Following the launch of the Navi and the Cliq automatic scooters by Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) as an effective measure to increase their grasp in the automatic scooter segment in India, HMSI is in the process of bringing out a new competitor in the name of ‘Scoopy’. Currently, the automatic scooter segment is dominated by the likes of Honda Activa and the TVS Jupiter, with both being evenly matched against each other. The upcoming Honda Scoopy is HMSI’s strategical step towards creating a new niche apart from the basic scooters mentioned above.
With the Honda Navi and Honda Cliq, we got a taste of Honda’s rather unique design theme adapted to suit the wild style-statement of the youth of our country. The Honda Activa on the other hand, designed for the more responsible generation, sports a rather conventional look, making it seem a bit bland in comparison to the half bike-half scooter styling of the Navi and the beefier and aggressive Cliq. Honda Scoopy takes the middle ground in terms of design characteristics by adopting the retro and stylized design theme, as seen in the test mule spotted in Shimla. The Honda Scoopy seems to be inspired by the Piaggio Vespa, sporting that huge elliptical headlamp with turn indicators on its side along the front panel. At the rear we notice those taillights having a low-set position along its sloping back.
Performance wise, the Honda Scoopy will probably run the same engine powering the 2017 Honda Dio which holds a capacity of 109cc and produces a power output of 8 bhp and a corresponding torque of 9 Nm. It will also make full use of the Honda Eco Technology to boost its fuel efficiency. Front disc brakes along with rear drum will be the brake setup followed for the Scoopy. Along with this, projector headlamps, alloy wheels, digital speedo console, and chrome-plated rear view mirrors will be present in the Honda Scoopy, giving it an overall trendy look.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India will most likely showcase the Honda Scoopy at the upcoming Auto Expo 2018 followed by its launch in the Indian market after its debut at the Delhi motor show.
Image courtesy: GaadiWaadi