Right
from the moment we swung a leg over the Activa, none of
us had any doubts as to who the winner would be. To show
some respect to the competitors, let's start from the bottom...
The
Kinetic loses out due to its dated two-stroke engine, a
major disadvantage in terms of Fuel
Efficiency and emissions. Being of similar capacity,
a two-stroke is supposed to deliver scorching Performance.
Results, however, speak otherwise. Also, the Kinetic looks
old compared to the competition's fresh styling. A four-stroke
engine, a reworked body and chassis design could be the
answer.
The
Saffire remains the best looker and its Fuel
Efficiency is right up there. But its gearchange
lag mars its Performance feel
and the slightly flawed ride quality over rough roads relegates
it to second spot. Apart from its beauty queen looks and
the slight edge in handling at slow speeds, we couldn't
find a single parameter where it scores over the winner.
That
the Activa wins this test hands-down not a huge surprise.
Thanks to Honda engineering, class-leading fuel economy
honey-smooth Performance and
international levels of fit-and-finish, it easily upstages
the Kinetic from the throne it has occupied so long. As
a scooter for everyone, expect,the Activa to sell in hordes.
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