SCOOT-ING ALONG

The 125cc scooter segment has long been a bestseller for two wheeler manufacturers, with these models ruling the roost.

- PANCHAM BHARDWAJ

Considering the two-wheeler heavy nature of the Indian automotive sector, and the fact that India is the biggest market for these vehicles, it shouldn’t be a surprise that they consistently outsell cars and other types of private transport options. What really is surprising is the fact that out of all the models favoured by consumers, the top seller in terms of volume remains a 125cc scooter. This segment itself has become one of the best-performing ones in the entire two-wheeler market, despite the fact that scooters don’t always offer the best performance, or even the safest riding experience. What they do offer though, is the first taste of freedom for young riders, especially women, who still aren’t comfortable with the thought of handling heavier and mechanically complex motorcycles.

Responding to this public demand, most two-wheeler manufacturers have released their own 125cc offerings, with equally unique approaches to design, performance and convenience. However, even though there are dozens of choices across a wide price range, there are only a handful of models that have truly captured the imaginations of the masses. We are here to look at four such choices, which represent the best that the segment has to offer. They not only represent how far automatic scooters have come, but also the direction we can expect them to take moving forward.

HONDA ACTIVA 125