TVS Ntorq 125 Review

Design and Styling of the new 2018 TVS NTorq 125

As far as its design is concerned, TVS has it spot on with the NTorq 125. The colour schemes are quite bold. The edgy and aggressive looks ensure the scooter is in vogue. The headlamp cluster does look a bit dated but blends in well with the design scheme of the facade. It also sports LED batwing shaped DRLs that lend this scooter a modish touch. The side panels of the NTorq 125 are covered with carbon fibre like finish and as usual TVS has incorporated excellent build quality, fit and finish on this 125cc premium scooter.

Adding to the butch looks are chunky 100/80 R12 tyres in the front and 110/80 R12 tyres in the rear. The rear adorns a jet styled afterburner and a 'T' shaped LED stop lamp. The looks of this scooter are quite contemporary and one look at the gaming console inspired digital instrument cluster will tell you the same. This is another area where the TVS NTorq 125 goes ahead of its competitors and has become the first manufacturer in India to retail a connected scooter in the 125cc category. Riders can now pair their mobile devices via an App to the instrument cluster. This enables them to view who is calling, or who has sent an SMS. It also gets a navigation assist feature which enables the rider with directions to their destination. One can also use the App to locate the scooter at its last parked location.

Adding to the comfort and convenience quotient, the TVS NTorq 125 comes with a luggage hook, dual side handle lock, large storage space with light and USB charging, external fuel filling and a patented easy to operate centre stand. The seating posture, seat cushioning and rider comfort are reasonably good. The large footboard also caters to riding comfort for tall passengers. TVS has also fashioned unique looking split grab rails that add to the sport looks of the scooter and yet do reduce functionality. 

Engine and Performance of the new 2018 NTorq 125

Powering the NTorq 125 is a 124.79cc single cylinder air cooled engine which turns 9.27hp at 7500rpm and 10.5Nm at 5500rpm. The scooter is definitely more powerful than its contemporaries but it is slightly on the heavier side weighing in at 116.1kgs. That said the torque is just enough to get the job done. The mid range is where the NTorq comes into its own and begins gathering momentum. The scooter is quick to 60kmph and will carry on the momentum right upto 85kmph post which the response is a bit sluggish and the acceleration feels dragged. TVS has mapped the 0-60kmph time of the scooter at 9 seconds and have clocked it's top speed at 95kmph.

The NTorq 125 rides on telescopic forks in the front and a gas charged hydraulic coil spring in the rear. The suspension is on mildly stiff and it rides very well over the beaten path. We had a go on the NTorq at the TVS test facility in Hosur. The scooter rode exceptionally well over the cobbled path and was able to handle most undulations with finesse. TVS's build quality does really stand out here and is truly remarkable. Aside from looking great on the scooter, the tyres add quite a bit of utility. They grip the road rather well and even while cornering the scooter one feels quite confident. Braking on this scooter is facilitated by a 220mm petal disc in the front which comes with a single piston caliper and a 130mm drum brake in the rear. The brakes are progressive and get the job done in time. We conducted quite a few brake tests, down from different speeds and each time were quite satisfied with the results.

Verdict

One simply cannot ignore the changing times around us and bringing in a connected scooter is definitely the herald of a new era. The App based connectivity adds a lot of functional utility and practicality to the NTorq 125. That combined with dapper looks and a solid ride and build ensures TVS has hit the bull’s eye!