Reference Auto

Honda, which has become ‘price-wise’ (if we may say so) in India, has been rolling out a slew of two-wheelers (especially, automatic scooters), tasting success with the Dio as well as the Aviator, and now, it has come up with the cheapest version of its Activa scooter, the Activa-i, which will spark a price battle in the 110 cc scooters segment.

As of now, Honda has grabbed over 50 per cent share of the scooter market and hopes to be the largest two-wheeler maker in India by 2015 (ahead of its former partner Hero).

In an effort to achieve this feat, Honda has unveiled the most affordable scooter in its line-up, the Activa-i.

The price is almost a steal at Rs 44,200 (ex-showroom Delhi), which is Rs 5,000 less than the regular Activa.

The new scooter comes with the same air-cooled 109 cc engine like the Activa, belts out 8.15 PS @ 7,500 rpm and has a torque of 8.74 Nm @ 5,500 rpm.

It also offers all the features, which come in the previous Activa, like the Combi Brake System or CBS.

The CBS reduces braking distance by 25 per cent when compared to conventional brakes. The tyres are tubeless, there is a maintenance-free battery (maintaining batteries are a big pain for bike riders) and also present is a viscous air filter.

The Activa-i offers a fuel economy of 60 km per litre, owing to Honda Eco Technology or HET used by the engine.

The new scooter comes with a design influenced by the Aviator in front and the indicators give the scooter a unique look. The rear comes with new tail lamps and a well-molded exhaust. The Activa-i has a storage capacity of 18 litres under the seat, which is pretty cool.

The Honda scooter has a tad higher ground clearance of 165 mm (against the Activa’s 153 mm) and uses an ergonomic grab rail, which helps in putting the scooter on the stand with 15 per cent less force. This is aimed at helping women riders, who park their two-wheelers.

The Activa-i would be offered in four cool colours – Beige Metallic, Pearl Sunbeam White, Alpha Red Metallic and Purple Metallic.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India CEO Keita Muramatsu revealed that the Activa-i is the creation of a team of about 200 engineers, who have been working on the project for about a year. The company is contemplating a 100 per cent made-in-India product but is tightlipped whether it would be a motorcycle or a scooter.

So, Honda, which is leading the scooters market in India, is paving the way for it to remain on top by triggering a price war in the 110 cc personal scooters segment with the launch of the Activa-i.