First Ride Review: Hero Xoom 110

Hero Motocorp has made yet another attempt at a market where it would clearly like to do better. World’s largest 2-wheeler maker is taking a fresh shot at the 110cc segment with the Xoom, a new-age scooter that it says is big on design as well as features. The scooter is loosely based on the Maestro but comes with a more appealing design and some never-before-seen tech. We’ve seen many sporty looking scooters in the 125 cc segment but for the 110 cc segment this design is refreshing to see.

Design

The Xoom looks sporty enough from all angles more so from the front with this aerodynamic fascia, H-shaped LED DRLs along with projector headlamp and 12-inch diamond cut alloys that only find a place on the top ZX trim. On the rear as well an integrated rear grip and H-shaped tail lamps add to the sporty appeal. A big highlight though is the industry first Corner bending light which through a sensor lights up when the scooter takes a turn.

Also available only in the top ZX trim, it provides much needed illumination while turning and comes across as a safe and practical feature. Its real test will be in the dark. The scooter has a wheelbase of 1,300 mm and it is 1843 mm long, 717 mm wide and 1,118 mm tall. So it feels just the right size looking at the segment it comes in.

Features

In terms of practicality the scooter gets a USB charger along with a glove box which is quite big in size and can carry quite a lot. The 19-litre boot is large enough to fit a full-size helmet and gets a light as well. The cluster is fully digital on top 2 variants, but the blue LCD is again provided only in the ZX.

Along with basic features it also gets Bluetooth connectivity which means you check calls or messages on the go. There’s also a real time mileage indicator given here along with a side stand cut-off feature. In all the Xoom gets 5 colour options with the Sports Red along with Matt Abrax orange reserved exclusively for the ZX trim.

Dynamics

Our first ride with the hero Xoom 110 was a on mix of traffic laden and empty roads, enough to gauge the performance of the scooter. As the name suggests, it runs on a 110.9 cc air cooled engine that makes 8.05 bhp @ 7,250 rpm along with a peak torque figure of 8.70 Nm @ 5,750 rpm. Kerb weight is 109 kgs so with the power to weight ratio is quite sorted and scooter pulls along nicely. It reaches a speed of 60 kmph with relative ease in under 10 secs and also doesn’t break too much sweat in crossing 80 kmph. Beyond this some vibrations do limit your experience and seating a pillion also does the same.

The scooter is able to give a comfortable ride in most situations. You get a telescopic suspension on the front and unit swing with spring loaded hydraulic damper on the rear. The suspension seems ready to take on the many challenges that come in the way. What also helps is the decent ground clearance of 155 mms so crossing speed breakers isn’t an issue here. This ZX gets the wider rear tyre with 12-inch wheels which gives the rider more confidence more so while turning at high speeds.

You get a seat height of 770 mm and despite the big glovebox, there’s decent space between the seat and handlebar. The seat itself is wide enough at least for the rider and also gets good cushioning as well. So a rider with an average height can go the distance on this one without getting too tired.

Braking is decent too. the front wheel on this top ZX gets a 190 mm disc while the rear wheel comes with a 130 mm drum brake. The fuel saving i3s technology seen on many 2-wheelers from the brand finds a place here too and while Hero hasn’t yet shared the fuel efficiency figures with us a fuel tank with a capacity of 5.2 litres should ensure the scooters covers a good distance before heading to the fuel pump. But there’s no external fuel filler here and every visit to the pump would mean opening the seat to fill fuel.

Prices & Verdict

The base LX or Sheet Drum version of the scooter is priced at Rs. 68,599 while at Rs. 71,799 the VX Cast Drum sits just above it. This ZX or Cast Disc is most expensive of the lot at Rs. 76,699 All prices are Introductory and ex-showroom. At these prices, with the features it offers and the way it rides, the new Hero Xoom comes across as a value for money scooter that will suit your everyday urban commutes nicely. Yes taking on the Honda Activa isn’t easy for any scooter in this segment but this time around it seems that Hero is much better prepared with this new offering.