New, 2018 edition of Yamaha Fascino automatic scooter to rival Honda Activa 5G

Yamaha is readying up a new, 2018 edition of the Fascino automatic scooter, as a refreshed rival to the super  successful Honda Activa. The 2018 Fascino will be launched in March 2018, and will be pitted against the Activa 5G,  also likely to launch in the same month. Like the Activa 5G, the 2018 Fascino doesn’t have any mechanical changes, but gets a slew of design updates that make it look fresher than before.

Image courtesy GaadiWaadi

In terms of stylistic changes, the scooter gets a larger chrome element on the Yamaha logo on the front apron. The  seat gets a dual tone cover for a retro-look. The grab handle for the pillion gets larger, rounding off the changes.  The engine is the same 113cc, four stroke unit with 7.1 PS of peak power produced at 7,500 rpm, and 8.1 Nm of peak torque produced at 5,000 rpm. A CVT automatic gearbox is standard.

Stopping duties are handled by drum brakes on both wheels and a front disc brake is not available, even as an option. The scooter uses telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear, a suspension layout that’s offered on most new automatic scooters sold in India. Tubeless tyres are standard and by April 2019, the scooter will also get Combi- brakes, where any brake single lever can be used to activate both brakes.

The new scooter is likely to carry a price tag of around Rs. 55,000. At that price, it’ll be pricier than the Activa 5G, and Yamaha will be hoping that the fresher styling attracts enough people. Other rivals for the Fascino include the Hero Maestro, TVS Wego and Jupiter models. Yamaha is betting big on premium motorcycles and automatic scooters for the Indian market – two booming segments presently. Automatic scooters are getting more popular in India thanks to growing traffic and increased urbanization.

Via BikeWale