Hero Xoom 110 Scooter
The Hero Xoom 110 marks the two-wheeler giant’s foray into revitalizing their scooter portfolio beyond the aging Pleasure models. One look confirms Hero intends the Xoom 110 to shake up the mainstream 100-110cc family scooter space dominated by the Honda Activa.
Lacking a smash hit scooter model currently, Hero aims to sway customers seeking a fresh, youthful alternative to the decade old Activa through the European inspired Xoom 110 launched in 2022. Let’s examine what it brings to the table.
Hero Xoom 110 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | Air-cooled, 4 stroke 110cc Engine |
| Max Power | 8 bhp @ 7,000 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 8.7 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
| Mileage | 50-55 kmpl |
| Length x Width x Height | 1,836 mm x 690 mm x 1,190 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,261 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5 liters |
| Brakes | Combi Brake System |
| Price | Rs. 56,000 onwards, ex-showroom |
Decoding the Hero Xoom 110’s Strengths
While skepticism persists on whether buyers desire Hero scooters over segment leaders, the Xoom 110 makes a compelling case for consideration through its contemporary design, focus on ergonomics and sensible features.
Contemporary Styling Cues Help it Stand Apart
An air of elegant athleticism pervades the Xoom 110’s panels and profiles, distinguishing it from conservative family scooters. The front fascia’s beak-like shape with its LED headlamp and DRLs leaves a distinctive impression on traffic.
Chiseled side body panels add mature heft, while the 3D ‘Xoom’ logo on the front apron and ribbed seat complete a cohesive look. The rear profile maintains the modern tone with razor sharp tail lamps and alloy grab rail.
“It’s very hard not to look twice at the Xoom. The design looks sleek, modern and very fresh in how aggressive yet minimalist it is. It’s the reason a lot of people will go to Hero showrooms.”
Such eupeptic appeal feels at home against younger 125-150cc rivals and promises to make the Xoom 110 a common sight at colleges, IT parks and similar urban haunts.
Optimized Packaging For Maneuvering Through Traffic
While appealing aesthetically, the Hero Xoom 110’s design focus around space optimization makes city riding effortless. Its 1,836 mm length creates a compact footprint, occupying minimal space on roads for filtering through nooks unavailable for bulkier scooters.
At just 765 mm, the seat height lands around the middle for accessibility by both tall and short riders. It offers excellent comfort with ample contours for the rider and long, flat space for the pillion.
The riding position minimizes bodywork near the rider’s knees, allowing easy foot transitions between the floorboard and road. Overall, the Xoom 110’s ergonomics reveal meticulous consideration of real-world usability constraints.
Adept 110cc Engine Performance For Regular Commuting
Motivation comes from Hero’s trusted 110cc engine tuned for strong bottom and mid-range performance – the operating revs best suiting urban stop-go traffic. Peak torque disposition results in adequate acceleration off the line or for overtaking.
Lighter weight around 106 kg also aids momentum while keeping fuel efficiency to 50+ kmpl through careful balancing. A smooth CVT gearbox keeps vibes in check even when riding around 70 kmph on highways.
While no track star, the powertrain rightly recognizes most buyers don’t need excessive horsepower for intra-city use. Its adequate oomph precisely meets customer workflow.
Value Pricing Augments Accessibility Further
The Hero Xoom 110 undercuts most 110cc and even some 100cc scooters by pricing itself from Rs. 56,000 onwards. This makes owning the Xoom cheaper than popular rivals like the TVS Jupiter 110 or Honda Activa by 3-5%.
Factoring in lower servicing costs for a 110cc single-valve motor vs 125cc scooters further reduces operational expenses in the long run. Hence, the Xoom 110 gives almost guilt-free access to those stretched by 4-figure monthly budgets.
Areas of Improvement for the Hero Xoom 110
However, as a new launch, the Hero Xoom 110 comes with rough edges and gaps needing attention to fulfill its potential. These pain points undermine aspects of its ownership experience.
Storage Ergonomics Mar Experience
The Xoom 110’s under seat storage appears an afterthought ergonomically despite its 14 liter volume accommodating most helmet designs. The awkward fuel filler cap placement inside makes refueling an unnecessary chore.
Why Hero omitted conveniences like a storage light, charging socket or bag hooks seen in rivals baffles. More frustrating is the flimsy plastic fuel flap, compromised durability for suspected cost savings. It leaves an impression, Hero believes customers overlook small frustrations that nick away experience.
Plastic Build Quality Flaws Become Apparent
The lovely styling also hides niggles like uneven panel gaps between body panels and around the filler cap exposing unfinished metal frames. Such laps in quality feel unacceptable on a scooter positioning itself as premium.
Owners duct-taping gaps to prevent water seepage further underline the oversights by Hero’s vendor quality teams. Attention to finer details remains critical for new models to impress customers.
Lacks High Speed Refinement of Larger Scooters
The revvy 110cc motor audibly protests prolonged 70+ kmph highway cruising. The buzzing footboards act as irritating reminders of the performance differential vs more refined 125-150cc rivals. Such coarseness seems out of place for a scooter tailor-made for urban riding.
For second vehicle households likely to synchronize office commutes between riders, the dynamic gap to accomplishing 125cc scooters is hard to ignore. Hero needs focusing on subduing noise and vibrations for true city usability.
Verdict: Evaluating Who Should Buy the Hero Xoom 110
The Hero Xoom 110 makes a compelling value proposition marrying contemporary styling, nimble ergonomics and 110cc frugality. But is it compelling enough to take on segment leaders? Let’s see for whom it suits best.
For youngsters on tight budgets eyeing their first two-wheeler:
Yes, it makes for sensible ownership at an easy price point. The Xoom 110’s usable performance, attractive looks and predictable running costs nicely serve first-time riders. Think of it like training wheels before upgrading.
For mature riders focused on comfort and practicality:
Better options exist like Hero’s own Destini 125 or the Honda Activa 125 that offer stability from bigger frames, storage amenities and proven reliability at a small premium. Avoid the Xoom if refinement is desired.
For Activa intenders seeking an exciting alternative:
Strong contenders include the feature-packed TVS Jupiter 110 delivering better ergonomics, ride quality and dealer service at the Hero Xoom’s price point. Go for the Xoom only if style overrides other priorities.
The Road Ahead for the Hero Xoom 110
The Xoom 110’s specifications hold strong fundamental appeal as a nimble, youthful city scooter. To gain sales velocity and consumer mind share, Hero must double down on quality and consumer insights for the next 125cc variant.
Learning from gaps in storage, plastic quality and engine refinement will be key. Most crucially, Hero must improve engagement and ownership experience across marketing, sales and service touchpoints to convert interested buyers.
Refining the Xoom’s template into a 125cc powertrain will finally give Hero MotoCorp a fighting chance to make inroads against the Honda Activa’s dominance. For now, consumers get an appetizing glimpse of that potential in the likeable but imperfect Hero Xoom 110.
