It is the Honda Activa that has long been ruling the Indian scooter market. This is one of the go-to two-wheelers for millions of commuters across India. With over two decades of glorious history, the Activa stands as a symbol of reliability, great fuel efficiency, and affordability. Being an increase in competition and consumer demands in the Indian scooter market, Honda is ready to unveil the Honda Activa 7G. It is expected to roll out sometime in late 2024 or early 2025, when it will come equipped with new features and improved performance without sacrificing the essence of its original qualities, which have translated into popularity for the Activa over the years.
This article digs deeper into all the details we anticipate seeing when the Honda Activa 7G is released: design changes and improvements; powertrain performance at the best of its game; and market positioning of the vehicle, as well as how it stacks up versus the rest.
Design Evolution
The design of Activa has always given a balance between practicality and aesthetics, appealing to a very wide demographic, from the daily commuter to families. This tradition can expect to continue, but with some modern twists meant to cater more to the younger generation, those who are style-conscious consumers. While the design will most likely stick to the usual lines of the Activa lineup, subtle changes are likely to come with a sharper front profile, sleeker body panels, and refreshed LED lighting.
Major Changes in Design:
The LED headlights and the DRLs: The Activa 7G is expected to have a more powerful set of headlights that are better in terms of visibility, but even energy efficient. These are also probable to come in conjunction with LED DRLs, thus upping the look quotient.
New Color Options: The colors of the Activa 7G will be vibrant with some trendy shades for attracting young customers along with the traditional, more comforting shades that the older generations prefer.
Alloy Wheels and Larger Tyres: The Activa 7G will maybe boast alloy wheels as well as larger tyres to gain steadiness while riding on a bouncing road.
Add-ons
As technology is playing an increasingly important role in the two-wheeler space, the Honda Activa 7G is expected to come loaded with a number of modern features that will make it more competitive in the rapidly evolving scooter market
Possible New Features
- Digital Meter Console: Activa 7G would be featuring a fully digital meter cluster-allegedly this time it will come with an all-new analog-digital unit. It shall capture the above-mentioned necessary details such as the speed, fuel level, and trip meters along with real-time fuel efficiency.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: There might be one more variant that may emerge in it which might be Bluetooth connectivity, which could help riders connect their smartphone for navigation, call alerts, etc.
- USB Charging Port: This can be included by Honda considering the significance of connectivity in the mobile world for the user. Thus, there could be a USB charging port. It will facilitate enough charge for people so that they can charge up their handsets or whatsoever during the ride.
- Smart Key System: The expected smart key system would be given with the scooter so that it offers ignition through its keyless mechanism and thereby increases the convenience quotient.
- Combi-Braking System (CBS): Though the CBS feature was already available on the previous variants of Activa, the 7G could be the first to show a new, updated version of this braking control feature.
Engine and Performance
The Honda Activa 7G will likely continue to sport the same tried-and-tested 109.51 cc oil-cooled single-cylinder unit as seen in the variant powering the current Activa 6G. This engine has received much acclaim for its smooth power delivery, good fuel efficiency, and low maintenance, all of which have helped make the Activa a household name in India.
However, Honda will most probably bring in some updates that will smoothen out the engine and make it more efficient. It is rumored that the Activa 7G will be available with mildly hybrid technology. This will help the engine during a heavy power surge needed during acceleration. This would not only help in increasing the fuel efficiency but also decrease the amount of exhaust that it would put into the atmosphere..
Key Engine Specifications (Expected):
- Displacement: 109.51 cc
- Power Output: 7.6 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
- Torque: 8.79 Nm @ 5,250 rpm
Fuel Injection Technology: Like Activa 6G, the 7G should be equipped with Honda’s PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) technology that promises better delivery of fuel for the ride with better performance and lesser emissions.
The engine will also abide by the new phase BS6 emission standards, making it one of the environment-friendly scooters in its category.
Riding Comfort and Safety
As a matter of fact, Honda has always remained concerned about the comfort of the rider; the Activa 7G is going to take this to a whole new level. Ergonomic design, a well-padded seat, and ample legroom will make sure that the riders experience comfort in longer commutes.
Suspension and Ride Quality:
Telescopic Front Forks: Expect the Activa 7G to offer telescopic suspension at the front for smooth ride experience; better than its predecessors
Monoshock Rear Suspension: Improvements in the rear suspension to improve comfort, especially for ride experience on bumpy roads in cities..
Safety
Disc Brakes (Front Disc Brake: Option) Drum will be the default option. Maybe Honda will provide the option of front disc, which will improve the braking performance.
Advanced Combied Braking System (CBS) : The CBS would allow for the coordination of both brakes, there by reducing the likelihood of skidding during an emergency and improving control on smooth-troading.
Mileage and Fuel Economy
The mileage performance has been a characteristic of the Honda Activa. It would be wonderful if the Activa 7G retains this and even enhances it further by virtue of better fuel efficiency in addition to features like fuel injection technology and likely a mild-hybrid system.
Expected Mileage
60-65 km/l: The new engine and hybrid system; it’s likely to hit around 60-65 km/l, making the Activa 7G one of the most fuel-effective bikes available in the market.
Competitors and Market Positioning
Indian Scooter Market: It is one of the most competitive regions as a lot of strong players would be vying to attract consumer attention. This will give a very stern challenge to the models such as TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access 125, Hero Maestro Edge, and the TVS Ntorq 125. Each of these scooters offers its own blend of features, styling, and performance, and therefore, highly dynamic.
- Competitive Pricing: Honda Activa has been recognized for competitively-priced products, and the new 7G would have been no exception to it. The expected price of the Activa 7G could be in the range of ₹80,000 to ₹90,000, on-road price, depending on the variant and features offered to it.
- Target Customers: The primary target for Activa 7G will be the urban commuter, family, and young rider customers seeking a practical, fuel-efficient, and reliable scooter. Honda will emphasize that the Activa is low maintenance and comes with high resale when marketing the Activa, and there is more appeal to tech-savvy consumers through Bluetooth connectivity and a smart key system.
Conclusion: Is the Activa 7G Worth the Wait?
From what I could see, the Honda Activa 7G shapes up well for being a bigger upgrade over its predecessor and offering a fine mix of performance, features, and fuel efficiency. It mightn’t go all out with too radical a departure from that tried-and-tested formula that has made the Activa such an unstoppable success, but it is expected to bring enough modern updates to the table to stay relevant in an increasingly tech-oriented scooter market.
For a hassle-free scooter with good mileage and a few perks of modern times, it’s sure to be the Activa 7G, but Honda needs to ensure that the Activa 7G really gives good value in a segment where the TVS Jupiter and Suzuki Access are very strong competitors.
As it awaits the formal launch, all eyes on Honda will now look if the Activa 7G will hold on to its heritage position as India’s best-selling scooter or shall it face inevitable woes within the evolving two-wheeler market.