Honda launches new Activa 125 at Rs. 52,000

Japanese two-wheeler major Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India on Monday launched a more powerful version of its bestselling scooter Activa at a price of ₹ 52,447-58,156.

Honda is looking to strengthen its leadership position in the fast-growing scooter segment that has outpaced motorcycles for the last seven years. The new Activa has a bigger 125cc engine and delivers a fuel economy of 59 kpl.

"The automatic scooter segment's contribution to overall two-wheeler sales in India has grown exponentially from 16% in 2009-10 to 24% today, indicating the growing demand in this segment," said Keita Muramatsu, president and CEO, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India. "Activa 125 is the next strategic step towards reinforcing our market leadership."

The Activa 125 is powered by a 125cc four-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine coupled with a CVT or a variomatic automatic transmission. It develops a maximum power of 8.7PS at 6,500rpm and peak torque of 10Nm at 5,500rpm similar to the likes of its main competitor Suzuki Access.

"The high growth of scooters in India has primarily been led by Honda," said YS Guleria, vice-president, sales and marketing, HMSI. "In the last few years, scooters have evolved and become more technologically evolved, fuel-efficient and stylish. That has helped broaden its consumer base from the traditional urban woman."

According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, scooter sales posted a robust growth of 23.24% during 2013-14 at 36,02,744 units compared to 29,23,424 units in 2012-13. Honda saw its scooter sales grow by 33,99% to 19,02,859 units followed by Hero MotoCorp at 6,90,079 units, up 25.51%. Sales of the Activa grew 37% as it emerged as the second-largest selling two-wheeler in the country, overtaking Hero Passion.