TVS Ntorq 150: Road Test Review

Styling and Quality

The Ntorq 150 looks the part, and there’s no denying that. This is a scooter that wants attention, and it gets plenty of it. From traffic lights to office parking lots, it turns heads with ease. The bold colour palette amplifies the aggressive design, and while it might be a bit too out there for conservative scooter buyers, enthusiasts will appreciate the drama.

Several design elements on this scooter stand out. The split LED headlamp setup with four LED projectors looks futuristic. The DRLs, which double up as indicators, are another unique touch and add to the visual flair. The angular LED tail lamp looks sharp, and then there are the winglets, yes, actual winglets that you won’t find on any other scooter.

Quality levels are impressive overall. The plastics around the dash feel premium, the switchgear operates with a solid, tactile feel, and the fuel filler flap opens and shuts with a reassuring click. Paint quality, too, is right up there with the best in the segment and gives the scooter a premium finish.

The only let-down is the seat latch mechanism. The seat doesn’t always shut properly with a single push, and more often than not, I found myself having to push it twice, adjusting my palm placement the second time to get it to lock. It’s a small niggle, but noticeable in an otherwise well-finished package.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The Ntorq 150 is surprisingly accommodating. It feels like a roomy scooter with a generous amount of space on both the seat and the floorboard. The riding position is neutral and relaxed, making it easy to spend a couple of hours in the saddle without fatigue.

The seat is wide and long enough to comfortably accommodate two full-sized adults. During hour-long rides through peak Mumbai traffic with a pillion, the Ntorq never felt cramped or strained. The cushioning strikes a decent balance between support and comfort, though the firmness does remind you of this scooter’s sporty intent. The exposed handlebar feels wide and offer good leverage, which reduces effort while changing directions in traffic. During tight lock-to-lock U-turns, the handlebars didn’t foul with my knees, which is a big plus for taller or larger riders. The floorboard is flat and spacious, allowing you to shift foot positions easily during longer rides.

With a seat height of 770mm, the Ntorq 150 is also approachable for shorter riders. Most riders will be able to flat-foot without any trouble, adding to their confidence in stop-and-go traffic.

Performance and Handling

Powering the Ntorq 150 is a 149.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 13hp and 14.2Nm of torque, which includes 0.7Nm from TVS’ iGO electric boost. The scooter gets two ride modes (Street and Race), each with a distinct throttle mapping. Fire up the engine, and you are greeted by a familiar soundtrack that closely resembles the Ntorq 125, but with a slightly naughtier edge. Twist the throttle hard and the exhaust note eggs you on, making even a mundane Monday morning commute feel exciting. With 13bhp on tap, the performance backs up the sporty soundtrack.

The engine delivers most of its torque low in the rev range, making the Ntorq 150 extremely responsive. Acceleration is brisk, 60kmph comes up in no time, and even 80-90kmph feels effortless. In Race mode, you get the full 13hp output along with the electric iGO assist, while Street mode dials things back to 10.9hp, similar to the Ntorq 125. Honestly, Street mode is more than adequate for daily riding and fast-moving city traffic.

The iGO system, which uses an integrated starter generator for silent starts and start-stop functionality, works seamlessly for the most part. However, every time the engine comes back to life when you twist the throttle, there’s a slight misfire-like noise that you can’t ignore. Additionally, the on-off throttle transition is quite aggressive. Let go of the throttle and the power cuts abruptly, resulting in a slightly jerky riding experience, something that could catch newer riders off guard.

Refinement, though, is a strong point. The engine feels smooth even beyond 80kmph, with no noticeable vibrations. It doesn’t feel strained, even with a pillion onboard, thanks to its torquey nature. The reinforced frame borrowed from the 125cc model complements the engine well. The chassis feels stable and composed, and the scooter inspires confidence while filtering through traffic. The engine never feels like it’s overpowering the chassis, which is reassuring.

TVS has stuck with 12-inch wheels instead of moving to larger 14-inch units, which is slightly disappointing because bigger wheels would have helped in rolling over large potholes with less vertical movement. As it stands, the ride quality is on the firmer side. Over sharp undulations and layered roads, you are reminded of the Ntorq’s sporty setup. That said, the ride improves noticeably with a pillion, becoming more absorbent and settled. Braking performance is strong and predictable. The initial bite is gentle, but once you pull the chunky, adjustable levers firmly, the scooter sheds speed confidently.

Features and Technology

This is where the Ntorq 150 really flexes its muscles. Feature-wise, it’s a significant step up over most scooters on sale today. The list includes traction control, two riding modes, adjustable levers, USB charger, multi-function lock, auto start-stop system, and follow me home headlights. Speaking of the headlights, you get a quad projector setup, which does a brilliant job of lighting up the road. It is easily one of the best headlights in the scooter segment.

Storage is decent, too, with a 22-litre underseat boot and a 2-litre front glove box. The boot isn’t class-leading, but it’s sufficient for everyday use. I could fit a regular half-face helmet along with documents, sunglasses, and a wallet without much fuss.

The highlight, though, is the colour TFT screen on the higher-spec variant. It’s crisp, well-laid-out, and remains legible even under harsh sunlight. With Bluetooth connectivity, it offers navigation, call and SMS alerts, and over 50 smart features, including Alexa integration, smartwatch connectivity, live tracking, and OTA updates. It genuinely elevates the riding experience and makes the Ntorq 150 feel premium.

Fuel Efficiency

In our standard BikeWale fuel efficiency test, ridden at a leisurely pace, the Ntorq 150 returned an impressive 45.84kmpl. With a 5.8-litre fuel tank, that translates to a range of nearly 266km on a full tank. Ride aggressively in Race mode, however, and the numbers will drop noticeably. In real-world usage, a mix of spirited and sedate riding should still net you around 35–38kmpl, which is respectable for a performance-oriented 150cc scooter.

Verdict

The TVS Ntorq 150 may look like a performance-first scooter, but what really stands out after extended use is how practical and usable it actually is. It offers light, predictable handling, decently comfortable suspension setup, and usable underseat storage. The seat is spacious enough for two adults, floorboard is accommodating, and the engine has enough torque to handle daily duties without stress.

It’s also fairly efficient for a 150cc performance scooter, making it a viable everyday option. If you are someone who wants to stand out from the sea of conservative-looking scooters, the Ntorq 150 is your best bet. Then, there’s the pricing. With prices ranging from Rs. 1.09 lakh to Rs. 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom), the Ntorq 150 is not only the most affordable 150cc scooter in India, but it isn’t drastically more expensive than many 125cc offerings. For the performance, tech, and sheer fun it delivers, the Ntorq 150 feels like an excellent value for money.

Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi