Honda has patented a new scooter in India, which goes by the name of Metropolitan in global markets. While mechanical information is currently under wraps, the styling elements suggest the Honda Metropolitan will rival the Yamaha Fascino.
The way forward seems to go through the past, as manufacturers have started the whole retro movement again by launching new retro styled vehicles, or simply giving their existing ones a makeover. This trend in the scooter segment was started by the Piaggio Vespa. Yamaha has followed suit with the Fascino, and Suzuki has also tried something similar with its new Access. Honda too, now seems to want to grab a piece of the retro pie, by launching a new scooter in our markets which will carry a flavour from the 80s.
Honda has recently patented a new scooter on Indian shores, and as per the patent photos, we can clearly see a retro styling language. The scooter in question turned out to be the Honda Metropolitan in global markets. The scooter is sold in many guises across the world, and has generally been seen powered by a 49cc engine. However, the one sold in India will most likely share the mechanicals with Honda’s famous Activa.
There were also speculations floating around about the Honda Metropolitan being an electric scooter. The scooter would rival the soon to be launched Hero Leap. The Leap will be getting a petrol-electric hybrid motor, with a rechargeable battery management system. The Leap was showcased in the 2012 Auto Expo, and subsequently, a production ready prototype was revealed at the 2014 Auto Expo.
A move into the electric market by Honda will surely give a great push to the Indian electric movement. Also, knowing Honda’s track record, the company is always ready to enter uncharted waters and niche segments like the Navi, CBR650F, etc. Also, the lead up to the patents point towards an electric launch. All things considered, the Metropolitan will surely be priced at a premium due to its retro styling features, and if launched on the Activa’s platform, will rival the Yamaha Fascino and Suzuki Access. It will also pull customers from the more expensive Piaggio Vespa.
Honda Metropolitan
– Honda has patented a retro styled scooter in India
– The scooter looks similar to the Honda Metropolitan sold worldwide
– It will rival the likes of the Yamaha Fascino and Suzuki Access
– The scooter might get an all new electric motor, or be based on the Activa’s platform
