KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Honda Activa has the highest starting price compared to its direct rivals, the all-new TVS Jupiter and Hero Pleasure Plus.
- Only scooter here with an old-school analogue instrument console, but it lacks Bluetooth connectivity and a USB charger.
- Remote engine start is an exclusive feature among 110cc scooters.
Many scooters have come and gone, but none have matched the supreme stature of Honda Activa in the 21st century. The highest-selling scooter in India, that needs no introduction, for it has become a synonym for scooters in Indian households. This plain and simple scooter from Honda has reigned for years, banking on its core strengths, such as reliability and high resale value.
However, the game has intensified with its arch-rival, the all new TVS Jupiter, undergoing a significant transformation. Does the Honda Activa still hold a candle against the heavily updated rivals? let's find out. In the meantime, do join 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.
Also Read: 2024 Honda Activa 125 Pros And Cons: Is It Worth The Premium Over Activa?
Honda Activa vs Rivals: Price
Compared to its rivals, the TVS Jupiter and Hero Pleasure Plus, the Honda Activa has the highest entry-level pricing, starting at Rs 76,884. However, the range-topping variant is comparatively cheaper than the better-equipped top-spec variants of the Jupiter and Pleasure Plus.
| Model | Honda Activa | TVS Jupiter | Hero Pleasure Plus |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 76,684 Rs 82,684 | Rs 74,500 Rs 88,550 | Rs 74,663 Rs 83,113 |
Honda Activa vs Rivals: Engine
All these three scooters here fall in the category of 110cc scooters, with the engine of the Activa being marginally the smallest one in this company. This is reflected in the overall performance of the Honda Activa, which has the least maximum power output among these scooters, though only by a very small margin.
The new Jupiter now claims higher power and torque outputs with its new 113.3cc engine, which is now larger than both Activa and Pleasure Plus. The TVS Jupiter is the only one to feature torque assist for better acceleration in sudden throttling conditions.
| Model | Honda Activa | TVS Jupiter | Hero Pleasure Plus |
| Engine | Single-cylinder, air-cooled, 109.51cc | Single-cylinder, air-cooled, 113.3cc | Single-cylinder, air-cooled, 110.9cc |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT | CVT |
| Maximum power | 7.8 PS @ 8,000 rpm | 8.0 PS @ 6,500 rpm | 8.0 PS @ 7,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 8.9 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | 9.8 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | 8.7 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
Honda Activa vs Rivals: Hardware
All three scooters here are based on an underbone frame, with both Honda Activa and TVS Jupiter getting more new-age telescopic front fork and 3-step adjustable coil spring compared to the old-school suspension setup of the Hero Pleasure Plus. All three scooters come standard with 130mm drum brakes at both front and rear, with the Jupiter being the only one to come with the option of a more superior 220mm front disc option.
Like the Jupiter, the Activa also gets a 90/90-12 tyre at the front, though it is the Jupiter which gets an equally large tyre at the rear too, compared to 90/100-10 tyre at the rear in both Activa and Pleasure Plus.
| Dimensions | Honda Activa | TVS Jupiter | Hero Pleasure Plus |
| Frame | Underbone | Underbone | Underbone |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic | Bottom trailing link |
| Rear Suspension | 3-step adjustable coil spring | 3-step adjustable coil spring | Coil spring |
| Front brake | 130mm drum | 130mm drum / 220mm disc | 130mm drum |
| Rear brake | 130mm drum | 130mm drum | 130mm drum |
| Front tyre | 90/90-12 | 90/90-12 | 90/100-10 |
| Rear tyre | 90/100-10 | 90/90-12 | 90/100-10 |
Honda Activa vs Rivals: Features
Compared to Jupiter and Pleasure Plus, our main scooter feels outdated. It misses out on a fancier instrument console, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB charger. Along with features like an LED headlamp and alloy wheels, which are common to all three scooters, the Honda Activa also gets an external fuel filler like the TVS Jupiter.
With its latest update, the TVS Jupiter has moved the game ahead with class-leading features like all-LED lights, a fully digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity, a front fuel filler, a segment-best under-seat storage compartment, and the most extended seat. The Activa is the only scooter here to get an exclusive remote engine start and find feature.
| Dimensions | Honda Activa | TVS Jupiter | Hero Pleasure Plus |
| Headlamps | LED | LED with LED DRLs | LED projectors with LED DRLs (ZX+ variant) |
| Tail lamps | Halogen | LED | Halogen |
| Turn indicators | Halogen | LED | Halogen |
| Instrument console | Full-analogue | Fully-digital | Part-digital |
| Bluetooth connectivity | No | Yes (optional) | Yes (optional) |
| External fuel filler | Yes | Yes | No |
| Alloy wheels | Yes (optional) | Yes (optional) | Yes (optional) |
| USB charger | No | Yes | Yes |
| Remote start | Yes (optional) | No | No |
Also Read: Suzuki Access 125 Old VS New: How It Has Evolved Over The Years
Verdict
The Honda Activa might not be as new-age and have best-in-class engine performance as the TVS Jupiter, which has changed the game altogether with its refreshing new design, longer features list, and all-new engine. However, customers loves its simplicity, reliability, and affordability, which still make it the highest-selling scooter in India. It's only a matter of time before we clarify whether the extensive updates introduced in the new TVS Jupiter help it dethrone the Activa from its numero uno position.
