tuxedo Black. The only competitor of the scooter in the Indian market is Honda Aviator, which is already not doing as good as many other 110cc offerings without premium styling.

Let's see if this new product can succeed to uplift this segment in the market or not.