The third generation Honda Activa 3G gets tweaked body panels while the mechanicals have not been changed at all. It still uses age-old suspension. The CBR650F hasn’t been launched.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has officially launched the third generation Activa in the country with prices starting at Rs. 48,852/- (ex-showroom, Delhi). Christened as the ‘Honda Activa 3G’, the scooter gets revisions to the design along with new shades added to the colour palette that lend a fresh appeal to the scooter. The engine and mechanicals have been carried over from the current version.
Contrary to expectations, the 2015 Honda Activa 3G does not boast of many new styling traits and is visually very similar to the outgoing model. In terms of changes; the side panels have been tweaked with new air inlets and get 3D ‘Activa’ badging with the 3G suffix. The front fascia gets a mild update while the tail light cluster has been revised and lends a new look to the rear. The instrument console has also been updated but retains the layout from the current version. The changes overall are too miniscule to be noticed and can be easily overlooked. Nonetheless, the colour palette has been upgraded with two new shades namely Trance blue metallic and Lusty red metallic.
Power on the 2015 Honda Activa 3G continues to come from the 109.2cc single-cylinder engine tuned to produce 8 PS and 8.74 Nm of torque, paired to a CVT transmission. Disappointingly, the Honda Activa 3G continues to use the same trail link set-up at the front and spring loaded suspension at the rear which do not inspire much confidence. Stopping power also comes from the same 130 mm drum brakes at the front and rear while Combi-Braking System (CBS) is offered as optional on the higher variant. The 10-inch tubeless ‘Tuff up’ tyres continue to perform the task on the new generation model as well.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Honda Eco Technology (HET) helps the engine return 60 km/l (Honda claimed) on the new Activa 3G. With the 110cc scooter segment at its prime, it only made sense for Honda to refresh its best selling model to take on the likes of the Yamaha Alpha, TVS Jupiter, Hero Maestro, Mahindra Gusto, Suzuki Let’s and the likes in the segment. Honda has also managed to provide the new offering at the same price point as the old model which adds to the appeal of the new Activa.
The press conference today also saw Honda showcase the updated Dio, Shine 125, Dream Yuga and Dream Neo models for the 2015 model year. The manufacturer has sold over 10 million Activa scooters in the country and plans to launch 15 models in India this year, out of which 7 are new models and 8 are cosmetic updates.
