Hero Xoom 125

The Hero Xoom 125 is powered by a 124.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine compliant with BS6 Phase 2 norms. This unit produces a peak power of 9.5 PS at 7250 rpm and a maximum torque of 10.14 Nm at 5750 rpm. These figures place it in direct contention with the TVS Ntorq 125, suggesting a clear performance-oriented intent from Hero. In urban environments, the engine provides brisk acceleration from a standstill, making it effective for navigating city traffic and quick overtakes. The throttle response is linear, and the CVT transmission is tuned for immediate engagement, ensuring the 0-60 km/h sprint feels energetic. 

On open roads, the scooter can comfortably cruise at speeds of 70-80 km/h without feeling overly strained. However, engine refinement, while adequate, does not match the benchmark set by the Suzuki Access 125; minor vibrations are perceptible through the floorboard at higher revs. Hero's proprietary i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) is integrated to enhance fuel efficiency during city commutes, automatically shutting the engine off during brief halts. Real-world mileage can be expected in the range of 45-50 km/l, a respectable figure for a scooter with this level of performance.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the Hero Xoom 125 offers a comfortable and upright riding posture typical of urban scooters. The single-piece seat is well-cushioned and sufficiently long to accommodate both the rider and a pillion without feeling cramped. With a seat height expected to be around 770mm, it should be accessible to a wide range of riders. The floorboard offers adequate space for the rider’s feet, though it may feel slightly compact for taller individuals compared to more family-oriented scooters like the Suzuki Burgman Street. Pillion comfort is addressed with well-positioned, split grab rails and fold-out footpegs. 

A critical aspect for any scooter is storage, and the Xoom 125 provides an underseat storage bay that is large enough to accommodate a standard half-face helmet, with an estimated capacity of around 19-20 litres. While useful, it falls short of the cavernous 33-litre boot offered by the TVS Jupiter 125. An external fuel-filler cap adds a layer of convenience, eliminating the need to dismount and open the seat during refueling. Overall, the Xoom 125 balances its sporty character with a reasonable degree of everyday practicality for the urban user.

Hero has placed a significant emphasis on the dynamic capabilities of the Xoom 125, particularly with the top-tier '125R' variant. This model is equipped with a telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock, a standard setup in this segment. The key differentiator is its wheel configuration: a 14-inch wheel at the front and a 14-inch wheel at the rear. This larger wheel size, compared to the 12-inch wheels common on rivals like the TVS Ntorq and Suzuki Access, contributes to superior high-speed stability and a more composed ride over broken patches of road. The larger circumference allows the wheels to roll over imperfections with less deflection, translating to a more confidence-inspiring feel on highways. 

In the city, this setup doesn't compromise agility significantly, and the scooter remains nimble enough for quick directional changes. Cornering stability is commendable, with the chassis feeling taut and predictable. Braking is managed by a front disc brake (expected to be around 220mm) and a rear drum, linked by a Combined Braking System (CBS). The system provides adequate stopping power with decent feedback at the lever, bringing the scooter to a halt without undue drama. While effective for its class, it lacks the option of single-channel ABS, a feature some competitors are beginning to offer.

The Xoom 125’s design is an evolution of its 110cc counterpart, characterized by sharp, angular body panels, an aggressive front apron, and a sporty stance. The lighting system is all-LED, including the headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators, which offers excellent visibility and a modern aesthetic. The most notable innovation is the segment-first inclusion of cornering lights. These auxiliary lights illuminate the inside of a turn when the scooter leans, significantly improving visibility of the road ahead during night-time cornering—a practical safety and convenience feature. 

The instrument cluster is a fully digital LCD unit that provides a comprehensive display of information, including a speedometer, odometer, trip meters, and a fuel gauge. On the top variant, this system is enhanced with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and SMS notifications via the Hero Connect app. This places it on par with the TVS SmartXonnect system. Practical features include a USB charging port located in the front apron for convenient device charging on the go. The overall package is contemporary and feature-rich, clearly targeting a younger, tech-savvy demographic that values both style and substance.

The safety suite on the Hero Xoom 125 is comprehensive for its segment. The primary braking system comprises a front disc and a rear drum brake, governed by a Combined Braking System (CBS). When the rear brake lever is applied, CBS automatically distributes a portion of the braking force to the front wheel, ensuring balanced deceleration and reducing the likelihood of skidding, especially for novice riders or during panic braking. While CBS is a mandatory and effective safety net, the absence of a single-channel ABS option, even on the top variant, is a missed opportunity, as it would provide superior control on wet or loose surfaces. 

The scooter’s illumination package is a significant safety asset; the full-LED headlamp provides a strong, focused beam for night riding, and the pioneering cornering lights actively enhance visibility through turns. This feature, which uses a gyroscopic sensor to activate, is not a gimmick but a tangible safety enhancement. Additional standard safety features include a side-stand engine cut-off, which prevents the scooter from being ridden with the stand engaged. The larger 14-inch wheels on the top model also contribute to passive safety by improving stability and handling over unpredictable Indian road surfaces.

The 125cc scooter market is fiercely contested, and the Hero Xoom 125 faces three primary adversaries.

TVS Ntorq 125: 

The Ntorq remains the benchmark for performance in this segment. Its 3-valve engine is known for its strong acceleration and sporty exhaust note. It also boasts a highly functional SmartXonnect system with advanced features like lap timers and last parked location.
Differentiator: The Ntorq 125 offers a more aggressive, race-tuned performance feel and a more established connected technology ecosystem, appealing to riders who prioritize outright acceleration and sportiness.

Suzuki Access 125:

The Access 125 is the segment's stalwart, renowned for its exceptionally refined and reliable engine. It offers a smooth, linear power delivery and consistently delivers class-leading fuel efficiency, making it a pragmatic choice for daily commuting.
Differentiator: The Suzuki Access 125’s primary advantage is its superlative engine refinement and fuel economy, making it the ideal choice for buyers who value long-term reliability and low running costs over aggressive styling.

Honda Activa 125:

The Activa 125 carries the legacy of India’s most trusted scooter brand. It provides a no-nonsense, comfortable, and supremely reliable package with a metal body, appealing to a broad family audience. Its focus is on durability and ease of use.
Differentiator: The Honda Activa 125’s key selling point is its unmatched brand trust, metal body construction, and reputation for hassle-free ownership, targeting buyers who seek ultimate peace of mind.

Who should buy it? 

The Xoom 125 is for the style-conscious urban rider who wants a feature-packed scooter with a unique design and practical innovations like cornering lights. It’s ideal for those seeking a balance between sporty looks, modern tech, and competent city performance without committing to the Ntorq’s aggressive character.

Who should skip it? 

Buyers prioritizing maximum fuel efficiency, engine refinement, or sheer underseat storage should look elsewhere. The Suzuki Access 125 offers better mileage and refinement, while the TVS Jupiter 125 provides significantly more practical storage space, making them better choices for purely utilitarian needs.