The power scooter segment has finally arrived with consumers getting a range of options to choose from. While the Suzuki Access, Swish and Mahindra’s Rodeo were the only options available; it is now India’s best selling scooter the Activa that has been updated with a bigger mill and will be looking forward to dethrone Suzuki’s reign in this segment. We compare all the 125cc segment offerings against each other to see which one is worth your money.
| Specifications | Honda Activa 125 | Suzuki Access | Suzuki Swish | Vespa LX | Mahindra Rodeo RZ |
| Engine | 124.9cc | 124cc | 124cc | 125cc | 124.6cc |
| Power (HP) | 8.6 @ 6500 RPM | 8.58 @ 7000 RPM | 8.58 @ 7000 RPM | 10 @ 7500 RPM | 8.04 @ 7000 RPM |
| Torque (Nm) | 10.12 @ 5500 RPM | 9.8 @ 5000 RPM | 9.8 @ 5000 RPM | 10.6 @ 6000 RPM | 9 @ 5500 RPM |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Dimensions in mm (LxWxH) | 1814 x 704 x 1151 | 1780 x 650 x 1125 | 1780 x 650 x 1140 | 1770 x 690 x 1140 | 1790 x 650 x 1110 |
| Wheelbase in mm | 1260 | 1250 | 1250 | 1290 | 1245 |
| Front Brake Type | Disc | Drum | Drum | Drum | Drum |
| Kerb Weight | Not Available | 114 kg | 110 kg | 114 kg | 106 kg |
| Fuel Efficiency (Claimed) | 59 km/l | 47 km/l | 57 km/l | 60 km/l | 59 km/l |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs. 58,156/- | Rs. 47,326/- | Rs. 48,241/- | Rs. 67,425/- | Rs. 46,657/- |
Design – While the design language may not be the most radical on any of the 125cc scooters, the Activa 125 does manage to stand out with a fresher appeal compared to the dated lines on the Access and Swish. The Rodeo on the other hand also comes with the understated ergonomic styling, but it is the Activa that definitely takes away this segment with the refreshed design. If something out of the box is what you want, then the Vespa is your best bet.
Instrument Cluster – The Rodeo by far is the only scooter that comes with a completely digital instrument cluster, the Activa 125 on the other hand offers a very premium looking analogue instrument cluster with a digital display unit. The Access and the Swish however look very dated with the plain analogue instrument clusters on offer; while the Vespa’s analogue instrument cluster comes with a retro twist.
Dimensions – In terms of dimensions, it is the Honda Activa leading the charge being the longest, tallest and highest (1814 mm x 704 mm x 1151mm) in the segment. The Activa’s wheelbase at 1260 mm is a considerable 10 mm longer than the Access and is expected to offer decent seating space for both the rider and the pillion. The Vespa has the longest wheelbase in the segment though, measuring in at 1290 mm.
Powertrain – The Swish and Access come with the same powertrain. Both are powered by the same 124cc engine that produces 8.5 HP of power and 9.8 Nm of torque. But it is the Activa 125 that has been tuned to offer more power in the segment, marginally more at 8.6 HP. The Rodeo is the least powered of the lot with 8.4 HP of power while the Vespa is the most powerful with 10.06 HP of power. However, Suzuki’s 125cc mill offers strong mid-range performance and does not feel sluggish at high speeds. All scooters in the segment come with a CVT transmission.
Fuel Efficiency – With Honda’s HET technology for improved fuel efficiency, the Activa 125 is the most fuel efficient in the segment returning a claimed fuel efficiency of 59 km/l which is almost similar to the Vespa LX; while it is the Swish thanks to its light weight that returns a claimed efficiency of 57 km/l. The Access on the other hand returns a claimed fuel efficiency of 47 km/l. Mahindra claims a fuel efficiency of 59 km/l on the Rodeo. In real time, most scooters don’t exceed the 45 km/l mark. However the Vespa has an 8.5-litre fuel tank while others come with a 5 litre fuel tank, giving the Vespa the longest range.
Price – It is the Rodeo that has been priced very aggressively in the segment. The top-end Mahindra Rodeo RZ starts at Rs. 46,657/-, but misses out on the front disc brake and is the least powerful of the lot. The Activa 125 on the other hand is priced at a premium and comes with alloy wheels, front disc brake and Combined Braking System (CBS) on the top-end variant priced at Rs. 58,156/- for the Deluxe variant. The Access and Swish manage to fit in between with a price tag starting at Rs. 47,326/- and Rs. 48,241/- respectively. The Vespa is the most expensive by a significant premium, priced at Rs. 67,425/-, but also offers better aesthetics and a more powerful engine.
On paper the Honda Activa seems to be a very attractive proposition with a host of features and is a refreshing design. However, the high pricing can be a huge deterrent when compared to the competition in the segment. Honda is surely betting big to cash in on the Activa brand name that the company has made over the 15 years period of time.
