Honda has just launched its first BS6 two-wheeler in India in the form of the new Activa 125. The new Activa 125 will be available in three variants - Standard, Alloy and Deluxe. The Standard is priced at Rs 67,490, while Alloy and Deluxe cost Rs 70,990 and Rs 74,490, respectively. This means the base variant of the BS6 Activa 125 is an additional Rs 2478 over the top-spec disc variant of the current model that currently retails at Rs 65,012 (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi).
Earlier this week, an online document revealed some of the specifications of the new Activa 125 - the 124cc BS6 engine develops 8.1hp at 6,500rpm, which is slightly lower than what the motor in the outgoing model produced (8.52hp at 6,500rpm). Unlike the current model that uses a carburetted engine, the one on the BS6 Activa is fuel-injected and this should also translate to better fuel efficiency, apart from the reduced emissions.
At the unveiling of the new Activa, Honda revealed that it had filed as many as 26 patents while developing this scooter. Some new features that the scooter gets over the older model is a ‘noiseless’ starter system, digi-analogue instrumentation, and an idle start-stop system. The new instrument cluster also displays real-time fuel efficiency and range information. Other updates include a side-stand-down indicator with an engine inhibitor (prevents the engine from starting while the side stand is down), a front glove box and an external fuel-filler cap, all of which certainly improve the practicality and ease of use of the scooter.
The new Activa 125 is available in four colours and has also undergone some cosmetic changes in the form of a sharper looking headlight and front end, and a slightly redesigned apron along with a chrome trim on the side panels.
A base price tag of Rs 67,490 seems quite high, but a similar hike is expected across all 125cc scooters when they undergo the switch to BS6. On the plus side, the new Activa 125 comes with a three-year warranty that can be extended by an additional three years.
Azaman Chothia
