The fundamentals of this two-wheeler still remain the same but it is not just the looks that have changed. This upgrade or rather a facelift is much more. It changes the way we drive these two-wheelers. Let us address the elephant in this room which is the BSVI emission compliance. It is Honda’s first scooter with the compliance and it marks the new era of how the two-wheelers will follow in India.
The mechanics include a new 125cc engine powered by Honda’s proprietary eco-technology and for the first time, a petrol scooter will come with a silent start engine due to the ACG technology. It uses an AC generator, the same one that charges the battery to start the motor Jolt Free.
Another major change for a scooter is that it comes with direct fuel injection which is Honda’s proprietary technology called ‘Programmed Fuel Injection’ which provides direct fuel injection into the combustion chamber to generate a more refined power delivery. It will be a nice advantage for those red light starts to sprint past the traffic.
It also comes with a new technology that Honda calls the ‘Idling Stop System’ which would help to save fuel by automatically switching off the engine at signals or even when the side stand indicator is on.
Electronics: It gets an all-new digital analog meter with 3 new real-time informatics like range (distance to empty), Average (overall fuel consumption) and real-time fuel efficiency. The new meter has tons of information like a trip clock, ECO indicator, service due indicator, and even a segment first Side Stand Indicator.
Body: What adds to the premium feel of the scooter is the extensive use of chrome on the body. The front headlamps that are LED now are joined together by a bridge of chrome that feels premium and upmarket than the competition. It gets a full metal body along with a chrome plated badging on both sides signifying the brand. The fuel is not under the seat but at the back which helps to elevate comfort so that one does not have to get up in order to fill up. The new telescopic front suspension has long travel accompanied by the discs at the front to ensure comfort and safety.
The list of the features is long and the new glove box in the front has decent storage located on the bottom left of the digital-analog and on the Bottom right is a new dual function switch that opens the fuel lid as well as the under seat boot.
The new Activa is expected to be launched in the second quarter of 2019 which will go up against the likes of the N-Torque and the Suzuki Burgman to name a few. It is expected to be pricier and would fall in the premium price range of Rs 65,000-70,000, which would be Rs 3000-5000 hike from the current price. The current engine produces figures at 8.4hp and 10.54nm of torque. It is yet to see what the new engine will produce but the figures are expected to be similar.