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      Renault Kwid EV Spied Testing In India Again – Launch Likely This Year

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      Renault Kwid EV Spied TestingWhile not official, it is likely that Renault Kwid EV will borrow the electric powertrain from Dacia Spring EV sold in Europe
      Renault is looking to expand its India portfolio with multiple new models. One of these is the Kwid EV, which is expected to be launched later this year or early 2026. Ahead of that, test vehicles have been spotted in full camo. Let’s check out the details based on the latest spy shots.
      Renault Kwid EV – Styling and features
      In terms of its silhouette, Renault Kwid EV is largely the same as its petrol-powered counterpart. The electric version of Kwid was originally launched in China as the Renault City K-ZE in 2019. It was introduced in Europe in 2021 as the Dacia Spring EV. In Latin America, the electric Kwid is sold as Renault Kwid E-Tech Electric.
      For the Indian market, the Kwid EV may be a close match with the Dacia Spring. While the Dacia Spring and ICE Kwid maintain the same basic proportions, the former adopts styling elements inspired by the new-gen Duster. Key highlights include the distinctive Y-shaped lighting elements, full-width LED strip and prominent bumper.
      A similar design is expected for the Kwid EV in India. The electric hatch will have rugged aesthetics, featuring squared wheel arches, thick body cladding and door moulding. Sporty alloy wheels will further enhance overall look and feel. These features are inline with the test vehicles spotted in recent times.
      Dacia Spring EV
      Interiors of Renault Kwid EV have not been spied yet. It is expected that Kwid EV will have features such as a 10-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and USB ports. In Europe, the Dacia Spring EV offers premium features such as vehicle to load (V2L).
      A comprehensive range of safety features are on offer. It includes 6-airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill start assist and emergency call function. Some ADAS features are also on offer such as emergency braking system, traffic sign recognition and lane keeping assist. Some of these may not make it to the Indian model.
      Renault Kwid EV – Powertrain, battery, range
      It is likely that specs of Kwid EV will be largely the same as the Dacia Spring EV sold in Europe. The latter is offered with a 26.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Two variants are on offer, one with a 33 kW (44 hp) motor and the other with a 48 kW (65 hp) motor. Torque output is 125 Nm for both motors. Range is up to 225 km, as per WLTP standards. Charging time with an AC domestic socket is around 11 to 13 hours. With a 30 kW DC fast charger, 20% to 80% can be achieved in around 45 minutes.
      2026 Renault Kwid EV
      Expected Pricing
      In Europe, Dacia Spring EV is one of the most affordable fully electric cars on offer. Renault will have similar goals for the Kwid EV, which will compete with rivals such as Tata Tiago EV, MG Comet EV and Citroen eC3. Renault Kwid EV could be offered here at a starting price of around Rs 7 lakh. MG Comet EV is available at Rs 7.50 lakh, whereas Tata Tiago EV starts at Rs 7.99 lakh. Citroen eC3 is currently available at a starting price of Rs 11.99 lakh. More

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      Hyundai Inster EV Euro NCAP Crash Test Ratings Out – Gets 4 Stars

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      Hyundai Inster EV Euro NCAPWith the launch of Inster EV, Hyundai stunned the world with its small cute-sy electric city car. This was an electric version of Casper crossover SUV which had been growing in popularity. Inster EV made big headlines when it was elected as 2025 World Electric Vehicle, owing to a combination of factors including design, powertrain, equipment and others.
      Now, this small crossover electric SUV has been crash tested by Euro NCAP, which is regarded as one of the world’s most stringent crash test protocols. This little electric vehicle from Hyundai has scored a respectable 4 Stars in the stringent Euro NCAP crash safety tests. Let’s break down the analytics.
      Hyundai Inster EV Euro NCAP
      Hyundai Inster EV Euro NCAP
      Euro NCAP conducted a series of crash tests recently and published detailed crash test results of them. Among these vehicles, Hyundai Inster EV was one of, if not, the smallest vehicle. Euro NCAP crash testing analysis including frontal impact tests, side impact tests and even a side pole impact test along with vulnerable road user protection and safety assist tests.
      The analysis is divided into 4 parts – Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users and Safety Assist. The Hyundai Inster EV crash tested by Euro NCAP was a 2025 model. This 5 door SUV of City and Supermini class weighed in at 1,358 kg. Test vehicles came with front and side airbags, belt pretensioners, load limiters, seatbelt reminders and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
      Hyundai Inster EV Euro NCAP
      It lacked a knee airbag, which are usually found in more expensive vehicles. Where active safety systems are concerned, Hyundai Inster EV had AEB (Auto Emergency Braking) for car to car scenarios, motorcyclists and vulnerable road users in forward. There was speed assistance, lane assist systems and even a driver fatigue detection system.
      4 Star Crash Safety Rating
      In the Adult Occupant Safety tests, Hyundai Inster EV scored 11.3 / 16 points in frontal impact, 10.9 / 16 points in lateral impact, 3.5 / 4 points in rear impact tests and 3.5 / 4 points in rescue and extrication test. This led to a 28.3 points which awarded it a 70% score in Adult Occupant Safety. Where Child Occupant Safety is concerned, Inster EV bagged a total of 40.1 points, yielding it an 81% score.
      Hyundai Inster EV Euro NCAP
      Breaking it down, we get 22.1 / 24 points in crash tests, 6 / 13 points in safety features and 12 / 12 points in CRS installation test. Further, Hyundai Inster EV scored a total of 44.2 points (70%) in Vulnerable Road Users and 12.1 points (67%) in Safety Assist tests. More

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      2025 Yamaha FZ-X Updated With Hybrid Engine, TFT Cluster, Features

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      2025 Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid LaunchedOne of India’s leading premium motorcycle and scooter manufacturing brands, Yamaha, is on a mission to continually update its portfolio in the country. In that regard, Yamaha Motor India has just updated its neo-retro FZ-X motorcycle with a new beating heart equipped with Hybrid technology and introduced a host of new features and functionalities. Let’s take a closer look.
      2025 Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid
      FZ is one of India’s most popular street fighter motorcycle lineups in India. Marketed as ‘Lord Of The Streets’, Yamaha FZ lineup quickly rose to fame owing to its road presence and the overall value quotient and price point. At the top of India’s 150cc FZ motorcycle lineup is the FZ-X, which is a neo-retro version of the street fighter.
      Yamaha is now giving FZ-X a MY25 update with a new Hybrid beating heart and a host of new features and equipment. For starters, Yamaha is retaining the non-Hybrid current model, which is priced at Rs 1.3 lakh (Ex-sh). FZ-X Hybrid will act as the new top-spec variant within FZ-X’s lineup, one that comes with more features and a new Matte Titan colour too.
      2025 Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid Launched
      2025 Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid has been priced at Rs 1.5 lakh (Ex-sh), which is Rs 20,000 premium than its non-Hybrid counterpart. Apart from the Hybrid engine with more mileage (fuel efficiency), 2025 FZ-X Hybrid has been bestowed with a new 4.2-inch colour TFT instrument cluster that gets features like Bluetooth connectivity, app support, music control and even turn-by-turn navigation.
      As part of its new engine, shared with FZ Hybrid, Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid now gets silent start and engine stop / start features. These are possible due to the addition of a robust battery pack and an SMG (Smart Motor Generator). This unit acts as a generator to charge battery through energy recuperation and also provides a torque boost for a light boost in performance.
      This is a 149cc single-cylinder air-cooled SOHC 2V/cyl self-charging Hybrid engine that is capable of generating 12.4 PS of peak power and 13.3 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Because of its new Hybrid tech, one can expect more mileage (fuel efficiency) with FZ-X Hybrid.
      2025 Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid Launched
      Statement from Yamaha Motor India
      Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group said, “We were thrilled by the overwhelming response to our Hybrid Technology when we introduced it in the 2025 FZ-S Fi Hybrid. Extending this breakthrough to the FZ-X model felt like a natural next step. We are confident that adding hybrid power to the FZ-X model will further boost Yamaha’s appeal, particularly among riders who seek a practical yet premium riding experience.
      At Yamaha, we continually listen to our customers’ evolving needs, and this latest offering underscores our commitment to innovation. By integrating advanced technology with a deep understanding of rider needs, Yamaha is redefining the future of mobility.” More

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      KTM 390 Adventure X Updated Features Compatible With Older Model

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      KTM 390 Adventure X+ Reach Showrooms : Image – Team-BHPKTM is taking great strides to revamp its portfolio in India and gain higher sales and volumes than it did before. In that regard, the company has just launched the global version of 390 Enduro R in the country and thoroughly updated 390 Adventure X with more electronic goodies with a recently launched model update.
      These upgrades, however, are supposed to be backward compatible with the pre-update 390 Adventure X. The company is expected to announce an ECU remap and buyers will incur an added cost to install relevant hardware bits. This is expected to make existing owners quite happy as they won’t have remorse for not waiting for the updated model.
      390 Adventure X Updated Features
      As per online sources, KTM is expected to initiate a nationwide retrofit program for current KTM 390 Adventure X owners. In this retrofit program, the company will fit relevant hardware bits and equipment along with installing an ECU remap that will unlock a host of electronic rider aids offered with the just updated 390 Adventure X.
      2025 KTM 390 Adventure X Launch
      The electronic rider aids in question include cornering ABS and cornering traction control along with three ride modes – Street, Rain and Off-road. These features will instill confidence in riders to push the machine and themselves towards expertise. Another notable feature this retrofit programme will bring is the coveted cruise control.
      For cruise control to work, the bike needs to be fitted with relevant hardware in the form of a compatible switchgear, which is offered in the standard 390 Adventure. The price current 390 Adventure X owners have to pay is still under the wraps, but this retrofit program is reportedly starting in a couple of weeks.
      It has to be noted that KTM India has not revealed any official information about this retrofit program. If true, this move is likely to establish a certain brand connect among 390 Adventure X buyers as the company catered to their needs with unique solutions. Where pricing is concerned, one can expect this upgrade to cost around Rs 15,000.
      2025 KTM 390 Adventure X Launch
      Mechanically Identical
      Mechanically, the motorcycle will remain identical. It will continue with the same non-adjustable USD telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock, a bi-directional quick-shifter, single disc brake setup with Dual channel ABS, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels wrapped with dual-sport tyres and others.
      The engine will be the same 399cc liquid-cooled 4V/cyl DOHC single cylinder engine that is capable of 45.3 bhp of peak power and 39 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
      Source More

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      Vinfast VF 6 and VF 7 Bookings Start 15th July – 1st Showroom In Chennai

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      Vinfast VF 6 and VF 7 Bookings Start TomorrowVinfast will open its sales account in the Asian subcontinent with the launch of VF 6 and VF 7, both of which are being showcased at multiple malls across the country. Vinfast VF 6 and VF 7 bookings will start 15th July, as per the company’s recent social media post and the first showroom has been set up in Chennai.
      Vinfast VF 6 and VF 7 Bookings
      With a USD 2 billion (Rs 17,188 Cr) investment, Vietnamese car brand, Vinfast, is demonstrating strong confidence in electric vehicle future, Indian automotive market and the EV growth projections in the Indian market. The company has set up a manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu and has come a long way.
      Vinfast First Showroom at Mount Road, Chennai : Image – Chennai Updates
      Sales operations will start post launch, which is likely to happen soon. Ahead of that, Vinfast has announced commencement of bookings from tomorrow, 15th July 2025. While the Vietnamese carmaker is showcasing VF 6 and VF 7 at shopping malls across multiple major cities, the first authorised showroom has been set up in Chennai. At Mount Road, to be precise.
      Vinfast has partnered with myTVS to set up 120 service points across the country. With local manufacturing, Vinfast aims at price competitiveness along with market dominance. While an approximate price bracket is still under the rug, it will take on premium electric crossover SUVs from rival brands like Tata Motors, Mahindra Auto, Hyundai Motor India, Kia India, JSW MG Motor India, Maruti Suzuki and others.
      Vinfast Partners With myTVS
      In Vietnam, Vinfast VF 6 is available in two variants – Eco and Plus. With a length of around 4.21m, VF 6 will be the entry level offering from Vinfast and both variants will pack 59.6 kWh battery in Vietnam, promising a range of up to 480 km. Performance is quite high as the Plus variant packs 204 PS and 310 Nm.
      Feature-loaded Experience
      VF 7, on the other hand, is a larger vehicle measuring 4.54m in length and is offered in Eco, Plus and Plus AWD variants in Vietnam. Eco offers the same 59.6 kWh battery as VF 6, but Plus and Plus AWD come with larger 75.6 kWh battery, promising a range of up to 496 km on a single charge. With dual motor AWD variant, performance can go till 354 PS and 500 Nm.
      Vinfast VF 6 and VF 7 : Image – Chennai Updates
      Both VF 6 and VF 7 will come with Vinfast’s unique signature styling and will be very well kitted out to compete with offerings from rival brands. Notable features include flush door handles, LED lighting, ADAS suite, HUD, large 12.9-inch infotainment screen, powered seats, premium speakers, auto-dimming IRVM and more. More

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      New TVS Apache RTX 300 Rendered Based On Spy Shots Before Launch

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      New TVS Apache RTX 300 RenderTVS has been cooking a lovely dish behind closed doors. The Indian audience got a good peek at it as it was showcased briefly at the 2025 Auto Expo in Delhi NCR. However, it was taken back to the shadows after that brief showcase. Nevertheless, there are enough spy shots and snags of the Apache RTX 300 to compile renders.
      Apache RTX 300 ADV Spied
      TVS Apache RTX 300 Rendered
      Rendering artist Pratyush Rout has penned down a realistic render of the upcoming TVS Apache RTX 300 (name not confirmed) based on these spy shots and snagged images. While the final production version to officially launch might look different, these renders provide a fair idea as to what we can expect from TVS’ first ever adventure tourer.
      New TVS Apache RTX 300 Render
      Apache RTX 300 is one of the most anticipated motorcycle launches in India. It is the company’s first ADV offering as it settles into India’s adventure tourer genre. Based on spy shots and a brief appearance at the 2025 Auto Show, we have come up with renders to depict what this upcoming motorcycle could look like.
      These renders are executed in a bunch of single-tone and dual-tone colourways, with Khaki Green and Silver being my personal favourite. In the side silhouette, we can see a fairly handsome adventure tourer with a lot of attitude and promising exceptional functionality. Scooped out seat allows for a lower seat height and pillion gets a stepped seat.
      New TVS Apache RTX 300 Render
      High-set handlebar allows for an up-right riding posture and allows for decent leverage while standing and riding. Large sculpted fuel tank with Apache RTX branding gives dominating presence and the semi fairing protects rider from wind blasts on long rides. Also protecting from wind blasts is a rather tall windscreen.
      New TVS Apache RTX 300 Render
      Features & Equipment
      Where utility is concerned, TVS Apache RTX 300 render gets a sturdy rear luggage rack and a short tail tidy. Exhaust is slightly up-swept which should provide decent water-wading capability too. These renders ride on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels wrapped with dual-purpose tyres for on and off road capability.
      New TVS Apache RTX 300 Render
      Bike is suspended on USD telescopic front forks and a rear mono-shock unit mounted on a trellis frame. Braking duty is handled by single petal rotors at both ends with premium callipers. The company will provide dual-channel ABS, that could be switchable for some off-road fun. The suspension is adjustable on this render, which might be the case with production model too.
      New TVS Apache RTX 300 Render
      TVS is likely to offer a host of electronic rider aids along with cruise control, cornering ABS, cornering cruise control, traction control, riding modes, wheelie control and many more. The company will offer a fully digital colour instrument cluster with a host of connected features including trip telemetry, music control and navigation data.
      New RT-XD4 Engine!
      TVS Motor, one of India’s leading 2W and 3W manufacturers, sells a host of motorcycle genres including budget commuters, premium commuters, street fighters and even supersport offerings. However, the company currently lacks off-roaders and tourers in its portfolio. That’s where the upcoming Apache RTX 300 Adventure tourer comes into action.
      New TVS Apache RTX 300 Render
      This motorcycle will be powered by the company’s new RT-XD4 engine. This new powertrain developed in-house by TVS displaces 299cc and is rated to deliver 35.45 PS of peak power and 28.5 Nm of peak torque. This engine is a single-cylinder unit with a 4V/cyl head and liquid-cooling, which will be mated to a slipper clutch and a 6-speed gearbox. Even a bi-directional quick-shifter is likely to make it to production. More

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      2W Retail Sales June 2025 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Suzuki, RE, Ather

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      Honda DioHero MotoCorp continued its dominance of the two-wheeler sales list last month, closely followed by Honda, TVS, and Bajaj
      2W retail sales gained a 4.73% YoY growth in June 2025, boosted by several favorable factors such as weather and festivities and a strong market demand. As reported by FADA, retail sales went up to 14,46,387 units in June 2025, up by 65,347 units over 13,81,040 unit sales of June 2024.
      Retail 2W sales however, suffered a sharp 12.48% MoM decline as there had been 16,52,637 units sold in May 2025. The sales list was dominated by Hero MotoCorp, Honda, TVS and Bajaj with these 4 best-selling two wheeler OEMs currently commanding a combined market share of 82%.
      2W Sales June 2025
      Hero MotoCorp maintained its stronghold in the segment with retail sales of 3,93,832 units, even as sales declined YoY from 3,97,620 units sold in June 2024. At No. 2 was Honda with a 24.56% market share and 3,55,295 unit sales last month, a growth over 3,52,502 unit retail sales of June 2024.
      TVS Motor sales went up to 2,82,309 units, well over 2,36,947 units of June 2024 taking market share up to 19.52% from 17.16% YoY. The 4th 2W manufacturer to witness sales well above the 1 lakh unit mark was Bajaj Auto, sales of which grew to 1,56,360 units in the past month. The new Bajaj Dominar 400cc and 250cc models could significantly stir up sales, thanks to its affordable pricing, revolutionary feature and technology updates and improved safety equipment.
      2W Retail Sales June 2025
      2W Sub-1 lakh Unit Retail Sales June 2025
      At No. 5 on the FADA retail sales list for June 2025 was Suzuki Motorcycle India with 85,309 unit sales, up from 73,481 units sold in the same month last year. Market share also improved to 5.90% from 5.32% YoY. A marked YoY growth in retail sales was reported by Royal Enfield. Sales scaled up to 70,640 units in the past month from 56,463 unit sales in the same month last year.
      Yamaha on the other hand, suffered a YoY decline in retail sales to 48,690 units from 50,286 units. In the electric 2W segment, Ola Electric sales fell to 20,190 units last month. There had been 36,859 units sold in June 2024. Ather Energy, having spruced up their Rizta portfolio to now include the Rizta S electric scooter, saw sales of 14,526 units last month. This was a hefty 8.310 unit volume increase form 6,216 units sold in June 2024.
      Greaves Electric also saw a marked increase in retail sales to 4,199 units from 2,716 units on a YoY basis while Piaggio sales declined to 2,270 units in June 2025 from 2,736 units sold in the same month last year. Retail sales of BGauss went up to 1,952 units from 1,062 units YoY but Classic Legends suffered a steep decline to 1,892 units in the past month from 2,097 units sold in June 2024. Other OEMs, which also included electric 2W added 8,923 units to total retail sales last month, up from 8,162 unit sales of June 2024. More

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      Hero Vida VX2 First Ride Review – Segue Into The Leaderboards?

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      Hero Vida VX2 First Ride ReviewHero MotoCorp’s onslaught into electric scooter segment has been amplified with the launch of Vida VX2. This is the first electric 2W in India to offer BaaS prices on scooter’s price tag, similar to what MG introduced with Windsor EV. This is an unprecedented move by Hero MotoCorp which is likely to propel Vida’s sales into the leaderboards.
      Vida VX2 has a lot going for it and the company has immense faith in this project. This is by far the most ambitious move by Hero MotoCorp within electric scooter segment. We experienced this scooter in Bengaluru at the national media drive. After riding it for around a day, this is what we think about Vida VX2 Plus variant.
      Hero Vida VX2 Design
      Hero Vida VX2 First Ride Review – Attractive BaaS Prices
      Rs 44,990! That’s the price Hero MotoCorp is advertising heavily with Vida VX2. To put it into perspective, Vida VX2 costs less than the most affordable new iPhone. While this could be a glaring reflection of just how ridiculously expensive Apple products can get, we can’t glance over the fact that Hero has got pricing bang on. The company has achieved it by offering Battery as a Service (BaaS).
      Hero Vida VX2 Design
      So, the Rs 44,490 includes pricing for base Vida VX2 Go (Ex-sh) + Rs 0.96 per km and an introductory offer. Hero has not disclosed a timeframe for this introductory offer. Once this offer ends, prices will start from Rs 59,490 (Ex-sh) + battery rental cost for the base Go variant and Rs 64,990 (Ex-sh) + battery rental cost for the top-spec Plus variant. Without BaaS, Go variant costs Rs 0.99L (Ex-sh) and Plus variant costs Rs 1.1 lakh (Ex-sh).
      Hero Vida VX2 Design
      Not a single rival brand offers BaaS pricing model on the vehicle, lowering upfront costs considerably. This is likely to emerge as a key turning point in Hero MotoCorp’s journey in the country’s electric scooter industry. With BaaS plans, Hero is also bundling access to their Vida DC fast charging network, which is growing as we speak.
      Hero Vida VX2 Design
      Design & Appearance
      Where design is concerned, Hero Vida VX2 is a familiar scooter, which was showcased as Vida Z at 2024 EICMA Show. VX2 looks quite nice and a lot simpler than V2 lineup does. Design is somewhat cohesive and it doesn’t look out of place in any way. ‘We Care’ LED headlight and LED tail light signatures are familiar and so are its LED turn indicators. Body panels are minimal, especially when compared to Vida V2 lineup.
      Hero Vida VX2 Colours
      There’s a single-piece seat and even a pillion backrest. Floorboard is flat and can accommodate quite a lot of cargo, if necessary. There’s also a handy 5L glovebox behind the front apron which can take some items including smartphone, gloves and other paraphernalia. Vida VX2 rides on 12-inch alloy wheels on both ends, which get dual-tone machined finish. Rear swingarm is single-sided and it proudly exhibits this wheel down for the world to look at.
      Hero Vida VX2 Colours
      Vida VX2 gets a total of seven colours – Matte Inspired White, Matte Giallo Lime, Autumn Orange, Pearl Red, Matte Gun Metal Grey, Nexus Blue and Pearl Black. Among all these colours, Matte Gun Metal Grey is quite special as it is the only one that gets contrasting Orange highlights on floorboard.
      Hero Vida VX2 Design
      Switchgear looks quite nice and operates well with reassuring clicks. Left side switchgear has low beam / high beam and integrated flasher, a 4-way joystick to operate the new fully-digital TFT colour instrument cluster, an SOS button which gets its own flap so that users don’t press it accidentally, turn indicators and a horn switch.
      Hero Vida VX2 Front 5L Storage
      On the right hand side, we get a toggle for hazard light function, Mode selector which also doubles as a toggle to shift into Reverse Mode and then there’s a Start button / Kill Switch. Unlike Vida V2 lineup, VX2 does not get keyless go feature and gets a regular conventional key and a conventional keyhole. Boot release is integrated into this keyhole and works as expected.
      Hero Vida VX2 Key
      Beside this keyhole, is a Type-A USB charging port behind a flap. Above glovebox, towards the left, we can see a flap that opens up to a DC fast charging port. Home charging is done by lifting the seat and connecting charger into the AC charging port. Under-seat storage is up to 33L, which is commendable for a scooter with removable battery tech that eats up into the boot area.
      Hero Vida VX2 TFT Cluster
      Ergonomics & Features
      Vida VX2 offers a long seat which is fairly cushioned with adequate support. Short city commutes, which is the intended use case for Vida VX2, on this scooter is a cakewalk for both rider and pillion. Rider sits upright and pillion gets decent room and positioning of footpegs is comfortable as well. Vida VX2 falls quite well into the family-style scooter genre with no surprises for users.
      Hero Vida VX2 App Interface
      Where features are concerned, the main highlight is its 4.3-inch TFT instrument cluster on Vida VX2 Plus variant. This is a fairly bright display that can be controlled from the 4-way joystick. This cluster is paired with a dedicated Vida app with quite a lot of functionalities. This cluster supports music control and turn-by-turn navigation. With the app, users can access detailed stats, trip analysis and a host of other details and information.
      Hero Vida VX2 App Interface
      Navigation can be set from the app and it will be projected on the screen. Nearest charger info is a handy feature too. Other notable features include remote immobilization, live tracking, geo fencing and a ring my scooter feature, which should come in handy in shopping mall parking lots to pinpoint the scooter. LED lighting all around, fancy switchgear, hazard light and removable battery are other notable elements.
      Hero Vida VX2 Brakes, Motor
      EVOOTER & BaaS
      Speaking of removable batteries, they are by far the most important feature of Vida VX2. It is the fundamental element in the EVOOTER marketing term that Hero has coined for VX2. In the VX2 Plus variant we experienced, Hero is offering a 3.4 kWh battery promising a range of up to 140 km. Based on our short ride experience, one can expect a real-world range of around 100 km and depends vastly on the way it is ridden.
      Hero Vida VX2 Switchgear
      We say this because regeneration is not automatic. In this sense, Vida VX2 will not charge batteries under deceleration on its own. Users have to use the two-way throttle and twist it to the other side, so as to get regeneration. It allows for an unintrusive riding experience, one that is close to ICE scooters, but regen does not happen automatically. VX2 even comes to a complete halt twisting the throttle in reverse.
      Hero Vida VX2 Three Methods Of Charging
      Same procedure is for Reverse Mode, twisting throttle in reverse takes the scooter back with an audible beep. To access removable batteries, one has to unlock the seat from keyhole and then use same key to unlock a plastic door that covers battery area. One can remove these batteries and then charge them separately or directly plug in the same AC charger. Also, Vida DC charging is at user’s disposal too, which is unlocked for BaaS customers.
      Hero Vida VX2 DC Charging
      Speaking of, BaaS plans are provided by Hero FinCorp and Vidyuttech Services in 2 Year, 3 Year and 5 Year durations, with a minimum monthly charge. Once the 3 year or 5 year duration is complete, buyers will get full ownership of scooter and batteries. Depending on the variant (Go and Plus) and plan chosen (2 Year, 3 Year and 5 year), users will have to pay a monthly fee ranging between Rs 1.1K and 2.2K.
      Hero Vida VX2 Design
      Ride & Handling
      Vida VX2 rides very similarly to other family format electric and ICE scooters. Buyers will be treated with a decently plush ride quality and the 12-inch wheels at both ends ensure reasonable bump absorption too. This is not a corner carver and should not be treated as such. Overall ride dynamics are comfortable, which is on par with this segment. With Vida Plus, one can expect around 100 km of real-world range with mixed usage.
      Hero Vida VX2 Removable Battery & Boot
      There are three riding modes – Eco, Ride and Sport. The latter unlocks all of its performance. Performance is brisk and the power delivery from its swingarm-mounted motor. There is no jerk in power delivery and the overall throttle transitions are quite smooth. Braking performance could have been better, especially with front disc brake. Using both brakes at once is a lot more reassuring.
      Hero Vida VX2 Loose ORVM
      Reservations & Conclusion
      As impressive as the Vida VX2 was, there is room for growth. During our time with Vida VX2, we came across a quality control issue too. Which was in the ORVMs, where it was loose and spinning on its own across the ride, despite manually tightening it. It even fell out on its own while returning. If this is the same ORVM stalk that Hero uses with Mavrick 440 and Xpulse, it is likely to rust very soon.
      Hero Vida VX2 Flimsy Battery Door
      We felt that the removable battery door could have been executed better. Hero could have completely ignored this lockable battery door because it is made of plastic and a dedicated thief can get into this area with relative ease. Also, there’s always a fear of accidentally forgetting the key inside the boot and shutting the seat. I can imagine myself in this situation and it can happen to anyone.
      Hero Vida VX2 AC & DC Charging
      That said, Hero MotoCorp has taken a giant leap in India’s electric scooter segment with Vida VX2 and it is likely to propel Hero’s name into the leaderboards. It looks right, it rides the way it should, packs a lot of features expected in this segment and offers the flexibility of BaaS prices on both scooter and battery, which no other brand is currently doing. With sheer affordability factor, further sweetened with introductory offer makes Vida VX2 a winner in Hero’s portfolio. More