2014 TVS Wego Review
Bike Tested: 2014 TVS Wego
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 56,500/- (Drum), Rs. 59,000/- (Disc)
TVS has refreshed the already impressive Wego scooter, taking it to an entirely new level
TVS is on a roll and has simultaneously gone aggressive. If any other manufacturer shows signs of moving or making a new product, TVS will counteract. It will launch a product or refresh its old product to reply as it wants to be on the chart when it comes to scoring the highest numbers in domestic scooter sales. Scooters are responsible for TVS’ growth and has now made them the third largest 2-wheeler manufacturer in India by overtaking Bajaj Auto in the last quarter. What we have here is the refreshed version of a scooter which started the dominance game for TVS in the Indian market and challenged the Honda Activa. The 2014 TVS Wego has gone through a lot of changes which will improve its market share and win customers’ heart as well. Has TVS done it subtly or have they gone the full banana? We find out!
Styling – Styling wise nothing much has changed. The body panels everywhere are the same and so is the headlight. What has changed is the colour of the wheels and front telescopic forks from silver to black. The major revision is to the tail light and the exhaust canister which now comes from the Jupiter. Then obviously the most noticeable change is the multi-colour paint scheme with graphics which accentuate the athletic look of the scooter. The Wego has always been a youthful, attractive scooter and all of this makes it look even more upmarket.
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – This is where the major revision has been done on the refreshed Wego. The 125cc Phoenix inspired digital meter with changes to font colour from red to blue have made their way here. The speedometer looks more like a tachometer at first, it feels weird but when you know that is the speed rising, it grows on you and feels cool and futuristic. Odometer, trip meter, fuel warning and battery indicator warning are all packed in this cool cluster unlike the Jupiter where it had a separate housing. Power and Economy modes also make it to the Wego which helps a lot in extracting every bit of economy as we told you in our long term Jupiter report (HERE). Switches as always are well done by TVS. They feel and look good at the same time with the help of red colored starter and yellow colored horn buttons.
Practicality – Ergonomics and practicality on offer remain the same which means same as the competition. Seats as always are on the softer side as they are picked up from the Jupiter. External fuel filler cap makes things easier at pumps, under-seat storage is quite large and can take big bags quite easily. Rear view mirrors are well positioned and do the job well. The patented main stand technology works and is still there on the Wego. All of this makes it extremely easy to deploy the main stand. Many features such as mobile charger, multi-reflector headlight glass, glowing ignition key hole (at all times), tubeless tyres, parking brake clamp also standard on the Wego. As we all know, the TVS Wego is a full metal bodied scooter.
Performance – Powering the Wego is the same engine which now powers the Jupiter. The engine is great like always as it is smooth, refined and sounds throaty too. However, the old Wego engine felt extremely peppy, electric and energetic. The engine makes 8 BHP of power and 8 Nm of torque like before but now the power delivery is more linear and the gearbox is slightly tuned. Changes to the combustion chamber and changes to the parts reduce friction and add more efficiency. The engine has just about adequate low-end torque but mid-range is excellent with top-end being decent enough to make the scooter touch 90 km/hr quite easily. Since this scooter sits quite low compared to the Jupiter, it is definitely more efficient at cutting the air. We had the Jupiter with us on several occasions and it was also our long term scooter so we can claim fuel efficiency numbers. This engine will be able to give 48 km/l in the city and 55 km/l on the highway because of the weight of the scooter is 3 kgs less than the Jupiter and partly because the Power and Eco modes help you achieve the best numbers possible like we mentioned several times in our reviews.
Dynamics – It was the Jupiter that shared its underpinnings with the Wego which had excellent dynamics and a great ride quality. The Wego was the original sibling which had this characteristic in the first place. The Wego is a very good scooter when you hit a twisty patch of road, it handles really well. 12-inch wheels, telescopic forks and tubeless tyres help the Wego run rings around some of its competitors. Turn-in is good and grip levels are great too. The TVS tyres were an issue earlier but not anymore. TVS has tweaked the existing tyres for much better grip and stability but still they are nowhere near as exciting and confidence inspiring as the MRFs. Braking is excellent with both sides using drum brakes. Disc as we know is available as an optional extra for roughly Rs. 2800/-.
Verdict – TVS is doing what it does best, offering a product made in India at competitive prices and not sacrificing on quality and reliability either. Something which TVS is known for in the first place. The pricing, the goodies and the essentials are very well setup on the Wego. The cost of upkeep is quite low and service of after sales has been proven over time. The only lacklustre from TVS’ side is that it is not present in some markets in the country itself which is slightly pinching them. Obviously, they have just overtaken Bajaj and become the third largest 2-wheeler manufacturer in our country. Whatever they have with them now, it’s the excellent scooters which are solely responsible for it, and the Wego is one of them.
The TVS Wego does everyday duties extremely well. The pricing is also right and thus this entry level scooter will find many homes as it offers class leading qualities in an extremely well rounded package.
What’s Cool
* Features
* Dynamics
* Value for money
What’s Not So Cool
* No space for full faced helmet
* Missing shutter lock
2014 TVS Wego Specifications
* Engine: 109.7cc, OHC, 2-Valve
* Power: 8 HP @ 7500 RPM
* Torque: 8 Nm @ 5500 RPM
* Transmission: CVT
* 0 – 60 km/hr: 9.7 seconds
* Top Speed: 90 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 50-55 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Underbone type
* Suspension: Telescopic forks (Front), Monoshock (Rear)
* Tyres: 90/90/12 (Front), 90/90/12 (Rear)
* Brakes: 130 mm Drum (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear) Disc 220 mm (Optional)
2014 TVS Wego Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 1834 mm x 640 mm x 1115 mm
* Wheelbase: 1275 mm
* Ground Clearance: 150 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 5-litres
* Kerb weight: 104 kgs