New TVS Jupiter review, test ride

The TVS Motor Company already has a strong presence in the scooter segment, with its Scooty Pep Plus, Streak and Wego seeing success over the years. Adding to their scooter portfolio, TVS has just rolled out the Jupiter, aimed straight at Honda's bestselling Activa, which it will take head-on this festive season. TVS has toiled hard to give the Jupiter a raft of first-in-class features.

TVS's Jupiter is a smart urban automatic scooter with sharp styling. The new scooter shows off angular body panels, its front apron encasing the turn indicators along with an air vent. The Jupiter headlight is equipped with pilot lamps, while its bold analogue instruments bay comprises of a speedometer, fuel-gauge and economy/ power riding mode indicator. As expected, switchgear is top-quality, and includes a handy pass-light flasher that is cleverly integrated with the high and low beam switch. The Jupiter's palm grips feel soft and comfy, and there's a rear brake-locking clamp. The Jupiter offers convenience hooks under the handlebar and rider seat, these tucking away with a neat flush fit withing the scooter body when not used. Contrary to most scooters, the Jupiter locates its fuel-filler lid at the back of the scooter, just above the tail-light for convenient tank ups. The Jupiter tail looks stylish, and comprises sharply styled clear lens indicators on either sides of its main brake warning light. Neatly executed 5-spoke alloys wheels are finished in black, blending well with the scooter's overall design philosophy, which is simple, yet neatly finished with a modern touch. Attention to detail is really good on the new TVS scooter.

The Jupiter uses the same proven 109.7cc, four-stroke, forced air-cooled engine as seen on its stable mate, the capable Wego. This powerplant generates 8bhp of peak power at 7500rpm while maximum torque is 0.81kgm at 5500rpm. The automatic scooter uses a variator driven transmission, that's been tuned for city commuting, with good low and mid-range performance.

The Jupiter tips the scale at 108kg, and is held together by a scooter typical, steel constructed underbone type frame. The Jupiter gets up-market telescopic fork suspension up-front, while a gas-charged shock absorber does duty at the rear. The riding saddle is long and broad, capable of accommodating hefty riders and the Jupiter to its credit offers ride quality that ranks a shade better than most scooter rivals in India. The latest TVS scooter handles with neutral feel, making riding in congested city traffic a breeze. The Jupiter rides on tubeless front (90/90) and rear (90/90) tyres, shod on 12 inch wheels. The Jupiter halts via 130mm drum brakes front and rear, these working well.

The Jupiter offers more than most scooters in its class, yet sells attractively priced for ₹46,534 (ex-showroom, Pune), which gives it an advantage over Honda's market leading Activa. Our first ride confirms the Jupiter promises excellent value-for-money. Look out for the shortly releasing full Autocar India test report, for all the details on this well equipped new TVS scooter.

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price ₹ 46,534 (ex-showroom, Pune)
Engine
Type 109.7cc, Four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Power 8bhp at 7500rpm
Torque 0.81kgm at 5500rpm
Transmission
Type Variomatic
Dimensions
Length 1834mm
Width 650mm
Height 1115mm
Wheel base 1275mm
Boot volume 150mm
Chassis & Body
Weight 108kg
Tyres 90/90 x 12 inches
Suspension
Front Telescopic forks
Rear Gas-charged monoshock
Brakes
Front 130mm drum
Rear 130mm drum
Economy
Tank size 5 litres