TVS’s sturdy new 125cc bike is to be called the Phoenix, seen here in final form undergoing testing on the Bangalore-Chennai highway. The Phoenix is all set to become the forerunner of TVS’s commuter model line-up.

The Phoenix sports sober, smart styling with all-black suspension and engine crankcases. Six-spoke alloy wheels are standard, as are a set of racy, aircraft inspired decals. Equipment levels will be at par for a 125, with some healthy specifications uncommon in this segment, including twin LED pilot lamps, digital instruments and a petal-type front disc brake. The Phoenix switches provide an engine-kill button as standard, in addition to which you will also get a hazard warning facility. The Phoenix riding saddle shows-off dual perforated stitching and there’s an upmarket, flush-set tail lamp.

The new TVS’s button-started, four-stroke, single-cylinder, carburetted and air-cooled engine displaces 124.8cc. Maximum power is to be in the region of 10.4bhp and peak torque, 1.02kgm so expect the Phoenix to provide a good balance of adequate performance and fuel-efficiency. A four-speed, manual-shifted gearbox is in place.

The Phoenix uses a single down-tube, tubular steel frame, with a robust box-section swingarm supporting dual rear shock absorbers. The rear shock absorbers are novel, deploying a form of dual-rated spring technology that should promote improved ride quality over a variety of surfaces.

Expect the Phoenix to enter TVS showrooms shortly, in just a few weeks from now.