Honda Dio

With only limited stocks on sale, the Base variant of the Honda Dio is priced at Rs. 50,292, followed by the 2018 Standard variant, priced at Rs 51,292. The top end Deluxe variant is priced at Rs. 53,292 (all ex-showroom Delhi).One of the highest selling scooters designed for youngsters, the Honda Dio looks funkier than ever before thanks the updates like the all-LED headlamp, LED DRLs, all-digital instrument console, 4-in-1 key slot and golden rims. However, the digital console and golden rims are available on the Deluxe variant only. The Deluxe and Standard variants are also classified by their colour options. Here the Standard variant gets a set of vibrant colour options like Orange, Blue, Yellow and Red in gloss finish. Whereas the Deluxe variant gets metallic shades that include Yellow, Green, Black and Grey. Apart from these updates the basic design language stays true to it roots. Tubeless tyres and Combi Brake System with equalizer are a standard fitment on both variants. However, the mobile charging socket is only available on the Deluxe version, but can also be fitted on the Standard variant as an optional extra.

The Dio features a moto-scooter design with a large headlamp and turn indicators integrated into the front apron. In place of where the headlamp is mounted on conventional scooters, it has LED DRLs. The tail lamp is a large one with integrated clear lens indicator. The Dio gets a two-tone paint scheme with graphics and is available in five colours. Features include Automatic Headlamp On (AHO), tubeless tyres and combi brake system. There is a mobile charging outlet in the underseat storage bay.

The Dio is powered by a 109.19cc air-cooled motor that makes 8.11PS @ 7000rpm and 8.91Nm of torque at 5500rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a variomatic transmission. Top speed is a claimed 83kmph. The frame is a tube-type underbone unit. Seat height is 765mm. Ground clearance of 158mm is generous and a seat height of 765mm means it should be accessible for most riders. The front suspension is a bottom-link unit while the rear utilizes a single hydraulic damper. The scooter has 10-inch wheels wrapped in tubeless tyres on both ends. It employs 130mm drum brakes on both wheels with Combi Brake System (CBS) as standard. Kerb weight is 103kg while fuel tank capacity is 5.3 litres.

TVS Wego: Segment-first features including an all-digital instrument console and alloy wheels as standard, makes the Wego a more attractive alternative to the Honda Dio. The frugal engine, comfortable ride quality and the fact that you get a front disc brake for the same price as the Honda Dio Deluxe, makes the TVS Wego a value for money offering.

Yamaha Ray ZR: The Yamaha Ray ZR poses a youthful design with sharp design lines. Being a Yamaha it also gets well-engineered mechanicals. The Yamaha Ray ZR constitutes a fairly attractive package for college-goers. Being a Yamaha, the pep on offer is also addictive and features like alloy wheels and a front disc again make it a strong alternative to the Honda Dio. It’s also a more welcoming scooter in comparison to the Dio (whose handlebars hit the knees of tall riders while taking sharp turns), since riders of all shapes and sizes can ride it.

Suzuki Let’s: The Let’s is Suzuki’s answer to the strong competition here. It is a scooter with petite dimensions, which should make it more manageable for the fairer sex. It isn’t really feature-packed when compared to the competition, but it still comes across as a decently packaged scooter. Again, it is not meant for the taller set of riders as the handlebars will hit your knees while taking turns.

The Honda Dio has been around for a while but the added dash of modernity has given it some much needed freshness. However, it’s still lacking when it comes the mechanical components on offer, which TVS offers even on the standard version of the Wego.