TVS NTorq 125 First Ride Review

TVS is one company which is a firm believer in doing things slowly and more importantly, the right way! We have seen this with multiple TVS models and the new NTorq 125 is no different. Yes! We got an opportunity to ride the all-new 125 cc TVS NTorq at the company's plant in Hosur. It has been incoming for quite some time now and TVS has already launched the scooter at a price of Rs. 58,750. It is the first ever 125 cc scooter from TVS and is also the most powerful TVS scooter till date. Therefore, we did have lofty expectations from the TVS NTorq 125 and we are happy to say that the scooter met them and then some more... Here are our first impressions of the TVS NTorq 125 scooter.

TVS NTorq 125 looks stylish, sharp and bold

Design

Edgy and stylish! TVS says that the design of the NTorq 125 has been inspired from stealth fighter jets. Looking at all the edges and panels, one might get the idea that the design is too busy, but looking at it in the flesh, it feels just right. TVS wanted to target the millennials and what it calls 'Generation Z' with the NTorq 125 and has kept the styling as such. The front apron is nicely raked with LED DRLs that are integrated into the headlamp unit. View it from the rear and first thing that you notice are the triangular faux vents flanking the tail lamp, which look rather stylish and butch. Adding to the scooter's sportiness are bits of faux carbon fibre finish and aluminium footpegs. The overall design itself is fresh and likeable. So the looks of the scooter gets a big thumbs up from us, and the fit and finish is top notch as well.

TVS NTorq 125 is the flagship scooter in TVS' line-up

Features

The NTorq125 is perhaps the most loaded scooter in the market when it comes to features. The crowning jewel is the SmartXonnect feature, which allows you to sync your smartphone to the scooter via Bluetooth, using an app. This allows you to get access to all sorts of information such as call alerts, SMS alerts, three trip meters, lap timer, 0-60 kmph timer, navigation assist, service reminder and the list goes on. In total, TVS say that the fully-digital instrumentation console can display 55 pieces of information. Definitely a first in class feature and one that will be appreciated by the target audience! You also get a USB charger, external fuel filler cap and a pass-light switch.

TVS NTorq 125 gets first-in-class SmartXonnect infotainment system

The underseat stowage has a capacity of 22 litres, enough to gobble up a regular helmet. Another segment first or rather 'scooter-first' feature is the engine kill-switch. This is the first time ever that a manufacturer has fitted a scooter with one in India.

TVS NTorq 125 comes with nice built quality and a stylish-looking LED taillamp

Technical Specifications

The NTorq 125 gets a new 124.79 cc single-cylinder motor which is air-cooled and makes about 9.5 bhp of max power at 7,500 rpm and peak torque of 10.5 Nm at 5,500 rpm. The company claims a top-speed of 95 kmph and a 0-100 kmph time of 9 seconds. (More on this later)! The engine is all-new as TVS says and gets 3 valves. The extra valve helps get better acceleration and makes the engine feel more refined as well.

TVS NTorq gets a new 125 cc engine and makes about 9.5 bhp

The NTorq 125 gets 12-inch wheels with a 100/80 tyre at the front and a 110/80 tyre at the rear. There is also a 220 mm disc up front. Right now, there's only one variant available on sale, and that's the one with the disc brake. Also, the scooter features telescopic suspension upfront and a gas-charged coil spring at the rear.

TVS NTorq gets 12-inch alloy wheels and 220 mm disc up front

Performance

Diving straight into it, the NTorq 125 impressed us with its refinement. The new engine can build up speed, no doubt about it, but could have done with a touch more chutzpah. We did see 90 kmph on the speedometer and this is on the short test track loop at TVS' plant in Hosur. We also tried out the 0-60 kmph acceleration run and managed it in just less than 9 seconds. So it is definitely not a slouch, but a little more pep would have been welcome.

We were able to get a top-speed of 90 kmph from the TVS NTorq 125

The scooter handled the corners at the test track with aplomb and not once did it feel out of its comfort zone when tipped in at speeds over 60 kmph, which again impressed us. The chunky TVS tyres offer solid grip and does not let the performance and handling of the scooter down.

We did subject the scooter on a few torture tracks with ruts and bumps and while it is still difficult to gauge the ride quality, it sure doesn't feel uncomfortable. The suspension seems measured. But we will be able to tell you about it in detail once we ride it on city streets. At 116 kg, the scooter's weight can be managed by people of all age groups.

TVS NTorq 125's engine is refined and gets grippy tyres

Pricing and competition

The 125 cc scooter space in India is suddenly seeing a lot of action. Starting with the Honda Grazia, the NTorq 125 will have to go head to head with the newly launched Aprilia SR125, Suzuki Burgman Street, Hero Maestro Edge 125, Hero Duet 125 and even the Honda Activa 125 along with the Suzuki Access 125. So expect a full-blown 125 cc scooter shootout in the coming months, the thought of which has already got us salivating.

At a price point of Rs. 58,750 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the NTorq ticks all the right boxes that a scooter buyer could possibly have in his mind. Be it performance, refinement, features and styling, the TVS NTorq 125 has spades of it and has all it takes to become yet another volumes garner (like the Jupiter) for TVS. Its fresh design and cool features are things that it has going for it. The performance might not be blistering but it is more than adequate to run city errands and for daily commute. Value-for-money? Heck, yes! If you are in the market to buy a scooter, this could be a good option for you.