Hero Destini 125

The Hero Destini 125’s design language is similar to the current-gen 110cc Duet. Hero has gone for a more sober look compared to the other newly launched 125cc scooters in the country. There are two variants: LX and VX. The top-end VX variant comes with a large chrome chest on the apron, dual-tone seat cover, chrome garnishing on the side body panels, and alloy wheels. The scooter is available in red, bronze, white and black colour options. The entry-level LX version on the other hand misses out on these features and instead comes with a single-tone seat cover, silver garnishing on the apron and steel wheels. Instrumentation is an analogue-digital combo unit, with the digital inset displaying the fuel gauge, tripmeter, odometer readings and service indicator. You also get a side-stand indicator apart from the tell-tale lights. The VX variant comes with standard mobile phone charging port and boot light. Both variants of the scooter get an external fuel filler which is accessible via the ignition key slot. For the first time on a scooter, Hero is offering i3S as standard in the Destini 125. The system switches off the engine if it idles for more than 5 seconds and switches it back on when one of the brake levers are pulled and the throttle is opened. The company claims this feature can improve fuel efficiency.

Powering the Destini 125 is a new 124.6cc single-cylinder engine which produces 8.8PS at 7500rpm and 10.2Nm at 5000rpm. The powerplant works in conjunction with a CVT unit. Hero claims this engine makes 17 per cent higher torque and 9 per cent higher power than the existing 110cc scooter, the Duet. The frame is suspended on telescopic front forks and a rear hydraulic shock absorber. The 10-inch wheels are shod with 90-section Ceat tubeless tyres. Hero has also equipped the scooter with Integrated Braking system.

Honda Activa 125: Like the Destini, the Activa 125 also has a sober design language. However, this scooter comes with a few nifty features which the Destini lacks: LED headlight, optional front disc and eco speed indicator on the analogue-digital combo cluster. Reasonably, these features puts a premium on the scooter’s pricing, at Rs 59,921 (ex-Delhi) for the base variant.

Suzuki Access 125: The Access 125 was once the most affordable scooter in its segment. However things have changed now, thanks to the Destini’s arrival. The curvy bodywork on the Access gives it a retro appeal, while the large 21.8-litre underseat storage enhances the scooter’s practicality too. Just like the Activa 125, Suzuki also offers the Access with an optional front disc brake. When it comes to pricing, the base variant of the Access is around Rs 1000 more than the Destini 125’s’ base model.

If you’re on a strict budget but are looking for a reasonably powerful family scooter, the Destini is an ideal product. Its i3S technology will help you conserve fuel, while nifty practical features like the service indicator and external fuel filler make the ownership experience all the more convenient.