TVS Jupiter road test review: In a higher orbit?

The demand for automatic scooters has seen an unprecedented rise off-late with auto-scoots managing to outsell motorcycles. The growing need for an economical and convenient mode of transport amidst the bustling urban-scape has been the biggest contributing factor to the gearless machines’ sales figures. Not only the fairer sex, but their male counterparts too have been increasingly inclined towards gearless scooters which tend to be more ride-friendly in the daily grind. But with the scooters being primarily looked upon as female-oriented machines, manufacturers to massage the male ego have been launching male exclusive models such as the Honda Aviator, Yamaha Ray-Z, Hero Maestro etc. Adopting a similar philosophy, TVS Motors recently launched the male-centric TVS Jupiter to garner a chunk of the hot automatic scooter market. We had the scoot for a couple of days and after having subjected it to all kinds of riding conditions during its 300+ kilometers stint with us- following is our take on the new TVS on the block.

STYLING AND FEATURES

The TVS Jupiter has been targeted at the urban male rider and it makes its case clear through a bulgy yet angular styling with black accents on the lower body. The front styling doesn’t really differentiate the TVS Jupiter much from others and adopts a traditional auto-scoot design. The headlight comes equipped with twin pilot lamps and the metallic front apron houses a set of blinkers and a small air-vent that might remind you of Dainese.

The front-forward stance is well complemented by an upswept rear design with the footboard, rear panels and even the chunky grab-rail rendering right amounts of cuts and curves making the TVS Jupiter a nice scooter to look at. The black finished wheels on the TVS Jupiter apart from adding a masculine appeal lend a nice contrasting effect. A chromed shield on the exhaust looks good and adds its bit to the overall styling.

At the rear the tail light might look similar to the Honda Activa and the Suzuki Access to some with the stop light flanked by two separate clear lens indicators. Functionally, the Jupiter differentiates itself from the rest of the pack with its refueling lid which positioned above the tail lamp – we wish it was well finished as the other bits. Though it eliminates the inconvenience of unlocking and raising the seat during refuel, it takes a little effort locating the keyhole and reaching out.

Overall the TVS Jupiter might not be the best looking scooter out there, but all its cuts and curves merge into a nice, flowing design to make it a decent looker.

Talking of features, the TVS Jupiter is one well built scooter and the quality tale begins with the dashboard. The grade of the plastics is simply top-notch with minimal or no gaps between panels. The switchgear is one of the best, or rather the best you could find on any prevailing auto-scoot. The switches, while ergonomic in operation, also feel extremely pleasant to touch. The grips too are made of high quality rubber and offer a soft, cushioning feel. A pass-switch integrated into the high beam switch is a neat idea. A key-shutter has also been provided to deter miscreants (read kids) from messing around with the ignition keyhole.

The Jupiter offers enough leg space for the average heighted male rider with two retractable bag hooks with one under the seat and other one behind the front apron, under the back of the headlight. TVS claims the leg-space at 375mm on the Jupiter is the largest in its segment and you can easily carry an LPG cylinder on its footboard (nope we didn’t test that!). The seat offers the right amount of cushion facilitating a comfortable ride for both rider and pillion. In addition to the regular foldable co-rider pegs, the TVS Jupiter also offers a footboard adding convenience for the sideways sitting pillion (mostly women). Other thoughtful bits include the kick-starter lever which unlike in other scooters is placed close to the rider’s feet and a patented E-Z centre-stand that facilitates easy parking with minimal effort.

17 litres of underseat space in addition to accommodating your routine grocery purchase can safeguard a medium sized helmet. Also a mobile charging outlet has been provided in the storage. It’s not visible here since the outlet opening is sealed. It is installed separately at the time of sale for some extra cost.

The headlight spread similar to most other auto-scoots offers more spread in low rather than high beam with average throw. Overall, the 35W halogen provides adequate night vision at average speeds.

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