Scooters in India were initially considered as a no-nonsense means of transportation. Bajaj  Chetak, TVS  Scooty and Honda Active are some of the finest examples of the same. However, the market has now matured considerably, thanks to the modern-looking,  feature-loaded and performance- oriented scooters that offer fun and practicality wrapped in a reasonably affordable package. Without much further ado, let`s take a look into the list of the upcoming scooters of the year 2019. 

1.  Yamaha N-Max 155

 

Yamaha is likely to launch the performance-oriented maxi scooter, the NMax 155 by mid-2019. The scooter employs a YZF-R15 V3-derived 155cc liquid-cooled engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). Generating 14.8PS of power and 14.4Nm of torque, the N Max will surely give full-fledged 150cc motorcycles some stiff competition. Moreover, the scooter is also feature-loaded with digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, disc brake on both ends with ABS and the likes. However, for the Indian market, expect Yamaha to drop a couple of features and maybe tune the engine differently to price it competitively at around Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom).

2.Aprilia Family Scooter

Aprilia’s parent company Piaggio is reportedly working on a family-oriented 125cc scooter. Now, Aprilia has a good presence in the performance scooter segment, but have nothing so far to cater to the masses. This upcoming scooter will certainly help the Italian brand rake in the numbers, and it’s reported that this product will be launched by mid-2019. It is said to pack practical features like large under seat storage, floorboard space, comfortable seat and the likes. The launch timeline is not confirmed, but we expect it to be around August 2019.

3. Hero Maestro Edge 125 

Hero entered the 125cc segment with the Destini 125 in late 2018. While the Destini 125 has a more of a family-oriented appeal, the Maestro Edge 125’s design is sportier and will appeal to younger audiences too. The design of this scooter is quite similar to its 110cc cousin with subtle differentiating elements like front disc brake, blacked-out grab rail, and black alloy wheels with chrome highlights.  Hence there is a possibility that Hero might equip the motor with fuel injection. The upcoming scooter will rival the Suzuki Burgman Street and the Honda Grazia. Expect Hero to price it at around Rs 60,000 (ex-showroom). 

4. UM Chill 150

UM seems to have set its sights on the premium retro scooter segment with a new offering that is set to be launched in the middle of this year. Pictures of the scooter have surfaced online, in what appears to be a dealer conference.  The UM Chill 150 consists of a hexagonal headlamp with chrome shrouds, tastefully done analogue instrument cluster, and a curvy bodywork with fat chrome strips on the sides. The alloy wheels also appear to have a chrome finish, and come with disc brakes on both ends.

5. Aprilia Storm 125

Apart from launching the SR 125 at the 2018 Auto Expo, Aprilia also showcased the Storm 125 earlier this year. At the unveiling event, Aprilia had mentioned that it plans to launch the new 125cc scooter by end of 2018. However, the launch has been delayed and has been pushed forward to the first quarter of 2019.

6. Honda Dio  125

The Honda Dio has always been the sportier looking cousin of the Activa right from the first generation model. Now that Honda already has the Activa 125, it does make sense for the brand to consider bringing in a 125cc version of the Dio. The sporty 125cc scooter segment seems to be commanding healthy sales numbers, thanks to competent products like the TVS NTorq 125.