HERO  Xoom 125R

The Xoom 125 is available in two variants - VX and ZX, and the four colour options depend on which variant of the scooter is selected. But regardless of the hues, it is the design of the model that is likely to corner a fair share of attention. The overall profile is quite sharp and aggressive, helped largely by the angular side panels and the LED headlight design. The scooter is equipped with projector headlights which are flanked on either side by DRLs. In a first, the Xoom 125 also gets sequential turn indicators on the front and at the rear.

One of the biggest bragging points for the Xoom 125 is that it gets 14-inch alloy wheels which helps it with a ground clearance of 164 mm. The rear tyres in particular have a profile of 120 mm.

Hero also seems to have worked on the comfort and convenience factors and the Xoom 125 offers a fairly large seating area over the 17 litres of storage space, split grab rails, first-in-segment illuminated start/stop switch and front glove box with phone-charging option.

The LCD screen is par for the course and the all-digital display supports Bluetooth connectivity, call/SMS alert function and turn-by-turn navigation. It obviously is nowhere as flashy as screens on many electric scooters but then again, in its direct field of competition, does suffice as a practical unit.

Hero Xoom 125 on the move

The Xoom 125 has the same engine as the Destini 125 from the Hero mothership. And up against the TVS Ntorq, it is longer, wider and has a longer wheelbase while being two kilos heavier. That said, the claim of going from 0 to 60 kmph in 7.6 seconds is a fairly confident show of intent.

On the move, the 9.8 bhp and 10.4 Nm of torque on offer is palpable. The Xoom 125 can be quick, real quick and the response to throttle twists is both quick and generous. But beyond the sprint runs, the Xoom shines brighter still in terms of how stable the ride quality is. The wide tyre profile plays a big role in allowing the scooter to remain planted regardless of riding styles and even when negotiating winding curves. The riding ergonomics are fairly good as well while braking responsibilities are tasked to disc at the front and drum at the rear.

On the flipside though, the suspension is a bit too stiff for my liking and while it may be done to compliment the sportier ride trait, it can feel a bit too prickly on less-than-perfect roads. Thankfully, the ride quality is good and while vibrations at near triple-digit speeds is palpable, the Xoom 125 handles itself well for the most parts.

Hero Xoom 125: To buy or not?

The Xoom 125 easily slides in as a very compelling option in the 125cc scooter category. It would have taken a giant like Hero MotoCorp to take the fight to the Ntorq camp and the Xoom 125 is a solid manifestation of a determined approach to dominate the segment. The latest from Hero then is not just a bold show of intent, it is a confident statement.