Leaked patent images have revealed that Honda is working on equipping its popular international scooter, the PCX 150, with VTEC. The diagrams also show that the single-cylinder engine on the scooter will use a four-valve setup, instead of a two-valve one.
While it is only Honda’s cars in India that get VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), motorcycles like the popular CB400 have featured the technology in global markets since years. However, if these patent images are accurate and the VTEC PCX 150 does make it to production, it’ll be the first time we will see a low-capacity mass-market scooter feature the tech. VTEC will most certainly increase the motor’s efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and improve top-end performance.
That said, Honda won’t be breaking new ground as its segment rival, the Yamaha NMAX 155, already features a similar technology (VVA) along with a four-valve motor. Neither of these scooters are available in India at present, but we could see them make their way here as the scooter segment in the country matures.
So, will the Honda PCX 150 VTEC come to India? Given the high asking price (more than Rs 2.36 lakh), it’s unlikely that Honda will bring it to our shores. Honda scooters sold in India are specifically developed for our market, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that it launches a PCX 150 inspired maxi-scooter as an upgrade to its existing 125cc scooter family in the near future.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
