In the ever-evolving landscape of two-wheelers, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has once again raised the bar with the launch of the highly anticipated Honda Activa 7G.
This latest iteration of India’s beloved scooter promises to redefine urban mobility with its cutting-edge features, enhanced performance, and futuristic design.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Activa series has been a cornerstone of Indian roads for over two decades, and the 7G model aims to continue this legacy while pushing the boundaries of what a scooter can be.
Minoru Kato, President and CEO of HMSI, expressed his excitement at the launch event in New Delhi: “The Activa has always been more than just a scooter; it’s a symbol of freedom and reliability for millions of Indians. With the 7G, we’re not just evolving the Activa; we’re revolutionizing the entire scooter segment.”
Futuristic Design
One glance at the Activa 7G, and it’s clear that Honda’s designers have outdone themselves.
The scooter sports a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that’s both eye-catching and functional. LED lighting is used throughout, including a distinctive LED headlamp with daytime running lights and a stylish LED taillight that enhances visibility and safety.
Raj Kapoor, Lead Designer at HMSI, explained the philosophy behind the new look: “We wanted to create a design that respects the Activa’s iconic status while boldly stepping into the future. Every curve, every line of the 7G has been crafted to turn heads and spark joy in the rider.”
The Activa 7G comes in a range of vibrant colors, including Pearl Siren Blue, Rebel Red Metallic, Matte Axis Grey Metallic, and Pearl Precious White, allowing riders to express their personal style.
Powerhouse Performance
Under its stylish exterior, the Activa 7G packs a punch with its new 125cc eSP+ (Enhanced Smart Power) engine.
This powerplant delivers a perfect blend of performance and efficiency, producing 8.29 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 10.3 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine incorporates Honda’s latest ACG starter motor, ensuring silent and jolt-free starts every time.
Dr. Suresh Patel, Head of Powertrain Development at HMSI, proudly stated, “With the 7G’s engine, we’ve achieved a remarkable balance. It offers 15% more power than its predecessor while still delivering an impressive fuel efficiency of 60 kmpl under standard testing conditions.”
The scooter also features Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a first in its segment, which helps maintain rear wheel traction by detecting differences in front and rear wheel speeds.
Ride Comfort and Handling
Honda has paid special attention to ride quality in the Activa 7G. The scooter features a new chassis design that offers improved stability and handling.
The front fork suspension has been upgraded to a telescopic unit, while the rear continues to use the tried-and-tested unit swing arm with hydraulic shock absorbers.
The 12-inch front wheel and 10-inch rear wheel, both featuring alloy construction and tubeless tires, provide better grip and stability.
Braking is handled by a 190mm disc brake at the front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear, both equipped with Honda’s Combi-Brake System with equalizer for enhanced safety.
Priya Sharma, a daily commuter in Mumbai, was among the first to test ride the Activa 7G. She couldn’t contain her excitement: “The ride quality is phenomenal! It feels so stable, even on our pothole-ridden roads. And the braking – it’s so smooth and confident. I feel much safer on this than on my old scooter.”
Smart Technology Integration
In an era where connectivity is king, the Activa 7G doesn’t disappoint. It features Honda’s new H-Smart technology, which includes a digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity.
This allows riders to pair their smartphones and access features like turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and even a ‘find my vehicle’ function through a dedicated mobile app.
The scooter also introduces Honda’s new Smart Key system, which allows for keyless ignition, seat opening, and fuel lid access. An anti-theft alarm and immobilizer provide additional security.
Vikram Mehta, a 32-year-old IT professional from Bangalore, was impressed by these features: “It’s like Honda has brought the Activa into the smartphone age.
The connectivity features are not just gimmicks; they’re actually useful in day-to-day riding. And the keyless system? It’s a game-changer for someone like me who’s always fumbling for keys.”
Comfort and Convenience
Recognizing that many Activa users spend significant time on their scooters, Honda has paid special attention to rider comfort.
The seat has been redesigned with high-density foam and a new contour that reduces pressure points on long rides. The floorboard is spacious and flat, providing ample legroom for riders of all sizes.
Storage capacity has been increased, with an 18-liter under-seat storage compartment that can easily accommodate a full-face helmet. A front glove box with a USB charging port adds to the convenience factor.
Eco-Friendly Commuting
In line with growing environmental concerns, the Activa 7G is BS6 Phase 2 compliant and features Honda’s Idle Stop System.
This technology automatically shuts off the engine when idling for extended periods, such as at traffic lights, and restarts it with a simple twist of the throttle.
Dr. Anita Desai, an environmental scientist, commended Honda’s efforts: “It’s encouraging to see manufacturers like Honda taking steps to reduce emissions.
The Idle Stop System might seem small, but when you consider the millions of Activas on Indian roads, the cumulative effect on reducing air pollution could be significant.”
Pricing and Market Positioning
HMSI has always been known for offering value for money, and the Activa 7G continues this tradition. While official pricing will be announced at launch, industry insiders suggest that the scooter will be priced between ₹80,000 to ₹85,000 (ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy positions the Activa 7G as a premium offering in the scooter segment, reflecting its advanced features and technologies.
Amit Gupta, a leading automotive analyst, believes Honda has made a smart move with this positioning: “The Activa 7G offers features that we typically see in much more expensive two-wheelers.
By bringing these technologies to the mass market, Honda is not just upgrading the Activa; they’re elevating the entire scooter segment.”
The Road Ahead – Honda Activa 7G
As the Activa 7G gears up for its nationwide launch, the anticipation in the market is palpable. Dealers across the country report a surge in inquiries, with many potential buyers eager to book the scooter sight unseen.
For HMSI, the Activa 7G represents more than just a new product launch. It’s a bold step towards the future, a declaration that the scooter segment is ripe for innovation and can incorporate technologies previously reserved for high-end motorcycles.
As we watch the first batch of Activa 7Gs roll off the production line, one thing is clear – the queen of Indian roads is not resting on her laurels. With the 7G, Honda isn’t just evolving an icon; it’s redefining what it means to be a scooter in the 21st century.
The Activa has been the backbone of Indian urban mobility for decades. Now, with the 7G, it’s ready to carry that legacy forward into a new era of smart, efficient, and exciting commuting.
The streets of India are about to witness the dawn of a new Activa era, one that promises to make every ride a blend of comfort, style, and cutting-edge technology.