A problem with the mid­dle-of-the range product is that when it works, no one notices, but when it doesn’t, it sure stinks. We all hate a life of mediocrity, so we take chances, we take risks, and that’s when we enter the game and change its dynamics. When TVS show­cased the Graphite scooter concept at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, it essentially did not create any stir… But the idea never dried. Fast forward to 2018 and we have with us the TVS Ntorq 125—a derivative of the Graphite concept. In an already crowded scooter seg­ment, the TVS Ntorq 125 is the new kid with its exciting design and smart features. TVS says the Ntorq 125 has been designed for the youth and comes loaded with 30 segment features. So can the Ntorq 125 break the monotony and make a distinctive statement? Read on to find out.

 

Design

The Ntorq sports a sharp, aggressive style with well-placed cuts throughout the body. It looks stylish yet functional without any over­done gimmicks. It really does tick a lot of boxes with its razor-sharp styling. The front fender gets an angular head­lamp cluster with batwing shaped DRLs. Blinkers are integrated into the handle­bars so that it is visible in the direction of travel.

The sculpted styling is carried on to the sides with appealing decals and textured floor board. The rear apron comes with a T-shaped LED rear lamp housed between faux air vents. The scooter looks quite sleek from the rear with its stubby muffler and split grab rails and it is available in four trendy colors: Matte Yel­low, Matte Green, Matte Red and Matte White.

 

Instrumentation and features

TVS has been raving about the SmartXonnect, a blue­tooth-enabled technology that allows riders to pair their phones with the scooter through the Ntorq mobile app, only available on Android so far. The fully-digital instru­mentation console with the smart connected technology boasts a total of 55 features including navigation assist, top speed recorder, in-built lap-timer, phone-battery strength display, last parked location assist, service reminder, trip meter and multi-ride statistic modes such as Street and Sport. Unfortu­nately, the app’s built-in navi­gation system won’t work here. The personalization feature of the console also lets you customize your name, and set automatic reply alerts to incoming messages and calls. Certainly targeted at the GenZ— as TVS likes to say.

Another interesting addition is the engine kill switch, which is a segment-first feature as well. There’s also a pass-by switch and a generous 22-liter storage compartment with an integrated USB charger. To further facilitate convenience of use, the Ntorq comes with an external fuel fill feature. Our only complaint is the five-liter fuel tank, and you don’t get a very spacious floor.

 

Engine and Performance

TVS says the Ntorq 125 is based on the TVS Racing ped­igree. To keep ahead of the traffic, the Ntorq’s 124.79 cc 3V engine churns out 9.1 BHP of power at 7500 RPM. The engine is a torquey affair with peak torque of 10.5 Nm deliv­ered at 5500 RPM. Accelera­tion feels quite lively with the rev-happy engine. Once the mid-range sets in, the engine becomes quite enjoyable, even though this surge droops after crossing the 60 kmph mark. However, you can cruise effort­lessly to 80 kmph. Beyond that, you won’t get enough juice to accelerate. But on straight roads, you can expect a max­imum speed of 95 kmph. The motor is extremely refined, with almost zero vibrations at any speed. The power is ade­quate to keep with urban traffic as well as occasional highway runs. TVS claims a quickest-in-class zero-to-60kmph time of nine seconds.

 

Suspension and braking

The most impressive part of the Ntorq has to be the suspension setup, an impres­sively supple unit. The front gets a telescopic unit and the rear a gas-filled spring shock absorber. The firm suspension setup paired with the ground clearance of 155 mm will inspire you to negotiate any road with ease.

At 116.1 kgs, the scooter sits on a rectangular tube type under bone chassis. It is 1865mm long, 710mm wide and 1160mm high and has a longish wheelbase of 1285mm. In terms of braking, the front unit lacks a sense of urgency, however, use both brakes in unison, and the scooter comes to a complete halt. Also helping the purpose of comfort and safety are the widest in the segment TVS-made Remora tires—100x80x12 at the front, and 110x80x12 at the back.

 

Verdict

The Ntorq 125 is an interesting addition to the niche 125cc scooter segment. As an offering targeted at the youngsters, this sporty scooter ticks all the right boxes in terms of style, comfort, per­formance and convenience. On top of that, TVS has also man