A new entrant into the 125cc scooter segment, the Hero Destini 125 competes against the Suzuki Access 125 and Honda Activa 125. So, how does the Hero Destini 125 fare against its rivals on paper? We find out.
Design
The Hero Destini 125 sports conventional styling, most of which has been inspired from the Duet 110. It gets muscular bodywork with strong lines and creases all around. The Activa 125 too gets strong lines all through its bodywork with a design language that would appeal to the masses. On the other hand, the Access 125 has a classic styling. All three scooters sport bits of chrome to add a premium touch.
Features
Hero has equipped the Destini 125 with its i3S technology, a first-in-class feature. This turns of the engine if left idle for a few seconds thus conserving fuel. It also gets an external fuel-filler cap for easy accessibility. All three scooters sport an analogue speedometer and digital unit which displays odometer, trip meter and fuel level. While the Activa’s unit also displays clock, the Destini 125 gets a side stand indicator. The Suzuki misses out on both.
The Honda Activa 125 is the only scooter here that gets a full-LED headlamp. It also offers a seat opening switch beside the ignition key slot. However, the Destini 125 and Access 125 offer the same functionality integrated in the key slot itself. Furthermore, the Destini offers more accessibility with its external fuel-filler cap that can be opened from the same slot. The Hero Destini also offers a USB charging port as standard on the higher-spec variant that the other two scooters offer as optional accessory.
Cycle Parts
While all three scooters get drum brakes with a combined braking system as standard, only the Activa 125 and Access 125 offer an optional front disc brake. Suspension duties on the scooters are handled by telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock.
The Activa and Access ride on a 12-inch front wheel and a 10-inch rear wheel. Meanwhile, the Hero Destini 125 sports 10-inch wheels on both ends.
Engine
The Suzuki Access 125 is powered by a 124cc engine that produces 8.4bhp and 10.2Nm of torque. The Honda Activa produces slightly higher 8.5bhp and 10.5Nm of torque. Meanwhile the Destini’s 124cc motor puts out the highest power at 8.7bhp although its 10.2Nm of torque output is on par with the Access 125.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, the Hero Destini 125 undercuts its rivals in both its variants. The base version is priced at Rs 54,650 while the higher-spec variant costs Rs 57,500. The Suzuki Access with drum retails at Rs 55,666 and the disc variant with CBS costs Rs 59,325. Honda has priced the Activa 125 at Rs 59,921 and Rs 64,307 for the base and higher-spec version respectively, making it the most expensive buy of the lot.
All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.
