Is the TVS Jupiter 125 the best 125cc family scooter yet?
A 'family scooter' might feel like a loosely defined term with guidelines that keep on changing with continuous updates. Yet, there are specific rules set in stone, like a fuel-efficient motor, large comfortable seat, floorboard and underseat storage and styling that does not break convention. TVS has tasted success with its Jupiter, it being among the top three best selling scooters, and has now entered the 125cc 'family scooter' segment with the all new Jupiter 125. Built from the ground up, it features learnings from the 110cc Jupiter as well as brings in new, highly usable features into the mix. Is it impressive enough to be noticed by the Family Man? We have the answers for you.
Looks and features?
TVS has stuck with the Jupiter's familiar, conventional design but made it look more premium with smooth flowing lines, bold chrome accents on the apron and a smoked visor atop the LED headlamp. Premiumness comes in the form of body-coloured pillion grabrail and machined alloy wheels. It also comes with this cool looking orange paint job that adds to the premium feel. Fit and finish levels are quite good as we have come to expect from TVS.
Eagle-eyed viewers among you might have noticed the fuel filler cap below the handlebar. A five-litre fuel tank now sits under the floorboard offering quite a few benefits. For one, it frees up space under the seat which can now hold two medium-size helmets. Also, now you don't have to step off the scooter to fill fuel. Another highlight is the seat that is 65mm longer than the 110cc Jupiter's seat. TVS says it is the longest seat in the segment and we believe them. It can comfortably seat two XXL gents while the cushioning too is slightly firmer than the Jupiter 110's soft seat. The floorboard too is spacious and TVS says, will hold a gas cylinder with ease.
Moving on with the conservative theme, the instrument console isn't a fully digital unit but a semi-digital one with an analogue instrument console and a comprehensive digital screen that shows the time, fuel level, average and instantaneous fuel efficiency and distance to empty. Surprisingly, it does not feature Bluetooth connectivity despite the 110cc Jupiter being one of the first scooters to get it. TVS says the Jupiter 125 will get it as well in the near future. It also gets an auto start stop that offers a slightly different mode of operation than simply accelerating to start the scooter. Once the engine switches off in traffic, you need to press the brake, roll the throttle and back off for the engine to start. It's a longer procedure but is safer as it does not ask for the throttle to be opened when the engine starts.
Engine?
The all-new 124.8cc fuel-injected motor has been developed for low resistance and gets an integrated starter generator for silent starts as well. The engine is a refined unit but mild resonance can be felt on the floorboards as you accelerate at speeds of 20kmph and beyond 60kmph. It delivers 8.3PS and 10.5Nm. That's 0.4PS and 1.7Nm more than the Jupiter 110 while weighing just two kilos more at 109kg. The motor is a torquey unit with ample performance in the low to mid-range. Low speed and part throttle response is impressive as well and the Jupiter 125 should allow for quick getaways in the city. Out on the TVS test track, the Jupiter 125 got upto 70kmph with ease post which progress slowed down although it did manage to hit a speedo-indicated top speed of 90kmph. TVS claims that the Jupiter 125 offers best-in-class fuel efficiency which we can verify only after testing it extensively.
Ride and handling?
It is not just the engine that is all-new. The frame too has been developed from the ground up and besides the 12-inch wheels at both ends and telescopic suspension, features preload-adjustable gas-charged shock absorbers now. The suspension tune is slightly firmer than the Jupiter 110 and does not wallow at high speeds but retains most of its plush ride quality.
High-speed stability is quite good though it is the front-end feel that impresses more. Out on the TVS test track, it felt quick and communicative. Even more impressive are the brakes. The Jupiter 125 gets a 220mm front disc and 130mm rear drum brake. They offer a strong bite and good feel and the tyres also help offer surefooted braking.
Verdict
The top-spec Jupiter 125 is priced at Rs 81,300. That is around Rs 4,600 more than the top-spec Jupiter 110 and for the extra premium, you get a lot of kit as well as a more premium ride experience. When it comes to a premium family scooter, the TVS Jupiter 125 ticks all the right boxes and even adds new ones. Is it the best 125cc family scooter? We think it is pretty close.
