KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The 2025 Honda Dio 125 looks familiar and doesn't bear many design changes.
- It is available in two variants; DLX and H-Smart.
- Both variants come with a 4.2-inch TFT cluster but with varying levels of service.
The Honda Dio 125 may have just joined in 2023, but the Dio nametag has been around since as early as 2001, serving as a sporty yet frugal alternative to the more family-focused Activa. More recently, the Dio 125 has been updated with new features and OBD-2B compliance.
How does the Dio 125 add up as a product? We take a look at its pros and cons, but first make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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2025 Honda Dio 125 Pros And Cons
Pro: Addition Of Useful Features
The Dio 125 has finally received a set of features, and we say better late than never. Available in two variants, the Dio 125 now gains a 4.2-inch TFT screen that looks more premium and sophisticated than the aging LCD unit. It comes with features such as an eco indicator, real-time and average fuel efficiency readouts, distance-to-empty and the usual basic readouts.
The H-Smart variant adds on the Honda RoadSync connectivity suite, which gives you access to turn-by-turn navigation, calls/SMS alerts, music streaming, message-answer back, and weather reports. Additionally, it also comes with a keyless system with remote vehicle lock/unlock, a vehicle finder, and smart start among other things.
Pro: The Design Still Looks Good
The Honda Dio has a design that has become rather common over the years. In fact, the face of the scooter has remained familiar since the generation upgrade in 2012, with the bikemaker only adding small tweaks and new paint schemes from time to time. The Dio 125 also looks rather similar to the now-discontinued Grazia, but somehow the design has aged well and still holds up.
Also read: 2025 Honda Dio 125 Variant Analysis; The Better Pick?
Pro: Refinement, Efficiency And Reliability
The Dio 125 carries the typical Honda traits, in the sense that it continues to offer refinement and decent efficiency. The 123.9cc air-cooled engine does not feel too buzzy when doing regular commuter duties or at city speeds, and despite its sporty intentions, it continues to offer a balanced approach, and it can be rather efficient when driven sanely. The Honda reliability is also there to back it up, and spares are also inexpensive in case something does go wrong.
Con: Not For Hardcore Enthusiasts
Those looking for riding thrills have no choice but to look elsewhere. At 104kg, the Dio 125 is rather lightweight, but its chassis setup simply does not inspire enough confidence to attack corners as easily as one would on an Ntorq. While it offers decent mid-range performance as well, it does not match up to the levels of the Xoom 125, which can reach higher speeds with ease and continue to cruise at them.
Also read: Honda Dio 125 Vs Hero Xoom 125; The Better 125cc Scooter?
Con: Priced A Tad Too High
The base Dio 125 comes in at Rs 96,749 (ex-showroom), which is hard to justify when you factor in rivals like the Xoom 125 and the TVS Ntorq, both of which undercut the Dio 125. The range-topping Xoom 125 ZX is priced at Rs 92,900 (all prices ex-showroom), while the base TVS Ntorq undercuts both the scooters at Rs 87,042 (all prices ex-showroom). Both these scooters have an edge over the Dio 125 in terms of both features and performance.
Verdict
The Dio 125 has its strengths and weaknesses as seen in this article. It is true that the Dio brand has been fading in terms of relevance, and the high price tag will only make things further difficult for the scooter. However, if one were to look past performance and features, and simply want something sharp looks and a balanced ride approach, and that is where the Dio 125 shines.
