KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Yamaha Aerox is easily the most powerful of the lot.
- The Vespa 150 lineup is differentiated only via cosmetics.
- The TVS Ntorq is the only 125cc scooter in this comparison.
- The Ather 450 Apex is the most expensive scooter in this list.
Scooters used to be a lot different than how we see them today. While that's a story for another day, what we are going to talk about are some of the most powerful new scooters available in the country today. Scooters that don't feel like slouches at all. Scooters that are fun to ride, and ones that don't cost more than Rs 2 lakh.
We have checked out everything in this list, from ICE to EVs. But before going further, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to stay up-to-date with the latest automotive buzz, and to get in touch with fellow enthusiasts.
The Most Powerful Scooter In India Under Rs 2 Lakh
Yamaha Aerox 155
No surprises there. With a liquid-cooled 155cc powertrain borrowed from the R15, producing 14.75bhp and 13.9Nm of torque, the Yamaha Aerox 155 is easily the most powerful scooter in India under Rs 2 lakh.
It's also one of the most fun-to-ride scooters and that is because of its frame. The centrally-mounted fuel-tank allows you to grip your knees, like you would on a motorcycle. That, coupled with its stiffer suspension setup makes it incredibly fun while attacking corners.
However, the pillion seat is quite high-up, and the stiffness of the suspension also causes them to face a lot of jolts.
The Aerox 155 also takes a hit when it comes to practicality; while it does offer a generous underseat storage space, there is no space to keep anything on the footwell due to the centrally-placed fuel tank.
In terms of equipment, the Aerox does receive a digital cluster, traction control, bluetooth connectivity, and there is another variant with a keyless system. However, while the cluster's brightness can be adjusted, on-board navigation should have been available.
With prices beginning from Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom), this is a scooter that will make motorcycle guys go ga-ga, unlike some of the others in this list.
Also read: Yamaha Aerox 155 Key Features Explained - Here's Everything It Gets
Ola S1 Pro
We are living in times where even electric scooters are offering high performance. The Ola S1 Pro produces a peak output of 14.75bhp, which is similar to the Aerox 155. However, even in Hyper mode it does not launch as hard as an Ather, but the S1 Pro's acceleration builds up and it becomes scarily fast in a matter of seconds.
In terms of range, the 4kWh battery pack can be charged from 0-100% in 6.5 hours via a portable 750W charger. This gives the S1 Pro a claimed range of 143km on a single charge.
While we have not ridden the updated S1 Pro with conventional forks yet, we have ridden the pre-facelift S1 Pro, and that was an agile, nimble scooter. Its seat was large and spacious, it had ample storage space under the seat, and it deals with bad roads quite well too.
However, the 'eco' mode is completely unusable even on city roads, as it restricts the scooter's performance considerably.
With a touch screen cluster, ride modes, reverse mode, navigation, and even a sound system, the S1 Pro is among the most feature-packed scooters as well, and it comes in at Rs 1.34 lakh (ex-showroom). However, the S1 Pro is not the most reliable choice here, given the mixed opinion of customers.
Also read: Ola S1 Pro Key Features Explained: A Tech Fest Onboard This Ola
Aprilia SR 160
The SR 160 is 'that' scooter that shook things up. Finding its roots in the SR 150 from the pre-BS6 era, Aprilia made sure other manufacturers stood up and took notes on how to do a performance scooter. The compact body, 14-inch wheel setup, and the racy black and red theme were to die for.
In its current guise, the 160cc engine produces 11.12bhp and 13.44Nm of torque. While the SR 160 also isn't the fastest off the line, the mid-range is very punchy and you can reach up to 85kmph, at which point vibrations start to kick in. Reaching 100kmph is possible but patience is key here.
The SR 160 continues to be an excellent handler; it tips into corners very easily, the 14-inch wheels and the stiff suspension setup make it very nimble and agile. The 220mm front disc and 140mm rear drum offer more than enough stoppage power too. However, it certainly is not the most feature-packed for its price. At Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom), it lacks bluetooth connectivity as a standard feature, and there is no multi-function key slot.
The SR 160 has also started showing its age, especially with the Ntorq 125 closing the gap in terms of performance, beating it in terms of features, equipment, and matching it in terms of handling as well. But, we shall talk about that in a bit.
Aprilia SXR 160
The SXR 160 is essentially the calmer version of the SR, but still very much an Aprilia in terms of ride and handling. The 160cc powertrain here produces 10.94bhp and 12.13Nm of torque, which should give it enough whack to be fast.
However, the suspension is said to be tuned more towards comfort, which should result in a balanced ride experience. It also receives an identical digital cluster from the SR, along with a USB charging port and a front glovebox. But much like the SR, the SXR too has begun to show signs of aging, and it needs a grounds-up overhaul sooner than later. The Rs 1.43 lakh (ex-showroom) price tag cannot be justified, especially when the Yamaha Aerox 155 is not that far away.
Vespa 150 Series
The Vespa 150 lineup consists of the Classic VXL 150, Classic SXL 150, Dual VXL, the Dual SXL 150, SXL 150, SXL Sports 150, and the Racing Sixties 150. All these scooters are differentiated only in terms of cosmetics, as they share the same underpinnings.
In fact, they share the same powertrain as the Aprilias, but while the Aprilias are tuned more towards fast acceleration and performance, the Vespa lineup focuses on daily usability.
The 149.5cc engine here produces 10.64bhp and 11.26Nm of torque, which should give it respectable performance out on the highway, and it should be more than enough in the city as well. Given its linkage suspension at the front and a four-step adjustable monoshock at the rear, one can expect a bouncy ride over bad road conditions.
With prices ranging between Rs 1.42 lakh to Rs 1.53 lakh (ex-showroom), the Vespa 150 scooters are for someone who does not mind missing out on convenience features for exclusivity and style, even if it means shelling out extra bucks.
TVS Ntorq 125 Race XP
While the Aprilia SR may have sparked interest in the performance scooter segment, the TVS Ntorq 125 is what turned those sparks into a forest fire. This 125cc scooter showed manufacturers how to make an affordable 125cc performance scooter which is also practical enough for daily usage, and also packs in modern features.
Powered by a 124.8cc engine, the Ntorq 125 is the first 125cc scooter to produce 10bhp and 10.9Nm of torque. It also gets conventional telescopic forks and a monoshock, along with wider 12-inch tyres with alloy rims. Up front, you also get a 220mm disc brake as well.
The Ntorq 125 launches quickly off the line, with a good spread of torque all around. It moves forward with a sense of urgency, and seeing 95kmph on the digital cluster does not take much time either. The Ntorq also features high levels of fit and finish, while its deep and throaty exhaust note is music to one's ears.
Yes, its footwell a little short on space, and the seat can feel a little small for the pillion, but this scooter is just as usable in the city as it is out on the highway, and even around bends. It feels stable on the highway, and while it might feel a little stiff in the city, it is not bothersome. Not to mention, the wider tyres inspire confidence when going around corners as well.
The Ntorq 125 Race XP comes packing with voice commands, two ride modes, bluetooth-enabled digital cluster which shows turn-by-turn navigation, personalised welcome messages, a lap timer, call and SMS alerts, phone signal and battery levels, engine temperature, last-parked location assist, and a trip report generator.
Factor in all this at Rs 97,491 (ex-showroom), and you'll see the reasons why the Ntorq 125 has been a runaway hit for TVS.
Also read: TVS Ntorq 125: Old Vs New Still The Sportiest 125cc Scooter?
Ather 450 Apex
The Ather 450 Apex was launched as a limited-edition model, and it is a celebration of the 450 platform that Ather has been using over all these years.
Ather has also tuned the electric motor for more performance, now producing 9.3bhp and 26Nm of peak power and torque figures respectively. The 450 Apex is the first Ather to breach the 100kmph landmark.
The 450 Apex also comes with a unique 'Magic Twist' regen function, which brings the scooter to a complete halt. This system works even when the scooter has 100% battery range, and it is different from conventional regen systems that reduce an electric scooter's speed to a certain limit.
This scooter retains the 3.7kWh battery pack, and it gets a claimed range of 157km on a single charge.
In terms of design, the 450 Apex retains the core silhouette, but it gets special transparent side panels that highlight the orange-painted frame, while the rest of the scooter receives an Indium Blue paint finish.
At Rs 1.94 lakh (ex-showroom), the Ather 450 Apex is by far the priciest scooter in this list, and you might do well to act quick if you want to buy one.
Verdict
As evidenced above, today there are a wide range of options available in the market today, even between different power sources. While the Vespas and the electrics might appeal to a niche audience range, the Ntorq 125 is certainly be the one most buyers will flock towards.
The Aerox 155 is for someone who wants an almost-motorcycle like experience from their scooter. This leaves us with the Aprilia SR and SXRs; no matter how redeeming their riding dynamics may be, they are in need of a generational change that also brings along some more features to justify that price.
However, do consider taking a test ride of all the scooters before deciding on your purchase eventually.
