We have seen ADV popularity rising off the roof in recent markets. This has given rise to ADVs across multiple engine displacements and price points as well. Slowly, we have been witnessing this trend carry over to scooters as well. Honda has dived into this as well, with the latest entrant being Vario 125.

Honda teased the launch a couple of days ago, and a full-fledged launch has happened now in Malaysia. As its name suggests, it is a 125 cc scooter, launched in Malaysia at RM 7,080, which roughly translates to Rs. 1.3 lakh in today's currency exchange rates. Price might seem on the higher side, but this seems to be on-road pricing, including insurance.

2023 Honda Vario 125cc Scooter - New Features, Colours

Honda Vario 125 looks like every other Vario scooter in its lineup. We're talking about Vario 150 and Vario 160, both of which are not on sale in India. Vario 160 is the most expensive of this bunch priced at RM 9,998 (approx Rs. 1.83 lakh). Honda has discontinued the 150cc model, replaced the larger 160cc model, and is sold alongside the newly launched Vario 125.

Design-wise, the new Honda Vario 125 gets a large face, which radiates a lot of aggression. It gets dual headlights with eyes-like design language present on its apron. These headlights are lit by LEDs and also contain sharp LED DRL elements along with turn indicators. Handlebar cowl is kept blank and below the headlight, there is a pronounced mudguard almost mimicking a beak of an ADV.

At the side, we have sporty body panels and complementing them is a large grab handle. Seat looks fairly comfortable offering a lot of support for the rider. Speaking of rider, they will enjoy an upright riding posture with comfortable ergonomics. Rounding off its looks, is a substantial-looking tail light section.

Specs & Features

The main highlight of 2023 Honda Vario 125 is that it rides on 14" alloy wheels, lending it a lot of road presence. This is likely to be its main USP as well, giving riders a commanding view of the road with its high seating position. Componentry includes 90/80-14 front and 100/80-14 rear tyres, telescopic front forks with rear monoshock, disc brakes at front with petal rotors and more.

The swingarm-mounted 124.9 cc single-cylinder engine makes 11.5 bhp of power at 8,500 RPM and 11.74 Nm of torque at 5,000 RPM. Transmission is handled by a CVT unit. Features include an 18L under-seat storage, a fully-digital instrument cluster with negative backlighting, LED lighting, a USB charger in front storage pocket and an anti-theft key with an immobilizer as we have with Honda Activa in India.

HMSI has not mentioned anything about launching the Honda Vario 125 in India. That said, given how it looks, we hope Honda considers bringing it to India along with Vario 160, which can be a tough competition to Yamaha Aerox 155. Also, Honda has already patented Vario in India too.

1 of 13