TVS Scooty Zest 110 review, test ride

The Scooty Zest 110 shares its engine with the Wego and Jupiter, no differences here barring minor tweaks as all scooters are powered by a button or kick started, four-stroke, 109.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled and carburetted engine. Maximum power produced is 7.9bhp at 7,500rpm, transferred to the rear wheel through a TVS’ CVTI automatic transmission system. Maximum torque output is 0.89kgm at 5,500rpm.

There's an auto choke system in place for easy starts in any condition. The scooter feels fleet footed, really peppy yet always smooth, refined and effortless to ride. Acceleration is brisk for the class, feeling on par with if not better than all rival 100-110cc scooters. The Zest covers a 20-50kph run with admirable pace. Holding cruising speeds of around 60kph is a breeze, and if pushed, can attain an indicated 90kph without feeling overly stressed.

The Scooty Zest 110 comes with lighter frame construction as compared to its larger siblings, the Wego and Jupiter. Seating is comfortable, the low, upright posture well suited to city commuting. The Zest 110 feels a light scooter, weighing in at 97kg, significantly lower than the Jupiter at 108kg and Wego at 104kg.

The riding saddle with smart white stitching is well padded, comfortable, longer and wider than on earlier Scootys. Also, the Zest's sturdy feeling textured front floorboard is broader, making it that much more roomy for adults. Speaking of which, there's surprisingly ample space for a rider's knees on this compact scooter.

The Zest 110 does well to use telescopic fork suspension in front, while the rear is sprung by a monoshock, the scooter engine taking up as a stressed member of the frame. Ride quality is a good balance between firm and plush, while handling feels light, always easy with neutral feedback from the steering. The Scooty Zest 110 is a stable scooter to ride, and runs 10-inch steel rims front and rear, with tubeless tyres offering adequate grip, a chunky 90/100 section in front and 90/90 unit at rear. Braking is adequate for the class, with drum brakes at both ends powerful enough and easy to master progressive feel at the levers.

Revised styling along with a larger new powerplant ensures the new Scooty Zest 110 offers buyers better value.

TVS has always excelled at pumping its Scooty series of ladies's scooters with great value, never scrimping on upmarket specifications such as telescopic front shock absorbers. Now, in its largest capacity variation to date, the priced-to-delight Scooty Zest 110 makes an ever compelling package, just right for young girls, students and ladies looking for a light, hassle-free and gearless city runabout. At Rs 42,300 (ex-showroom, Delhi) the Scooty Zest 110 comes together in a pretty much unbeatable package, making just the scooter we recommend in its segment, yes, a class leader from the word go.

RISHAD COOPER