Xoom and boom: The SUV of scooters

BUT CAN IT BE A POWERFUL ALTERNATIVE TO MOTORCYCLES, OR TO REGULAR SCOOTERS?

- KRAM CHAUDHARY

From cafes to college to even the office, this scooter is sure to turn heads wherever you ride it to. It can be your ticket to thrills (like a motorcycle), but does it have the utility of a scooter? I rode it for a full day in urban traffic, to a market, and then took it on a highway, racing cars.

That is it? Possibly Hero MotoCorp’s biggest launch of the year, the Xoom 160 is a global product from the company, and it shows everywhere from its adventurous design, to its refined engine, to its paint quality, and powerful performance.

How’s the design? Inspired by adventure motorcycles (Hero’s own rally bikes), it has a muscular front apron, a windscreen, sharp LED lights, and chunky body panels, giving it a commanding look that sets it apart from traditional scooters. The seating position is upright, and there is a lot of space to move your legs around.