TVS' new Scooty Zest 110 reviewed

The Scooty Zest 110 is TVS Motor Co's latest automatic scooter, joining the company's Wego and Jupiter, all sharing the same engine capacity. It's the latest variant of this popular fairer sex-focused product, the first of which launched decades ago in October 1993.

Getting on the scooter, it's immediately apparent that the new scooter is built with the youth and fairer sex foremost in mind, a compact, petite scooter that offers fresh styling, yet a familiar looking fascia with flush-fitted chic indicators, these nestled in a two-tone front apron.

The instruments are backlit, with a legible speedometer, odometer and fuel-gauge, along with a TVS-trademark econometer in place to help riders get the best mileage from their scooter. Also to assist efficiency, there's an idle indicator that lights up whenever the scooter has idled for a long duration when stationary. Supple, high-quality grips and nice switches are in place, the light new scooter offering push-to-cancel turn signal indicators, and the much needed on a scooter rear brake lock clamp, that allows safer parking of this gearless vehicle. Mirrors are body coloured to match the rest of the scooter and do a good job of providing ample view behind.

It offers an optional front storage bin, that can be unscrewed and removed when not required. There's two retractable bag hooks, and the riding saddle covers a large, 19-litre storage bay. The scooter tail comes with an LED-powered brake warning light, which sits between a pair of rear turn indicators. The pillion footrests tuck away into little coves when not in use. And there's a side stand down warning indicator that works to remind you to put up the stand when riding away. Putting the scooter on its main stand is effortless thanks to the stand being thoughtfully engineered for light, easy operation. In a clever touch, it with a silver painted, fiber grab handle that looks just as nice as alloy, yet offers added strength. Overall quality and fit finish are good on this new scooter.

It shares its engine with the Wego and Jupiter, no differences here barring minor tweaks as all scooters are powered by a button or kick started, four-stroke, 109.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled and carburetted engine. Maximum power produced is 7.9bhp at 7,500rpm, transferred to the rear wheel through a CVTI automatic transmission system. Maximum torque output is 0.89kgm at 5,500rpm.

There's an auto choke system in place for easy starts in any condition. The scooter feels fleet footed, really peppy yet always smooth, refined and effortless to ride. Acceleration is brisk for the class, feeling on par with if not better than all rival 100-110cc scooters. It covers a 20-50kph run with admirable pace. Holding cruising speeds of around 60kph is a breeze, and if pushed, can attain an indicated 90kph without feeling overly stressed.

It comes with lighter frame construction as compared to its larger siblings, the Wego and Jupiter. Seating is comfortable, the low, upright posture well suited to city commuting. It feels like a light scooter, weighing in at 97kg, significantly lower than the Jupiter at 108kg and Wego at 104kg.

The riding saddle with smart white stitching is well padded, comfortable, longer and wider than on earlier Scootys. Also, the sturdy feeling textured front floorboard is broader, making it that much more roomy for adults. Speaking of which, there's surprisingly ample space for a rider's knees on this compact scooter.

The Zest 110 does well to use telescopic fork suspension in front, while the rear is sprung by a monoshock, the scooter engine taking up as a stressed member of the frame. Ride quality is a good balance between firm and plush, while handling feels light, always easy with neutral feedback from the steering. The Scooty Zest 110 is a stable scooter to ride, and runs 10-inch steel rims front and rear, with tubeless tyres offering adequate grip, a chunky 90/100 section in front and 90/90 unit at rear. Braking is adequate for the class, with drum brakes at both ends powerful enough and easy to master progressive feel at the levers.

Revised styling along with a larger new powerplant ensures the new Scooty Zest 110 offers buyers better value.

The automaker has always excelled at pumping its Scooty series of ladies's scooters with great value, never scrimping on upmarket specifications such as telescopic front shock absorbers. Now, in its largest capacity variation to date, the priced-to-delight scooter makes an ever compelling package, just right for young girls, students and ladies looking for a light, hassle-free and gearless city runabout. At ₹ 42,300 (ex-showroom, Delhi), it comes together in a pretty much unbeatable package, making just the scooter we recommend in its segment, yes, a class leader from the word go.