In A XoomedIn Perspective

Hero's Xoom 160 promises ADV spirit in a scooter - but does it deliver?

-  By Manaal Mahatme Photographs Kaizad Adil Darukhanawala

It's funny how something that started out as an economical and utilitarian mode of transportation transformed into something that promises to replace a motorcycle or even a car. The scooter scene in India was dominated (and restricted) by the 'traditional' models; however, in recent years, we've had a bunch of sporty offerings that aimed to blur the line between scooters and motorcycles. But none dared to do what Hero MotoCorp did — make a maxi-scooter with ADV traits sprinkled all over it. And it seemed like a brilliant idea, no? The Yamaha Aerox 155, the Aprilia SR 160 (now SR 175 HP.e) and the recently launched TVS NTorq 150 all lean towards the sportier side of things, leaving a void that the Indian two-wheeler giant fills with this ADV-style scooter.

And there's no second-guessing the Xoom 160's intentions — the ADV-style beak, long(ish)-travel suspension, dual-purpose tyres and the upswept exhaust give an impression that this one's ready to take on trails... before you stow some groceries in its 22-litre underseat storage.