Hero developing sportier Maestro Edge 125 to challenge TVS NTorq

Hero launched their first 125cc scooter, the Destini yesterday in New Delhi and while speaking to the product team at the event, I got more than ample hints on the fact that their next 125cc offering, the Maestro Edge, will clearly be geared towards a sportier offering.

To be launched in the next 3-5 months, I have every reason to believe that the Maestro Edge 125 will lock horns with the TVS NTroq and even the Aprilia SR125. When I rode the Destini 125, it was apparent that the engine did not feel stressed at all. Hero is known to make their engines this way, the old Karizma being the perfect example.

I clearly feel that while the Maestro Edge 125 will get the same engine, it will have a different state of tune altogether, producing 5-10% more power and higher torque. The Destini currently belts out 8.7 bhp / 10.2 Nm which is just short of NTorq’s 9.2 bhp / 10.5 Nm and the upcoming Maestro Edge 125 might just be able to beat the TVS offering. Further, given that the Maestro Edge 125 will not have a metal body, it will end up weighing less than the Destini, or in other words, way less than the NTorq, giving it better power to weight ratio.

The Maestro Edge 125 will also get a front disc brake as standard, a safety aid missing on the Destini. Apart from a sportier body design to attract young buyers, Hero will equip it with more features and possibly, an all digital speedometer console. The Destini already handles well for a scooter and the Maestro will improve on this factor. One thing that is certainly required is a larger 12-inch front wheel.

The 125cc segment has witnessed a lot of action in the past couple of years. The TVS NTorq is the benchmark for young buyers and Hero will certainly aim at eating away into its sales. While Destini VX (fully loaded) sells for Rs 57,500, the NTorq carries a sticker price of 59,712 (both prices being ex-showroom). It goes without saying that the upcoming Maestro Edge 125 has little room in terms of pricing and Hero will have to play the ‘sporty’ card properly.

The NTorq is powered by a 125 cc, 4 stroke, single cylinder, air cooled engine that produces 9.25 Bhp of power and 10.5 Nm of torque. Currently, these are the most balanced figures among all the 125cc scooters. Will Hero beat these numbers with the Maestro Edge 125? Time will tell.

In the meantime, here is our quick first ride impression of the Hero Destini 125.