Signaling a steady sequential growth, Hero MotoCorp has sold 18,35,773 units of motorcycles and scooters so far (April-July) in FY’23. This is a double-digit growth of 24.1% over the corresponding period of FY’22, when the Company had sold 14,78,905 units.

The normal monsoon in most parts of the country, and the consequent agricultural harvest along with the upcoming festive season is expected to keep the sentiments positive and help build the momentum further.

In the first month of the second quarter, Hero MotoCorp launched the exclusive Rally Edition of its widely popular motorcycle Xpulse 200 4V and the latest edition of the iconic Super Splendor in Canvas Black Edition, which comes with the triple promise of Super – Power, Super – Mileage and Super – Comfort.

In the month of June, the company announced Hero Dirt Biking Challenge (HDBC) - the first-of-its-kind pan-India talent-hunt program by an OEM (original equipment manufacturer). HDBC is aimed at providing budding riders, enthusiasts and amateurs the much-awaited platform who want to pursue their passion in off-road racing and make a name for themselves in the field.

These Hero scooters would enable police officers and fire department officers to provide rapid services during emergency situations, thereby ensuring better security to the citizens of Nagpur – particularly women.

The scooters were handed over to the Police Commissionerate and the Fire Department by Mr. Vikram Kasbekar, Executive Director, Hero MotoCorp, in the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari.

The Hero scooters are equipped with sirens, loudspeakers and other essential police accessories, to empower officers in the city to adequately perform their patrolling duties.

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, said, “We appreciate Hero MotoCorp for taking the initiative and partnering with the Nagpur Police and Fire Department on the occasion of International Women’s Day. This is an excellent example of a Corporate and local authority collaborating together to ensure the safety of citizens, particularly women.”

The Hero Maestro Edge 125 is now available in a new avatar that comes in attractive colour options, updated graphics, and a tweaked design that should be able to lure in more young buyers. The scooter is also equipped with a segment-first LED projector headlamp that should provide better illumination in dark riding conditions. It also adds to the overall visual appeal of the two-wheeler.

Also Read: New Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid Cheaper than Honda Activa 125

Hero MotoCorp has also added a fully digital instrument cluster in the new Hero Maestro Edge 125. Customers will be able to benefit from handy features such as turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, theft alert, and more thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. The display also shows real-time mileage and has Eco and Low Fuel indicators.

No changes have been made to the engine. The new Hero Maestro Edge 125 continues to draw power from the same old 124.6cc single-cylinder engine that comes with Hero MotoCorp’s ‘XSens Technology’. The motor is capable of producing 9 HP at 7000 rpm and 10.4 Nm at 5500 rpm.

The new Hero Maestro Edge 125 has 3 variants. The drum brake model has been priced at INR 72,250. On the other hand, the disc brake variant will set you back by INR 76,500. And if you want to buy the Connected trim, then you will have to shell out INR 79,750.

Also Read: Hero Glamour Xtec w/ Segment-First Features Launched in India

Speaking at the launch of the new Hero Maestro Edge 125, Naveen Chauhan, Head of Sales and Aftersales, Hero MotoCorp, said:

We are witnessing an increasing demand for our scooters recently and with the new Maestro Edge 125 we expect this trend to continue. With its first-in-segment features and new design, this scooter will definitely resonate with the youth across the country.

The Hero Maestro Edge 100 Million Limited Edition features a red and white dual-tone paint scheme that matches the colour combination of Hero MotoCorp’s logo. This unique livery certainly enhances the scooter’s overall visual appeal and should be able to lure in more buyers. Hero MotoCorp has also used the ‘100 Million Limited Edition’ logo/badges on either side of the front apron for added exclusivity. We also like the branding on the rear cowl which is quite prominent and, thus, helps to identify the scooter even from a distance.

Also Read: Launch Alert! Hero Xpulse 200T Finally Gets its BS6 Update

The 100 Million Limited Edition of the Hero Maestro Edge 110 is available at INR 65,250* which makes it the most expensive variant of the scooter. Following is a detailed variant-wise price table for your reference.

When it comes to the specifications, the 100 Million Limited Edition of the Hero Maestro Edge 110 is identical to the other variants. It uses a 110.9cc single-cylinder engine. The air-cooled motor has been tuned to produce 8.15PS of max power at 7250rpm and 8.7Nm of peak torque at 5750rpm. It comes equipped with a fuel injection system and complies with the latest and more stringent BS6 emission regulations.

As for the features, the Hero Maestro Edge 110 has a semi-digital instrument console that shows information such as service reminder, odometer, trip meter, and more. The scooter also comes with an external fuel filler cap, mobile charging port, boot light, LED taillamp, side stand indicator, and telescopic front suspension.

For more Hero MotoCorp news and other two-wheeler updates, keep checking IndianAutosBlog.com.

*Ex-showroom, Delhi

What are the offers?

Hero MotoCorp is offering two interesting offers. First, there’s an exchange/loyalty bonus of up to INR 3000. Second, buyers can receive a cashback of up to INR 12,000 on the purchase of a brand-new Hero scooter. Of course, there are terms and conditions involved. The cashback offer is applicable on EMI, debit card, and credit card transactions of select banks only. To know more details, it is advised to visit an authorised Hero MotoCorp dealership.

Hero Maestro Edge

There are two models of the Maestro Edge currently on sale - the Maestro Edge 110 and Maestro Edge 125. The former comes with a digital-analogue combo meter, integrated braking, as well as a service reminder whereas the latter features an external fuel filler cap, LED tail lamp, and striking LED DRL.

The Maestro Edge 110 is available in two variants - VZ and ZX. On the other hand, the more powerful Maestro Edge 125 has three variants - Drum, Disc, and Stealth.

Hero Destini 125

The Destini 125 comes with a sturdy metal body, signature LED guide lamps and Hero MotoCorp’s xSens technology. It also features an external fuel filler cap, premium dual seat, side stand indicator, and a larger under-seat storage space with a mobile charging port and a boot lamp. It is available in 7 attractive colour options and has 2 variants.

Hero Pleasure Plus

Some of the key features of the Pleasure Plus include a mobile charging port, utility box, alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, integrated braking, side stand indicator, retro headlamp, and boot lamp. This scooter is powered by a 110cc single-cylinder engine that produces 8bhp and 8.7Nm. It is available in 3 variants - VX, LX, and ZX.

For more Hero MotoCorp news and other two-wheeler updates, keep checking IndianAutosBlog.com.

*Ex-showroom, Delhi

The new Hero Maestro Edge 125 Stealth Edition is basically a cosmetic makeover of the standard scooter. To lure in more customers, especially the youth, the company has incorporated several visual changes. The Maestro Edge 125 Stealth Edition features a new Matte Grey colour with black alloy wheels that have white pinstriping. Hero MotoCorp has also used bold and big decals on the side of the new scooter.

Thanks to the carbon-fibre-like textured stripes and the full black theme, the new Hero Maestro Edge 125 Stealth Edition really looks much bolder, masculine, and more attractive than the standard model.

Speaking at the launch of the new Hero Maestro Edge 125 Stealth Edition, Naveen Chauhan, Head - Sales & After Sales, Hero MotoCorp, said:

We are glad to kick-off our festive campaign with the new Maestro Edge 125 Stealth Edition, which is a stand-out product in the category. Our scooter brand Maestro Edge remains highly-popular with the customers and this new addition will add to the brand's appeal. We have lined up several new product launches in the coming weeks that will reinvigorate the market with their youthful, premium and tech-focused persona.

Also Read: Hero MotoCorp announces a 3-day Mega Service Carnival for its customers

The new Hero Maestro Edge 125 Stealth Edition gets no mechanical changes. And for all the aforementioned cosmetic alterations, Hero MotoCorp is asking INR 72,950 (ex-showroom, Delhi) which makes the new model INR 1,500 dearer than the standard disc brake variant of the scooter. Would you spend the extra bucks for the new model?

A total of 100 scooters including Hero Maestro Edge 125 and Hero Destini 125 were presented to the lady officers of Gorakhpur Police Department. These women cops are a part of a special squad called ‘Sherni Dasta’ who carry out patrolling duties in several parts of the city.

Shri Yogi Adityanath, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh flagged off a rally of the 100 Hero scooters offered to the women police officers from Gorakhnath Mandir, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Hero MotoCorp has slightly modified these scooters to make them much more useful for the lady cops. All the 100 Hero Maestro Edge 125 and Hero Destini 125 scooters are equipped with GPS, sirens, flashlights, pepper spray, public announcement (PA) systems, and other essential police accessories. These modifications should help the officers in carrying out their patrolling duties.

The 124.6cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine of both the Hero Maestro Edge 125 and Hero Destini 125 is capable of producing 6.7 kW or 9 bhp of maximum power at 9,000 rpm and 10.4 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm. It is equipped with Hero MotoCorp’s X-Sens technology along with a fuel injection system which provides crips throttle response, improved performance, and enhanced fuel efficiency.

Also Read: BS6 Hero XPulse 200 new seat cover options & motocross helmet revealed

Hero MotoCorp has been quite active with its Project Sakhi. The company has handed over more than 2,900 two-wheelers to police departments and has empowered many women police officers of 11 states (Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Telangana, Haryana, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Karnataka, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh) and one Union Territory (Puducherry) under its CSR initiative.

Hero MotoCorp retails the BS-VI compliant Hero Maestro Edge 125 in two variants, both with alloy wheels. One variant has drum brakes and is priced at INR 67,950*, while the other has a front disc brake and a rear disc brake and costs INR 70,150*. The company has introduced a Prismatic Purple paint scheme (using prismatic paint technology) which changes its sheen depending on the amount of light falling on the body. This paint scheme is offered in the top variant and costs INR 500 extra.

Powering the Hero Maestro Edge 125 is the same 124.6 cc air-cooled engine which does duty in the Destini 125. It produces 9.1 PS of power and 10. 4 Nm of torque in BS-VI tune. However, the company has not confirmed whether i3S (start-stop system) is offered in the BS-VI Hero Maestro Edge 125 or not. In the BS-IV scooter, i3S technology was offered only in the carburettor-shod base variant.

Also Read: BS-VI Hero Pleasure+ 110 FI launched in India

As for the suspension setup, the Hero Maestro 125 has a telescopic fork at the front and a single spring at the rear. Its braking system includes a 190 mm disc at the front in the top variant. Just like the Destini 125, it comes with a halogen-based bulb, making the Gurugram-based manufacturer and Aprilia the only two players in the 125 cc scooter segment to not offer an LED headlamp.

Focusing on a younger audience, the Hero Maestro Edge 125 get a mix of digital and analogue instrumentation. The grab rail, unlike on the old model, is not body-coloured.

The Hero Maestro Edge competes with the Honda Activa 125, TVS NTorq 125, Suzuki Burgman Street 125 and Aprilia Storm 125.

Also Read: BS-VI Hero Splendor+ launched with ~INR 7,000 price hike at INR 59,600

*Ex-showroom, Delhi

Hero MotoCorp has made a trademark application for “Freedo” name. The company could be reserving this name for an upcoming two-wheeler.

Also Read: BS-IV Hero Splendor, HF Deluxe and Glamour discontinued

Could it be an electric scooter?

Hero MotoCorp’s rival brands like Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company are already developing their respective electric products. In fact, Bajaj Auto will launch its first electric two-wheeler, the Chetak, on 14 January.

Hero MotoCorp has a stake in Bengaluru-based start-up Ather Energy. It may use the R&D learnings of Ather Energy to develop its own product. Bajaj Auto opted to revive the Chetak brand and thus used retro-styling for its product. Hero MotoCorp may develop contemporary styling. We could see modern features such as full-LED lighting and a Bluetooth-enabled digital instrument console on this upcoming product.

The new electric scooter could work with a smartphone app to offer features such as diagnostics, navigation function, ride history and more. Other hardware specifications may include telescopic forks at the front as part of the shock absorption department. Expect the braking setup to include disc brake at the front and a drum unit at the back.

Could it be another internal combustion engine vehicle?

Hero MotoCorp has already introduced the Destini 125, a family-oriented scooter the 125 cc space while the company caters to young buyers through the Maestro Edge 125. Adding another 125 cc scooter may not be a good strategy.

The word Freedo can be associated with Freedom, although the company already has the XPulse 200 and the XPulse 200T in its portfolio, and thus it will be safe to write-off an adventure-oriented motorcycle. The 2019 EICMA show witnessed the arrival of the 1.R Concept roadster-segment motorcycle that will join the company’s X-series models (currently comprising Xtreme and XPulse bikes). Thus, the Freedo tag will not go to that series.

Hero MotoCorp is among the list of manufacturers to skip Auto Expo 2020, and thus we may have to wait for some time before we can hear some more details about the Freedo brand.

Also Read: Hero MotoCorp to hike prices by up to INR 2,000 in January

In other updates, Hero MotoCorp is currently occupied with updating its existing products to comply with the BS-VI emission norms. It recently announced the launch of the BS-VI HF Deluxe. The Splendor iSmart, too, complies with the latest emission norms, and it is available at Hero MotoCorp showrooms in the country.

Also Read: Hero Xtreme 200R gets another price hike, now available at INR 91,900

The list of benefits available under the new ‘Hero Scooters Grand Carnival’ offer include:

• Low down payment of just INR 999
• Low-interest rate of 6.99%
• Service offers
• 2x GoodLife benefits
• PayTM benefits of up to INR 8,500

The offer is valid on Hero MotoCorp’s complete scooter range:

• Duet
• Destini 125
• Pleasure
• Pleasure+
• Maestro Edge
• Maestro Edge 125
• Maestro Edge 125 Fi

Hero MotoCorp revised the prices of its complete portfolio earlier this month. The new ex-showroom tags are approximately 1% higher than the previous levels. The ‘Hero Scooters Grand Carnival’ offer will reduce some effects of the price hike from the scooter range.

Apart from the ‘Hero Scooters Grand Carnival’ offer, Hero MotoCorp introduced a home delivery service of new two-wheelers earlier this month. The new home delivery service will cost an additional INR 349 over the on-road price of any new two-wheeler from Hero MotoCorp. Buyers can either select for physical Pre-Delivery Inspection or opt for electronic Pre-Delivery Inspection of their vehicles. The service, which is currently available in Mumbai, Noida and Bangalore, will soon be expanded to 25 cities across the country.

The company registered a 21.18% decline in year-on-year numbers in July 2019, reporting 5,35,810 unit sales as against 6,79,862 units in the corresponding period last year. The new offers aim to boost sales during the high-demand festive season.

Also Read: Hero XPulse 200 imagined with a bigger powerplant and cues from Hero XF3R concept

Hero MotoCorp is also working on updating its complete product portfolio with BS-VI compliance. The company has already received the BS-VI certification for the Splendor iSmart, and we should hear the launch details very soon. The company will try to update its entire portfolio well ahead of the April 2020 deadline to ensure stock clearance of BS-IV products.

Also Read: Hero Destini 125 Road Test Review

The Hero MotoCorp plans to introduce even more models in the scooter segment to challenge its erstwhile partner, Honda. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India currently leads the scooter segment with a market share of 55%, while Hero MotoCorp has about only 11% market share. Speaking to Economic Times, Sanjay Bhan, Head of Sales at Hero MotoCorp, said:

We do see that scooters will have a reasonably decent role to play in society. Scooters are often a second purchase in the family. And as the largest motorcycle manufacturer, that puts us in the best position we can be in – to offer both these options to our customers. We recognise this 32-35% band will be there and we are therefore ready to maximise our gains in the category.

With an aim to boost the sales in the scooter segment, Hero MotoCorp has introduced a buyback scheme, BuySurance, in the country. The scheme was introduced in Pune in March to study the market response. Hero MotoCorp plans to launch the buyback programme in top-10 markets in India, and it has already rolled out the scheme in Delhi and Bengaluru. Buyers will get a guaranteed buyback certificate from CREDR that will have a fixed buyback value.

Hero MotoCorp currently offers six products in the scooter segment – Duet, Pleasure, Pleasure+, Maestro Edge (110 cc), Maestro Edge 125 and the Destini 125. While the 110 cc segment is dominated by the Honda Activa by a considerable margin, the 125 cc space has the potential for growth. The Suzuki Access 125 currently leads the 125 cc scooter space. Hero MotoCorp’s Destini 125 has delivered promising sales performance and became India’s second largest selling 125 cc scooter in March 2019. The following were the top five 125 cc scooter in the country in March:

Also read: Hero MotoCorp to add products in 150 cc to 400 cc segment – Report

While the Destini 125 was pitched as a family scooter, the new Maestro Edge 125 is targeted at young buyers.

[Source: EconomicTimes.com]

Also read: Hero MotoCorp introduces buyback scheme for scooters - Report

Check out the complete price list below:

The Maestro Edge 125 joins the Hero Destini 125 to compete with the likes of Honda Grazia, TVS NTORQ and Suzuki Burgman. The scooter will soon arrive at dealerships across the country, and the sales will commence from the end of this month.

The Hero Destini 125 is pitched as a family scooter, while the Maestro Edge 125, with its modern and sharp styling, targets young buyers. Only the Maestro Edge 125 is available in two engine options - carburettor and fuel injection. The 124.6 cc carburettor engine makes 8.7 bhp at 6,750 rpm and 10.2 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The 124.6 cc fuel-injected engine, on the other hand, churns out 9.1 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 10.2 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. The addition of a fuel injection system brings the Maestro Edge 125 one step closer to BS-VI emission compliance.

The carburettor-equipped Maestro Edge features Hero MotoCorp's patented i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology for better fuel economy. The i3S switch is quite different from that of the Destini 125.

The Maestro Edge 125 is available in six colour options – two for the fuel injected variant and four for the carburettor variant. The fuel-injected variant can be purchased in Pearl Fadeless White and Panther Black. The carburettor variant is available in Matte Brown, Matte Vernier Grey, Matte Red and Matte Blue. The fuel-injected Maestro Edge 125 gets a unique paint scheme for the area behind the apron and the footboard. The Pearl Fadeless White has a shade of brown on the footboard area, while the Panther Black features a bright red paint there.

Stopping power to the carburettor variant comes from drum brakes on both wheels, although a front disc brake is available optionally. The fuel-injected variant comes with a front disc brake as standard. Do note that a disc brake is not available on the Destini 125 yet. The safety net includes Hero MotoCorp’s Integrated Braking System (CBS tech) as standard. The Maestro Edge 125 uses telescopic forks and a spring-loaded hydraulic damper at the front and the back respectively to perform the shock absorption tasks.

Also read: Hero Xtreme 200S - In 35 Official Images

In terms of styling, the Maestro Edge 125 features a conventionally mounted headlight, apron-mounted blinkers and a unique glossy finish to the rear-view mirror housing. An external fuel-filler cap makes refuelling easier.

*Ex-showroom Delhi

While the Destini 125, which is India's second-highest selling 125 cc scooter, is pitched as a family scooter, the Maestro brand has always been targeted toward younger audience. The unit displayed at Auto Expo 2018had halogen headlamp, but the launch version is expected to be equipped with LED headlamp in order to stay at par with the segment rivals such as the TVS Ntorq 125 and the Honda Grazia.

The Hero Maestro Edge 125 will be launched in two variants, one with steel wheels and the other with alloy wheels. In terms of features, it is expected to carry a semi-digital instrument cluster with service due indicator, an external fuel-filler cap, a USB charging port, boot light and dual-tone mirrors. Most of these features are already offered on the Hero Maestro Edge.

The Hero Maestro Edge 125 would be powered by a 124.6 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, 'Energy Boost' engine that delivers 8.70 bhp (8.82 PS) of power at 6,750 rpm and peak torque of 10.2 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) is expected in this model. The fuel economy rating should fall somewhere in the 50-55 km/l range.

Also Read: Hero Thriller 200T (XPulse 200T) with fuel injection at Feria 2 Ruedas - In 5 Live Images

The Hero Maestro Edge 125 is expected to be slightly cheaper than its competition. Its prices will likely range somewhere between INR 57,000 (ex-showroom) and INR 64,000 (ex-showroom).

Also Read: 2019 Hero Pleasure - IAB Rendering

Hero MotoCorp had already introduced the scheme, called BuySurance, in Pune, in March to understand the market response. Following Pune, the programme has now rolled into Delhi and Bengaluru. Under the program, buyers will get a guaranteed buyback certificate from CREDR. The document will have a fixed buyback value matrix in an interval of six months over the next five years.

At the end of the term, owners can visit Hero MotoCorp dealerships along with the scooter and the buyback certificate to claim the benefits.

Speaking to PTI, Sanjay Bhan, Head (Sales and After Sales), Hero MotoCorp, said:

Hero MotoCorp has come out with a disruptive value, offering a first of its kind offering in Indian two-wheeler market where customers get guaranteed future re-sale on their new Hero scooter purchase... Over a period of time, our plan is to cover the top-10 markets in the country as part of the pilot project.

Hero MotoCorp currently offers four scooters in the country, namely Destini 125, Duet, Maestro Edge and Pleasure. The line-up will soon extend with the addition of the Maestro Edge 125 that will be launched in India in this month. The launch timeline for the Maestro Edge 125 was confirmed by Niranjan Kumar Gupta, CFO, Hero MotoCorp, and Sanjay Bhan, Head of Sales & After Sales, Hero MotoCorp, last month.

The Maestro Edge 25 will join the Destini 125 in the 125 cc segment to compete with the likes of TVS NTORQ, Honda Grazia and the Suzuki Burgman. While the Destini 125 was introduced as a family scooter, the Maestro Edge will target young buyers. The upcoming 125 cc scooter will feature semi-digital instrument cluster with service due indicator, external fuel-filler cap, dual-tone mirrors, boot light and a USB charging port.

Also read: Hero Xtreme 200S: First Ride Review

The mechanical specifications of the Maestro Edge 125 will be identical to those of the Destini 125. It will use Hero MotoCorp’s new 124.6 cc 'Energy Boost' engine that churns out 8.70 bhp at 6,750 rpm and 10.2 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. The scooter will benefit from the company's patented i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) fuel-sipping technology for better fuel economy.

[Source: auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com]

Also read: Hero Destini becomes India's second-highest selling 125 cc scooter in March 2019

During a conference call last month, Niranjan Kumar Gupta, CFO, Hero MotoCorp, confirmed May 2019 launch for the Maestro Edge 125, saying that this model "will come in the next month itself." Sanjay Bhan, Head of Sales & After Sales, Hero MotoCorp, was a little more specific on the development and said that "it will happen sometime middle of next month."

Hero MotoCorp has pitched the Destini 125 as a family scooter. The Maestro Edge 125, on the other hand, will target young buyers. Standard features on the upcoming Maestro Edge 125 will include semi-digital instrument cluster with service due indicator, dual-tone mirrors, boot light, USB charging port and an external fuel-filler cap.

The upcoming scooter will be powered by the Destini 125's 124.6 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, 'Energy Boost' engine that delivers 8.70 bhp at 6,750 rpm and 10.2 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. It will feature the company's patented i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) fuel-sipping technology.

Also read: Hero XPulse 200 launched in India, priced from INR 97,000

Hardware specifications of the Maestro Edge 125 will include telescopic forks at the front and a spring-loaded hydraulic damper at the back to perform the shock absorption tasks. Anchoring department will pack drum brakes on both wheels while a front disc will be available in the premium variant. Hero MotoCorp’s Integrated Braking System (CBS tech) will be standard.

Also read: Hero XPulse 200 and XPulse 200T spotted in Turkey

The Hero Maestro Edge 125 would join the Destini 125 in the Indian market to compete in the 125 cc segment. The Destini 125, India’s most affordable 125 cc scooter, was launched in October last year with prices starting from INR 54,650 (ex-showroom). While the Destini 125 is pitched as a family scooter, the Maestro Edge 125 would be targeted to young buyers. In terms of pricing, the Maestro Edge 125 should be at a marginal premium over the Destini 125.

The Maestro Edge 125 would arrive in two variants – steel and alloy wheels. Standard features on the Maestro Edge 125 would include external fuel-filler cap, semi-digital instrument cluster with service due indicator, and dual-tone mirrors. The premium variant would receive boot light and a USB charging port.

The Maestro Edge 125 that was displayed at the 2018 Auto Expo was equipped with halogen headlight. However, the scooter could receive a LED headlamp to keep up with the rivals such as the TVS Ntorq 125 and the Suzuki Burgman 125 among others.

Mechanical specifications would remain identical to the Destini 125, and the Maestro Edge 125 would use a 124.6 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 'Energy Boost' engine that would churn out 8.70 bhp of power at 6,750 rpm and peak torque of 10.2 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The scooter would benefit from Hero’s patented i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology to return better fuel economy. The Destini is claimed to deliver 51.58 km per litre, and the numbers from the Maestro Edge 125 are likely to remain in the same range.

Also read: Hero Destini 125 Road Test Review

Suspension duties would be performed by telescopic forks at the front and a spring-loaded hydraulic damper at the back. Stopping power would come from drum brakes on both wheels while a disc would be available in the premium variant. The safety net of Integrated Braking System, Hero MotoCorp's terms for CBS, would come as standard.

[Source: Gaadiwaadi.com]

Hero Maestro Edge 125

Hero MotoCorp forayed into the 125cc scooter segment with the introduction of the Hero Destini 125. The company is now readying up the Hero Maestro Edge 125 expected to launch before March 2019. The Maestro Edge 125 is a sporty sibling of the Destini 125 and is targeted towards the millennials.

The Hero Maestro Edge 125 will benefit from Hero’s i3s (start/stop) technology that helps improve the fuel economy. The scooter pack features like boot light, USB charging, semi-digital instrument cluster, and side-stand indicator. Braking is aided by a front disc brake, while CBS (combined braking system) is standard. The 125cc motor generates 8.7 bhp and 10.2 Nm, mated to a CVT gearbox.

Okinawa i-Praise

Okinawa launched the Praise e-scooter in India in December 2017. The company is now set to launch an updated version of the Okinawa Praise, the Okinawa i-Praise. Okinawa had begun bookings for the i-Praise at an amount of INR 5,000 last month and received nearly 500 orders. The electric scooter will be launched in India this month.

The Okinawa i-Praise e-scooter will feature a detachable lithium-ion battery that can be charged at home within 2-3 hours. The i-Praise electric scooter is powered by a 1000 Watt, BLDC electric motor that allows it to sprint to a top speed of 75 km/h, while it has a riding range of 160-180 km on a full charge. It could be priced around INR 80,000 (ex-showroom).

Aprilia Storm 125

The Aprilia Storm 125 debuted at the Auto Expo 2018 in February. The scooter features bold paint schemes and new graphics to differentiate. Aprilia has confirmed to IAB that the Storm 125 will be launched in the country in Q1 2019. An earlier report suggested that the Aprilia Storm 125 will be introduced this month.

The Aprilia Storm 125 will come equipped with knobby tyres and 12-inch alloy wheels at both the ends. The scooter will be available in two colour choices - Matte Yellow and Matte Red - and will feature an optional tall windshield.

The Aprilia Storm 125 will source power from a 124.49 cc motor churns out 9.51 bhp and 9.9 Nm, mated to a CVT. The Storm 125 could be priced around INR 65,000 (ex-showroom) and will compete with the TVS Ntorq 125, Honda Grazia, and the Suzuki Burgman Street.

UM Chill 150 ABS

UM Motorcycles is readying an all-new retro scooter for the Indian market, the UM Chill 150 ABS. As the name suggests, it will feature a single-channel ABS unit as standard, while braking will be aided by disc brakes at both the ends.

The UM Chill 150 ABS will benefit from a modern-retro design that is on the lines of the Vespa 150 range. The Chill 150 ABS features a lot of chrome detailing to the mirrors, front apron, side panels, and the exhaust shield. The scooter is likely to be launched in August 2019 and could be priced circa INR 90,000 (ex-showroom).

Aprilia 'Comfort'

Aprilia is known for sporty scooters that offer tremendous performance for the buck. Being a niche performance two-wheeler manufacturer, it has limited its ability to provide a mass-market offering that will cater to the ‘family’ needs of the consumers. To address this, the company is gearing up for the launch of the Aprilia Comfort, a practical scooter.

As the name suggests, the Aprilia Comfort will feature a large floorboard, comfortable seat, relaxed ergonomics, compliant ride quality and ample storage space. It will use the 124.49cc single-cylinder motor from the Aprilia SR 125 that is paired to a CVT unit. The Aprilia Comfort is expected to be launched in August 2019.

TVS Jupiter 125

The TVS Jupiter is the second-best selling scooter in the country, with average sales of over 65,000 units per month (Jan-Nov 2018). The company has tasted immense success with the TVS NTorq 125, and introducing a 125cc variant of the Jupiter can bring more volumes for TVS. The TVS Jupiter 125 will rival the Honda Activa 125 and the Suzuki Access 125, targeting a higher age bracket.

TVS's 124.8cc, 3-valve engine produces 9.27 bhp of power and 10.5 Nm of peak torque on the TVS NTorq 125. It is mated to a CVT unit. The Jupiter 125 will most likely be launched by late 2019 with fuel-injection to comply with the upcoming BS-6 norms.

The TVS Jupiter 125 will benefit from CBS and could possibly feature an adjustable rear suspension. The scooter is likely to be priced aggressively around INR 55,000 (ex-showroom).

Also read: Hero MotoCorp sets new global sales record; crosses 7.5 lakh sales in single month

Earlier in October, Hero MotoCorp launched the Destini 125 at INR 54,650 for the base (Lx) variant and INR 57,500 top (Vx) version – both ex-showroom, Delhi. The Destini 125 is available in Delhi-NCR from yesterday while sales in other markets across the country will commence in the following weeks.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Destini 125's launch, Dr. Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer, Hero MotoCorp told IAB that the new Maestro Edge 125 should arrive by the end of 2018 or early 2019. The report says that a new 110 cc scooter, the company's fourth offering in that segment, will follow in the next financial year. Hero retails the Maestro, Duet and the Pleasure currently.

Sanjay Bhan, head of sales, customer care and parts business, Hero MotoCorp told ET Auto:

We are confident that the Destini 125 will be a strong enabler for us in growing our presence in this (scooter) category.

Apart from the scooter segment, Hero MotoCorp aims to expand its product portfolio with premium motorcycles. A report from September 2018 suggests that Hero MotoCorp is planning four motorcycles in the 200-300cc segment. The new Xtreme 200R has already arrived in India at a competitive ex-showroom price tag of INR 89,900. The next model in the premium motorcycle segment from Hero MotoCorp will be the Xpulse 200 that, as confirmed by Dr Braunsperger, will arrive by early 2019.

The third product for the 200-300cc premium motorcycle space was allegedly revealed through a leaked patent image. The filed motorcycle features parts from the Hero Xtreme 200R and the Xpulse 200. The fourth model is a mystery.

Hero MotoCorp controls over 60% in India’s mass-market motorcycle segment, but its share in the scooters is just 10.42%. Its former partner, Honda, is the segment leader with almost 60% market share, with the Activa being the primary contributor.

[Source: EconomicTimes.com]