Scooters have long been the workhorse of Indian urban transport- convenient, fuel efficient, and a simple ride. However, due to shift in consumer preferences, consumers are seeking power, style and presence on the road other than convenience. Here comes Hero Xoom 160 which is the flagship scooter of the company which ventures into the maxi-scooter and ADV styled market.
We spent half a day with the new Hero Xoom 160 on Pune’s city streets and broken roads, and here’s our detailed first ride review.
Hero Xoom 160 Price & Rivals
Hero MotoCorp has launched the Xoom 160 at Rs 1,48,500 (ex-showroom), placing it directly against the Yamaha Aerox 155. While Aerox 155 is slightly more expensive, the Xoom 160 counters with rugged ADV-style looks and India-centric versatility.
The scooter is offered in four striking colour options – Matte Rainforest Green, Canyon Red, Summit White, and Matte Volcanic Grey. Deliveries are set to begin this month.
Hero Xoom 160 Design – Rugged & Attention-Grabbing
The Hero Xoom 160 is a beau in terms of design. One of the most attractive scooters in India at the present, primarily because of its muscular posture, 14-inch alloy wheels, tall tinted windscreen, block-pattern tyres and dual chamber LED headlamps, the scooter presently looks like a very rugged machine. Hero also provides accessories such as side guard, luggage rack, a top box, etc, which helps in transforming it to a touring friendly. The spacious floorboard and wide handlebar make it comfortable in the city and at the same time makes it convenient to ride long distances.
Features & Practicality
The design is high end, but feature list is a bit lacklustre relative to competitors. Key highlights include:
- Smart key fob with keyless start
- 22L under-seat storage (not enough for an XL full-face helmet)
- Fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth & navigation support
- USB charging port (Type-A, not Type-C)
- LED boot light, parking brake, and Hero’s i3S idle start-stop system
- Single-channel ABS with front disc & rear drum
Some features feel missed out at this price point – no projector headlamps, no swiping indicators, no hazard lights, and no cruise control, which are available even on cheaper Hero bikes.
Ride & Handling – Built for Indian Roads
The Xoom 160 feels comfortable and confidence-inspiring on a variety of terrains. Thanks to 31mm telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear, it handles potholes and bad roads with ease.
The 14-inch block-pattern tyres enhance grip and even allow light off-roading. Handling is slightly slower compared to 12-inch scooters but stable and predictable. Braking performance is respectable, though a rear disc option would have been welcome.
Performance – Refined & Powerful
Powering the scooter is a 156cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve SOHC engine producing 14.6 bhp at 8,000 RPM and 14 Nm at 6,500 RPM, paired with a CVT gearbox.
Key performance highlights:
- 0–60 km/h in 6.5 seconds
- Strong mid-range for highway cruising
- Refined engine with minimal vibrations
- Comfortable cruising at 100 km/h
- Chunky exhaust note with a bassy growl
At 142 kg kerb weight, stability is excellent, and despite the bulk, the scooter feels manageable in city traffic.
Reservations – Where Hero Could Have Done Better
While the Hero Xoom 160 impresses with design and performance, a few misses stand out:
- No projector headlights or cornering lamps.
- Halogen indicators instead of LED swiping indicators.
- No hazard light function.
- Type-A USB port instead of Type-C.
- Old digital console, instead of a colour LCD seen on cheaper Hero bikes.
- No knuckle guards, even as an accessory.
- Connectivity app remains buggy.
- Rear-view mirrors feel flimsy.
At this premium price point, Hero could have packed in more features from its own lineup.
Should You Buy the Hero Xoom 160?
The Hero Xoom 160 is India’s first ADV-styled scooter that blends rugged looks with everyday practicality. It’s not the most feature-loaded, nor the best VFM product Hero is known for, but it offers something unique – a powerful maxi-scooter experience at a competitive price.
