The Hero Xoom 160, launched on September 8, 2025, at ₹1.48 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), represents Hero MotoCorp’s ambitious leap into India’s premium maxi-scooter segment. With its adventure-inspired design, a robust 156cc engine, and a host of modern features, it promises to shake up the scooter market. As India’s riders increasingly demand style, versatility, and performance, the Xoom 160 aims to deliver a unique blend of all three. For Motors77 readers, we dive into what makes this scooter special, its potential in the Indian market, and how it stacks up against the competition. Here’s our comprehensive preview of the Hero Xoom 160, based on the latest details available.
Design Highlights: Bold and Adventure-Ready
The Hero Xoom 160 sets itself apart with a maxi-scooter design infused with ADV (adventure) styling, drawing cues from Hero’s Dakar motorcycles. Its aggressive front end features dual chamber LED headlights with DRLs, a prominent beak, and a tall windscreen, giving it a rugged, commanding presence uncommon among Indian scooters. The sculpted side panels and a spine running from the front apron to the seat add a premium, motorcycle-like aesthetic. Available in four vibrant colors—Matte Rainforest Green, Canyon Red, Pearl Summit White, and Matte Volcanic Grey—it’s designed to appeal to younger riders and those seeking a distinctive ride.
At 142 kg, the Xoom 160 is heavier than most scooters in its class, which may pose a challenge for low-speed handling, especially in tight urban spaces. While Hero has positioned it as a premium offering, some reports suggest the plastic quality, particularly around the front beak, and the switchgear may not fully match the upscale design. Nonetheless, the 14-inch alloy wheels with dual-purpose tires enhance its adventure-ready look, promising versatility for India’s diverse road conditions.
Design Highlights: The Xoom 160’s bold styling and ADV flair make it a standout in India’s scooter market. If Hero nails the fit-and-finish, it could redefine premium scooters for Indian buyers.
Engine and Performance: Built for Comfortable Cruising
The Xoom 160 is powered by a 156cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve SOHC engine, producing 14.6 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 14 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm. This new engine from Hero is tuned for smooth, linear power delivery, ideal for relaxed city commutes and occasional highway jaunts. It’s paired with a CVT transmission, ensuring effortless acceleration for urban riders. While it’s not designed for outright sportiness, the engine’s refinement is expected to shine at cruising speeds of 60–80 km/h, though top-end performance may taper off beyond that, based on similar scooters in the segment.
The Showa suspension—telescopic forks with 95mm travel up front and twin coilover dampers at the rear—promises a comfortable ride over India’s pothole-ridden roads. However, the lack of pre-load adjustability may limit customization for varying rider weights. Braking duties are handled by a front disc with single-channel ABS and a rear drum, which is adequate but lags behind competitors like the Yamaha Aerox 155, which offers a rear disc option. Hero claims a fuel efficiency of around 40 kmpl, making the Xoom 160 a practical choice for cost-conscious Indian buyers.
Performance Expectations: The Xoom 160 should offer smooth, reliable performance for daily commutes and short tours, but it may not match the sporty edge of rivals like the Aerox 155.
Features Overview: Modern and Practical
Hero has packed the Xoom 160 with features tailored for India’s tech-savvy riders:
- Keyless Ignition: A premium touch for quick, hassle-free starts.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: Displays speed, fuel level, trip details, and includes Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, ideal for navigating cities like Delhi or Bengaluru.
- LED Lighting: Full LED setup for headlights, DRLs, and taillights, with a signature “H” motif at the rear for brand identity.
- Storage Solutions: A 22-litre underseat storage fits a full-size ECE-certified helmet, with a deep front glovebox and an optional 20-litre touring box for long rides.
- Brake Lock and Boot Light: Thoughtful additions for daily convenience.
While the feature set is impressive, the instrument cluster’s design has been described as slightly dated compared to modern rivals. Additionally, the underseat storage, while practical, is smaller than step-through scooters, and the lack of a rear disc brake is a notable omission in the premium segment.
Features Overview: The Xoom 160 brings a strong mix of modern tech and practicality, making it a compelling choice for urban riders seeking convenience and connectivity.
Ride and Handling: Versatility for Indian Roads
The Xoom 160’s ergonomic design includes a spacious, well-cushioned seat and an upright riding position, promising comfort for both short commutes and longer journeys. Its large fuel tank (exact capacity undisclosed but designed for touring) and high ground clearance enhance its suitability for India’s varied terrains, from city streets to rural roads. The 14-inch wheels with dual-purpose tires should provide stability and grip, aligning with its adventure-oriented styling.
However, the 142 kg kerb weight could make low-speed handling tricky, particularly for new riders or in congested urban settings. The suspension setup, while tuned for comfort, may feel stiff on uneven roads when riding solo, based on feedback about similar Hero models. High-speed stability is expected to be a strength, given the maxi-scooter chassis and larger wheels.
Ride Expectations: The Xoom 160 should excel in comfort and versatility, catering to riders who want a scooter for both daily use and occasional adventures. Its weight and suspension tuning will be key areas to watch during test rides.
Pricing and Competition: A Competitive Edge?
At ₹1.48 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Hero Xoom 160 is priced competitively against the Yamaha Aerox 155 (₹1.50 lakh) and sits above sporty 150cc scooters like the Aprilia SR 160 and TVS NTorq 150. Its maxi-scooter design and ADV styling set it apart, targeting riders who want a unique, premium experience. Hero’s extensive service network is a plus, but concerns about inconsistent service quality and spare parts availability could impact buyer confidence in this new segment for the brand.
Competition Outlook: The Xoom 160 offers strong value with its pricing and features, but it faces stiff competition from the Aerox 155’s sporty performance and the growing popularity of electric scooters like Ola Electric’s S1 Pro and Ather 450X.
Indian Context: A New Breed of Scooter
India’s scooter market has long been dominated by practical, unisex models, but the Xoom 160 introduces a non-step-through maxi-scooter with adventure styling, appealing to riders who want a motorcycle-like presence. It targets urban professionals, larger riders, and adventure enthusiasts who crave a distinctive ride. While it doesn’t benefit from FAME III or PM E-DRIVE incentives (exclusive to EVs), its claimed 40 kmpl efficiency aligns with India’s cost-conscious market. The navigation-equipped cluster and storage options make it practical for cities like Mumbai or Chennai, while the high ground clearance and optional touring box cater to weekend getaways.
The Xoom 160’s launch also ties into India’s broader mobility trends, showcased at events like the Bharat Mobility Global Expo (January 16–22, 2025, New Delhi), where Hero could further highlight its premium offerings. However, to succeed, Hero must address concerns about service reliability and ensure the Xoom 160’s build quality matches its premium aspirations, especially against electric competitors benefiting from government subsidies.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Striking ADV-inspired maxi-scooter design.
- Smooth 156cc liquid-cooled engine for relaxed commutes.
- Feature-packed with keyless ignition, Bluetooth navigation, and LED lighting.
- Ample storage with a 22-litre boot and optional 20-litre touring box.
- Competitive pricing at ₹1.48 lakh.
Cons:
- Heavier at 142 kg, potentially challenging for low-speed handling.
- Rear drum brake instead of a disc, limiting braking performance.
- Potential concerns about plastic quality and switchgear.
- Smaller underseat storage compared to step-through scooters.
- Service network reliability may be a concern for premium buyers.
Should You Consider the Hero Xoom 160?
The Hero Xoom 160 is a bold step for Hero MotoCorp, bringing maxi-scooter style, modern features, and adventure-ready versatility to India’s scooter market. Priced at ₹1.48 lakh, it offers strong value for riders seeking a unique blend of practicality and personality, setting it apart from conventional scooters. While it faces challenges like its weight, average braking setup, and competition from sporty and electric rivals, its design and feature set make it a compelling option for urban commuters and weekend explorers. The Xoom 160 could redefine premium scooters in India if Hero delivers on build quality and service support.
Final Thoughts: The Hero Xoom 160 has the potential to be a game-changer for riders who want something beyond the ordinary. Keep an eye out for test ride reviews to see how it performs on Indian roads. For now, it’s one of the most exciting scooters to watch in 2025!
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