In a bold move set to shake up the Indian two-wheeler market, Hero MotoCorp has unveiled its latest offering – the Hero Xoom 110.
Launched on September 1, 2024, at a glittering event in Bengaluru, this sporty scooter aims to capture the hearts of young urban riders with its blend of style, performance, and cutting-edge features.
Design: A Head-Turner on Two Wheels
The Hero Xoom 110 breaks away from conventional scooter design, embracing a bold, futuristic aesthetic that’s sure to turn heads on the street. Key design elements include:
- LED Lighting: A striking V-shaped LED headlamp dominates the front, complemented by LED daytime running lights and LED tail lamps.
- Dynamic Body Panels: Sharp, angular body panels give the Xoom 110 a sense of motion even when stationary.
- Dual-Tone Color Scheme: Available in five eye-catching color combinations, each featuring a contrasting dual-tone finish.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A sleek, fully-digital instrument panel adds a touch of modernity to the cockpit.
- Alloy Wheels: 12-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels complete the sporty look.
Powerplant: Balancing Performance and Efficiency
At the heart of the Hero Xoom 110 lies a new 110.9cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
This unit has been developed with a focus on balancing peppy performance with fuel efficiency – a crucial factor for the target demographic. Key specifications include:
- Power Output: 8.15 bhp at 7,250 rpm
- Torque: 8.7 Nm at 5,750 rpm
- Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
- Fuel Injection: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) for optimal fuel delivery
The engine features Hero’s i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology, which automatically shuts off the engine at traffic lights and restarts it when the throttle is twisted, contributing to improved fuel efficiency in urban stop-and-go traffic.
Chassis and Suspension: Agile Urban Performer
The Hero Xoom 110 is built on a new underbone-type frame, designed to offer a balance of rigidity and flex for confident handling. The suspension setup consists of:
- Front: Telescopic forks with 100mm travel
- Rear: Mono-shock with 80mm travel
This combination promises a smooth ride over urban road imperfections while maintaining sporty handling characteristics. The scooter rides on 12-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 90/90-12 front and 100/90-12 rear tubeless tires.
Braking duties are handled by a 190mm disc brake at the front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear. Integrated Braking System (IBS) comes as standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations.
Technology Suite: Smart Features for the Connected Rider
Hero has packed the Xoom 110 with a host of smart features that set it apart in the 110cc scooter segment:
- Hero Connect: Bluetooth connectivity allows riders to pair their smartphones for features like call alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, and ride statistics.
- i3S Technology: The Idle Start-Stop System enhances fuel efficiency in urban traffic.
- Side-Stand Engine Cut-off: Prevents the engine from starting when the side stand is down.
- USB Charging Port: Conveniently located in the front storage compartment.
- Remote Functions: Key fob enables remote seat opening and ‘find my vehicle’ function.
- Digital Speedometer: The fully-digital instrument cluster displays a wealth of information, including real-time fuel efficiency, service reminders, and more.
Storage and Practicality: Ready for Urban Life
Despite its sporty aspirations, the Hero Xoom 110 doesn’t compromise on practicality. It offers:
- Under-seat Storage: 21 liters of storage space, enough for a half-face helmet and other essentials
- Front Storage Compartment: A small cubby hole for storing a smartphone or other small items
- Flat Floorboard: Provides ample space for comfortable foot placement or carrying small packages
Riding Experience: Agile Urban Commuter
Early reviews of the Hero Xoom 110 have been largely positive. Testers praise the scooter’s peppy performance, making it well-suited for zipping through urban traffic.
The engine offers smooth power delivery, with enough grunt for quick overtakes and merging into fast-moving traffic.
The suspension setup has received particular praise for its ability to soak up road imperfections while maintaining a sporty feel. The light kerb weight of 108 kg contributes to the scooter’s nimble handling, making it easy to maneuver through tight spaces.
Market Positioning and Competition
Priced at Rs. 79,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Hero Xoom 110 positions itself as a premium offering in the 110cc scooter segment. Its primary competitors include:
- Honda Activa 6G
- TVS Jupiter
- Suzuki Access 125
- Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid
What sets the Xoom 110 apart is its combination of sporty styling, smart features, and the backing of Hero’s extensive service network.
The inclusion of features like Bluetooth connectivity and remote functions gives it an edge in terms of technology offerings.
Production and Availability
The Hero Xoom 110 will be manufactured at Hero MotoCorp’s state-of-the-art facility in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The company has announced that bookings are now open across all Hero dealerships in India, with deliveries set to commence from October 1, 2024.
To make the scooter more accessible to a wider audience, Hero has partnered with leading financial institutions to offer attractive EMI schemes and low down-payment options.
The Road Ahead: Implications for the Indian Scooter Market
The launch of the Hero Xoom 110 is significant for both Hero MotoCorp and the broader Indian scooter market.
By introducing a sporty, feature-rich offering in the 110cc segment, Hero is aiming to attract younger buyers who might otherwise gravitate towards motorcycles or higher-capacity scooters.
Industry analysts predict that this move could spark a trend towards more differentiated offerings in the 110cc scooter segment, which has traditionally been dominated by conservative, utilitarian designs.
This could potentially lead to increased innovation and feature-rich products across the board, benefiting consumers with more choices.
Hero Xoom 110 : A New Chapter in Hero’s Scooter Story
The Hero Xoom 110 represents a bold step forward for Hero MotoCorp in the competitive scooter market.
By combining sporty styling, smart features, and the reliability associated with the Hero brand, the Xoom 110 aims to carve out a niche for itself in a segment that’s ripe for innovation.
As the first units hit the streets, all eyes will be on Hero to see if the Xoom 110 can capture the imagination of young urban riders and establish itself as a formidable player in the sporty scooter category.
If initial reactions are anything to go by, the Hero Xoom 110 seems poised to inject a dose of excitement into the world of everyday commuting, potentially redefining what riders expect from a 110cc scooter.
The urban landscape is about to get a lot more colorful, and the daily commute a lot more thrilling, thanks to the Hero Xoom 110.