Hero Motors has now marked its new 'Destini' in the 125 cc
segment. India's leading two-wheeler manufacturer has finally entered the premium scooter category with the new
to compete against the likes of the
125 and the
125.
We took the scooter for a spin at its launch and here's the first impression of the new
Hero Destini 125
The scooter was first showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo as the Duet 125 and it takes its base design from the existing 110cc Hero Duet. However, the front of the scooter looks quite familiar with the rival Honda as it gets a V-shape chrome panel with integrated turn indicators in a similar pattern. The headlamp has been mounted conventionally on the handlebar which also sports a well-designed instrument cluster
125 looks almost similar to the Duet, except the 3D nomenclature and chrome stripe on the side panels and a new rear grab rail. In fact, the tail lamp cluster and the external fuel filling cap, borrowed from its sibling, doesn't get a single change. The new dual texture seat, however, tries to make it look fresh.
Hero Destini 125 and it makes the entry as just another modern premium scooter in the market. The scooter comes in two variant options, a fully loaded VX trim and a low-cost LX trim. In fact, a silver paint replaces the chrome finishes on the lower variant which fades its premium shine a bit.
The highlighted features of the scooter include alloy wheels, under-seat USB charging port, boot light, body coloured rearview mirrors and dual-textured seat which are also limited to the VX variant only. The analog speedometer and an LCD screen for the other information, however, remains standard in both the trims.
The remote key opening is also standard with which you can open the seat and the external fuel filling cap without removing the key from the primary slot.
The Destini 125 comes with front telescopic suspension and Integrated Braking System (integrated braking system). However, the company doesn't offer a front disc brake even as an optional extra. Also, both the wheels of the scooter are 10-inches while the rivals have 12-inch front wheel.
At the heart of the new Hero Destini is a 125cc, carbureted engine which churns out 8.7PS of power and 10.2Nm of torque. The output is delivered to the rear wheel using a CVT belt-type automatic transmission.
The motor has a decent amount of power and torque with linear delivery. The response of the throttle is pretty well too. However, there is a scope of improvement in the terms of refinement. This is the first scooter to get Hero's patented i3S (idle Stop-Start-System) which claims to enhance the fuel economy of the scooter.
The i3S kills the engine when the vehicle remains idle for a few seconds and it can be restarted simply by twisting the throttle when the brakes are pressed. The technology saves fuel when you have to stop the scooter for a longer time at traffic signals or other places. Also, the system is switchable so you can turn it off if you want to.
You get a perfect upright riding position on the Destini 125 with a well-cushioned seat. The suspension set-up is slightly more on the plusher side which makes low- to average- speed rides comfortable. The brakes work fine too with the iBS. The setup produces not very impressive but decent stopping power which is quite sufficient for the scooter's performance.
With an ex-showroom price tag of Rs 54,650 (Delhi) for the LX variant, it is the most affordable 125cc scooter available in India right now. It costs over Rs 1,000 less than the base model of the Suzuki Access 125 and over Rs 5,000 less than that of the Honda Activa 125. So, if you want a decent 125cc scooter in the minimum possible budget, your search will end at the Hero Destini 125.
The actually premium VX trim of the new Hero, however, comes at Rs 57,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi) which is still a lower price than the base variant of the Activa 125. However, it comes quite close to the front disc brake variant of the Access 125.
So, apart from the ones who like its styling, people who want a more powerful scooter in the budget of a 110cc model can also consider the Destini 125 in their options list.
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