Top 5 Feature-packed Scooters In India

From Ather’s futuristic features to Jupiter Grande’s practicality, we list down some of the most feature-packed scooters you can buy this festive season

With the festive season around the corner, scooter sales are likely to hit a new high soon. However, with a lot of options out there, it can get quite confusing when it comes to picking the right one. So here’s a list some of the most feature-packed scooters on sale right now.

5) Hero Destini 125

Hero Destini 125 marks the company's entry in the already competitive 125cc segment. While most of its competitors either take a sporty or a premium approach (TVS NTorq, Suzuki Burgman Street respectively), Hero has chosen to cater to more budget-sensitive audiences. But that doesn't mean you have to compromise on features. The Destini 125 comes with all sorts of practical bits you'd want in a scooter, including a semi-digital instrument cluster, service-due indicator and side stand indicator. Other than that, the scooter also gets an external fuel filler cap which is accessible via the ignition slot. Optional accessories include a glovebox behind the front apron and a step saree kit for the pillion.

4) TVS Jupiter Grande

The TVS Jupiter is one of the most popular scooter from the Hosur-based manufacturer. However, it’s been on sale for a long time and has started to show its age a little. Thankfully, TVS has updated the Jupiter by launching a special edition variant called the Jupiter Grande. It gets LED headlamps with position lamps, a semi-digital instrument cluster with econometer and an independent adjustable rear shock absorbers. The digital display showcases now showcases the readout of the percentage you’ve ridden in eco mode. This feedback helps the rider in obtaining the best fuel efficiency. Other standard features include a low fuel indicator, USB charging socket and an external fuel filler cap, which is not available on many scooters in this segment, including its arch rival - the Honda Activa 5G.

3) Suzuki Burgman Street

Maxi-scooters are the definition of relaxed riding. Their bulbous design is made for highway mile munching. While we are still some time away from seeing them on our roads, Suzuki has brought us the Burgman Street to fill the void. And just like its elder sibling, the Burgman 650, the  Burgman Street comes packed with all sorts of convenience features. This includes LED headlamps and tail lamps, a fully digital instrument cluster which showcases basic readouts like an odometer, fuel range, a clock, a service reminder and an oil-change indicator. It also packs a 21.5-litre storage space, which should be enough to store weekly groceries. Another noteworthy feature of the Burgman Street is its extended floorboard which allows the rider to rest his feet over long distance hauls.

2) TVS NTorq

If you aren’t impressed with the list so far, the last two entries are sure to surprise you. Taking the second spot on our list is TVS’ NTorq, which currently leads the 125cc scooter segment. Starting with its piece de resistance, the NTorq gets a fully-digital instrument cluster with TVS' SmartXConnect. Once paired with the company's smartphone app, it allows you to locate your parked scooter, generate last ride report which showcases information like distance covered, top speed, etc. 

In addition to this, the digital display also features GPS assist to find nearby fuel stations, hospitals, service stations and restaurants. Other features include a 'do not disturb' mode which auto-replies with an SMS and an overtaking alert. All this falls under the 'Street Mode'. However, if you're in the mood for a spirited riding, the 'Race Mode' allows you to record top speed and lap times. 

Attention has been paid to the practicality bit as well with the NTorq packing a 22-litre of underseat storage with LED light. There’s also a USB charging socket here to charge your phone. However, we found that smartphones tend to heat up quite a bit while charging. While the NTorq misses out on a more modern LED headlamp offered on all the scooters in this list, we feel that it isn’t a deal breaker considering the sheer value-for-money it offers.

1) Ather 450

Moving away from conventional, fossil-fuel-powered scooters, let’s move on to something that looks like it has time travelled back from the future. The Ather 450 has played a major part in changing everyone’s (at least our) perception of electric scooters. And why shouldn’t it? Its exhaustive list of features alone can shy away from any motorcycle in the same price range. The party piece includes a 7-inch touchscreen which not only displays basic readout such as speed, range, etc., but also packs a plethora of convenient features such as GPS navigation via Google Maps (as opposed to Map India offered on NTorq). 

You can also manage calls and messages through it, choose from different riding modes - Eco, Sports. But that’s not all, it also showcases vehicle diagnostics and troubleshooting options. There’s also an AI system in development which recognises the rider’s riding style, frequent destinations and collects the data and modify navigation and charging times accordingly. Unlike conventional scooters, where you have to do back-breaking manoeuvres to back-up your scooter, the Ather 450 gets a reverse assist system, which lets you throttle your way back at the speed of 2kmph. Once you’re done, you can just switch between reverse and a 5kmph forward mode by just clicking on the starter button. Last but not least, the Ather gets a massive 26-litre storage space, which is good enough to fit even a full face helmet.