Top 7: Scooters setting Indian roads on fire

Auto majors like Honda, Hero MotoCorp, Mahindra, Vespa, Yamaha and TVS have launched a slew of products to take advantage of the rising interest in scooters in India.

Here are the top seven contenders from the manufacturers of two-wheelers creating a buzz among the youth.

1. Honda Activa

Like the hatchbacks from Maruti, Honda has truly captured the heart of Indian two-wheeler buyers. Activa has been ruling the Indian roads with its durability, style quotient and ease-of-use features which not only makes it a popular scooter but also the best two-wheeler in the country.

Offered at a price of Rs 47,204 (ex-showroom, New Delhi) Activa comes loaded with a 4 stroke 109cc single cylinder engine.

The scooter offers mileage of 60kmpl while generating 8bhp at the rate of 7500rpm and torque value of 8.74N. The best commuter scooter for India offers easy maintenance and simplistic design with high power; all at an affordable price.

Courtesy: 

2. Piaggio Vespa LX 125

Vespa, when brought back to life, was re-introduced in a new avatar with a higher style quotient that helps it stand apart from the crowd. This two-wheeler from Piaggio exudes distinct styling, luxury and retro chic appeal.

Comfortable for two, Vespa comes with a 125cc, 3 valve, single cylinder, air cooled engine. The suspension system is single-sided trailing link for the front and hydraulic for the rear.

The engine powering this design marvel offers 9.9bhp and 10.6Nm torque with a fuel efficiency of 60kmpl (company claim). With one of the toughest chassis in the segment and distinct looks, Vespa will continue to turn heads.

3. Hero Pleasure

Catering to the women buyers of the country and marketed as, "Why should boys have all the fun?" Honda Pleasure talks about the free spirit of women and a scooter which Honda is not selling to men.

Costing Rs 41,700 (ex-showroom Delhi), Honda Pleasure comes with 102cc, 4 stroke engine which generates 7.85Nm torque while producing 7bhp peak power and offering a decent mileage of 55kmpl (company claim).

The suspension system is bottom-loaded with springs for the front and swing arm with spring for the rear.

4. Mahindra Rodeo RZ

The Rodeo RZ is an out and out choice of buyers who go out to purchase a scooter that offers top value. Loaded with best-in-class features, Mahindra was looking for a high performance scooter to woo the busy city-dweller.

The scooter comes with a 124.6cc engine, cell phone/iPod charger, fully digital dash, an anti-theft key and even a little light in the under-seat storage compartment and costs Rs 48,164 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The output figures are marked at 8bhp and 9 Nm with a mileage of 59.38 kmpl (company claim).

5. Mahindra Duro DZ

Yet another product from Mahindra, the Duro DZ comes with high fuel efficiency, comfort, durability and ease of riding, which explains why this scooter has been churning out such impressive sales figures.

Tagged at Rs 46,150 (ex-showroom New Delhi) Mahindra Duro DZ comes with huge storage space and a 6.5-litre tank. The power and torque figures are 10.87 bhp at 7000rpm that provides a mileage of approximately 59.38 kmpl (company claim).

The front suspension of Mahindra Duro DZ is telescopic while the rear suspension is hydraulic.

6. Yamaha Ray

Launched as first scooter from the house of Yamaha, Ray definitely comes with a ray of hope for the brand.

The promise to offer a never-ending adventure and the class-apart styling are definitely a few of the positive points of the scooter.

The acceleration is superb with easy maneuverability and handling. The engine is 113cc 4-stroke, 2-valve, air-cooled, SOHC, CVT engine which offers 7.1 PS peak power and 8.1Nm torque with a mileage of 52kmpl (company claim).

The suspension system is telescopic for the front and Unit Swing for the rear with drum brakes. This lightweight scooter will cost you Rs 46,500 (ex-showroom New Delhi).

7. TVS Wego

Costing Rs 43,445 (ex-showroom New Delhi), TVS Wego can be considered as one of the best vehicles in the segment for the rider's cruise through the city.

The tough looks of the Wego have been complemented with a rugged body that never fails to impress while the stability it provides is an add-on to the USP of this scooter.

Running on 109.7cc, air-cooled OHC engine, the power generation figures are 8bhp and 8Nm with the mileage of 60kmpl (company claim).

In-line Telescopic Front Suspension and Spring-loaded Hydraulic Rear Suspension formulates the suspension feature with drum brakes to pull the scooter to a stop.