Ever since its first launch in 2000, Honda Activa has been the leading two-wheeler in the scooter segment dethroning the erstwhile Kinetic Honda. Prompted by its success the company has rolled out an improvised version of the Activa, the Honda Activa Deluxe with a refined 110cc engine in 2009. Since its entry into the Indian market, there was no turning back for this stupendously successful scooter......going on more miles giving more smiles. The Honda Activa is no doubt a family vehicle and the unisex appeal is its one very big advantage; from youngsters to adults, everyone loves the Activa for its compact body and easy-to-handle ride and features.
Looks
Honda got it perfectly right with the introduction of Activa and more so because it reached the Indian families bang on target, which has gone to become the most triumphant of the scooters. Stylish looks and comfortable features are major factors of Activa's success. The non-complex and conventional designing gives the Honda Activa simple yet elegant looks. However, the tweaks made to the New Honda Activa include refined front mask with redesigned headlamps in rectangular shape and clear lens turn indicators in the front and rear make it better looking than its predecessor. The front facia has gone under some file to get curvy flowing lines, not to mention the aerodynamic design. The turn indicators are now worthy if not stunningly beautiful. In addition to this, the broader and wider dashboard accommodates the fuel gauge, speedometer and indicators (oil and fuel). The impact-resistant ABS plastic panels make the machine lighter but give it a sturdy and tough look (a letdown though if you thought its an all-metal body). The anti-theft key shutter safeguards the Activa wherever you park the fellow. The fiber-made grab rail in the rear and the rear view mirrors do not get a touch of the body color which is a letdown for someone who'd have expected to see body tone accessories.
Under seat storage space is ample in the Honda Activa. Besides the 18-liter under seat storage (to house helmet carry lunch box and files including, the neatly curved glove box under the handlebars comes very handy to keep petty things.
The space to rest the feet in the front also comes with a hook to rest shopping bags. Activa is the first scooter model launched by Honda and the design team has taken all care to give it a family scooter look with features useful and comfortable for city ride. But the upgrade has given the Honda Activa Deluxe more stylized looks that is even more appealing.
The Activa makes maintenance absolutely easy with a separate lift-up cover or the CLIC (convenient lift-up independent cover) technology, which can lift the rear body cover completely facilitating a mechanic for a quicker repair (a lot time saving).
Engine, performance and mileage
The Honda Activa is fitted with a 109cc, 4-stroke, single cylinder engine that churns a power of 8 bhp @ 7500 rpm and 0.9 kgm @ 5500 rpm of torque via the v-matic transmission and the top speed of the machine stands at 80 kmph. No wonder the increase in displacement gives the Honda Activa Deluxe better pick up and performance at higher speeds. Although beyond 6o kmph speed you start feeling slipping control of the vehicle. The drums at both ends may disappoint for modern age riders, but they are decent and good to go for a compact 110cc scooter like this. The Combi brakes in the Deluxe version reduces the braking distance (enhances efficiency)
The tuff up-tube technology ensures 70% less chance of the tyres getting punctured. The superb seating along with foot pegs on both sides offer comfortable ride to both rider and the pillion. The larger wheelbase and the usual shock absorbers enable stable and jerk-free ride.
The Activa Deluxe version comes with engine tuned to better its fuel efficiency. The scooter runs up to 45 kmpl on the highways and about 40 kmpl in the city (even with no so frequent braking), disappointing to me and many others especially because the company has actually claimed 15% more mileage from the Deluxe Activa as compared to its predecessor.
Colors
The Honda Activa is available in the following attractive hues: black, lucid red, grey metallic, purple metallic, metallic and sunbeam white. The new Honda Activa comes with a price tag of Rs. 39,800 (Ex-showroom Delhi) for the standard version.
Last word
Honda Activa's compact, gearless feature and solid build quality are its major plus points; also the nicely-positioned seat makes it a good scooter to handle even for the weaker sex giving a strenuous-free ride. If I have to pick the unsatisfactory features of the Activa that would be the not-so-good mileage and the noise emission upon hard braking make me frown sometimes. Else If you don't mind waiting 3-4 months post booking the scooter is a darling and is truly worth every penny. The scooter also has a great resale value amongst all scooters that makes it a tempting vehicle.
The Honda Activa will continue to cast its spell in the scooter segment.......until its dethroner from either TVS or maybe Mahindra arrives.
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