Hero Xoom 110

The Hero Xoom 110 is powered by a 110.9cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine compliant with BS6 Phase 2 norms. This unit produces a peak power of 8.15 PS at 7250 rpm and a maximum torque of 8.7 Nm at 5750 rpm. These figures are functionally identical to those of its siblings, the Pleasure+ and Maestro Edge 110, indicating a shared and proven powertrain. In real-world urban commuting, the engine delivers its performance in a linear and predictable manner. The CVT transmission is tuned for city riding, providing a smooth initial pickup from a standstill, which is essential for navigating stop-and-go traffic. The 0-60 km/h acceleration is adequate for the segment, allowing for brisk overtakes on city roads. 

However, beyond 70 km/h, the engine begins to feel strained, making it less suitable for sustained highway cruising. Refinement levels are acceptable, though some vibrations can be felt through the floorboard at higher revs. Hero's i3S (Idle Stop Start System) technology is integrated to enhance fuel efficiency, contributing to a claimed mileage figure in the range of 50-55 kmpl under standard test conditions. For a daily commuter, this translates to a practical real-world figure of around 45-50 kmpl, which is competitive within its class.

From an ergonomic perspective, the Hero Xoom 110 is designed for accessible city commuting. The seat height is a manageable 770mm, allowing riders of various heights to plant their feet firmly on the ground. The riding posture is upright and neutral, with a comfortable handlebar and footboard positioning that minimizes fatigue on short to medium-length rides. The single-piece seat is well-cushioned and sufficiently long to accommodate a rider and pillion without feeling cramped. For the pillion, split grab rails provide a secure hold. In terms of storage, the underseat compartment offers a reasonable amount of space, though it is not large enough to accommodate most full-face helmets, a common limitation in this segment. 

An LED light within the storage bay is a thoughtful addition. Additionally, a small, open glovebox on the front apron provides a convenient spot for storing a smartphone (while it charges via the adjacent USB port) or other small items. The external fuel filler cap is a notable omission, requiring the rider to dismount and lift the seat for refueling, which detracts slightly from its overall convenience compared to rivals like the TVS Jupiter.

The Xoom 110's chassis and suspension setup are engineered to offer a balance between agility and stability. It employs a telescopic front fork and a unit swing with a spring-loaded hydraulic damper at the rear. This combination provides a ride quality that is on the firmer side, which aids handling dynamics but can transmit sharper road imperfections to the rider. The scooter feels nimble and eager to change direction, a trait beneficial for filtering through dense urban traffic. A key contributor to its stable handling characteristics is the use of 12-inch wheels on both the front and rear (for VX and ZX variants), shod with 90/90 and 100/80 section tyres, respectively. This larger wheel size, compared to the 10-inch wheels found on some competitors, offers improved stability at higher speeds and better composure over uneven surfaces. 

Braking duties are managed by an Integrated Braking System (IBS) as standard. The base LX variant uses 130mm drum brakes at both ends, while the higher VX and ZX variants feature a 190mm disc brake at the front. The front disc setup offers significantly better braking feedback and stopping power, instilling more confidence during emergency braking situations. The scooter remains stable under hard braking with minimal front-end dive.

Hero has positioned the Xoom 110 as a technologically advanced offering, and its design and equipment list reflect this strategy. The styling is sharp and aggressive, with angular body panels, a prominent front apron, and an overall sporty silhouette aimed at a younger demographic. The lighting system is a major highlight, featuring a full LED setup with an H-shaped LED DRL and a distinctive H-shaped LED tail lamp, enhancing its visual appeal and on-road presence. The top-tier ZX variant introduces a segment-first feature: Cornering Bending Lights. These auxiliary lights activate based on the scooter's lean angle, illuminating the inside of a corner for improved visibility during night rides—a tangible safety and convenience feature. 

The instrument cluster is a fully digital LCD unit that displays essential information like a speedometer, odometer, trip meter, and fuel gauge. On the top variant, it also offers Bluetooth connectivity, enabling call and SMS alerts, and providing access to turn-by-turn navigation through the Hero Connect app. Practical features include a USB charging port located in the front glovebox and an underseat storage compartment equipped with an LED lamp, adding to the scooter's daily utility.

The Xoom 110 incorporates several safety features that are now standard within the Indian two-wheeler market, alongside some notable additions. The foundational safety net is the Integrated Braking System (IBS), which automatically applies a portion of the front brake when the rear brake is engaged, ensuring balanced braking force distribution and reducing the chances of skidding, especially for novice riders. The top ZX variant enhances this with a 190mm front disc brake, providing superior stopping power and better heat dissipation compared to the drum brakes on the lower variants. A crucial active safety feature, unique to the Xoom in this segment, is the Cornering Bending Lights on the ZX variant. 

By illuminating the direction of a turn, they significantly improve the rider's field of vision in low-light conditions, helping to spot potential hazards earlier. The full LED headlamp offers excellent illumination and visibility, making the scooter more conspicuous to other road users. Standard safety features include a side-stand engine cut-off switch, which prevents the engine from starting if the side stand is engaged, mitigating a common cause of accidents. While it lacks more advanced systems like ABS (not mandatory for this segment), the combination of IBS, a front disc option, and innovative lighting makes its safety package competitive.

The Hero Xoom 110 enters a fiercely contested market segment with several well-established rivals. Each competitor offers a distinct value proposition that caters to different buyer priorities.

Honda Dio:

The Dio’s primary differentiator is its proven reliability and the refinement of its HET engine. It appeals to buyers seeking a no-nonsense, sporty-looking scooter with a strong brand legacy and an extensive service network. Its design, while updated, remains familiar, and its performance is predictable and efficient.

TVS Jupiter 110:

The Jupiter stands out with its unwavering focus on practicality and family-oriented comfort. Its key differentiators include a more compliant suspension setup, a large and flat footboard, an external fuel filler cap for convenience, and a reputation for a comfortable ride quality, making it the preferred choice for family use.

Suzuki Avenis 125:

Although in a higher displacement category, the Avenis 125 is a direct competitor in terms of its sporty styling and target audience. Its main advantage is superior performance from its 125cc engine, offering quicker acceleration and better top-end speed. It attracts buyers willing to pay a premium for more power and aggressive looks.

Who should buy it?

The ideal buyer is a young, tech-savvy commuter who prioritizes modern features and aggressive styling over outright performance or plush comfort. If a digital dash, Bluetooth connectivity, and segment-first cornering lights are high on your list, the Xoom 110 ZX variant presents a compelling package.

Who should skip it?

Riders prioritizing a comfortable, family-oriented ride with maximum practicality should consider the TVS Jupiter. Those seeking proven long-term reliability and a refined engine might be better served by the Honda Dio. Buyers wanting more performance should look towards 125cc alternatives.