TVS Ntorq 150 is the latest high-performance scooter to enter the Indian market. I ride it to find out more.
I rode the TVS Ntorq 150 on the testing track of the brand’s Hosur production facility for a brief amount of time. And, it was a decent experience.
Well this is not the end of this review, instead its the beginning. The tech-savvy chaps at my office recommended me to put the primary keyword on what the article is about in the first couple of sentences as it is quite critical from the SEO perspective. So, now as I have gleefully accepted their demand, let’s move on to the review part.
Over the last few years, TVS Motor Company has ventured into quite a few uncharted territories – be it the launch of RTR 310 in the naked middleweight segment, be it the introduction of the X electric maxi-scooter, or be it the recently launched entry-level Orbiter electric scooter. The company’s insatiable quest of foraying into newer segments just doesn’t end here as it has now come up with a high-performance scooter in the form of the Ntorq 150.
It is quite needless to mention here about the legacy of the ‘Ntorq’ nameplate as it is quite popular among masses and gradually with time has become a household name. Still for the unversed, let’s go back in time and explore the motoring history of TVS Ntorq.
TVS Ntorq History
TVS began the Ntorq saga with the launch of the 125cc model more than seven years back in Feb 2018. Despite the segment being ruled by heavyweights like Honda Activa and Hero Maestro Edge (now discontinued), TVS Ntorq 125 found acceptance among the Gen-Z due to its cutting-edge features. In a phased-manner, the brand kept rolling out new variants of the scooter with its tried-and-trusted formula of ‘feature-rich model’ and hence Ntorq 125 made a name for itself in India.
So, enough of Ntorq 125 glory and lets come back to our primary keyword for this review piece, which is the Ntorq 150. First things first, I usually refrain from sharing my views on the design of a vehicle as it is vastly subjective and differs from individual to individual. However, probably for the first time, I am compelled to say that TVS Ntorq 125 is the best-looking scooter that I have come across in recent times. Now, you’d ask how and let me answer that for you below.
TVS Ntorq 150 Design
TVS Motor Company, in its presentation to the media, stated that Ntorq 150 is an evolution of 125cc model’s design which itself is based on the funky looking Graphite concept that we saw at the 2014 Auto Expo, over a decade back from now. TVS engineers have given the Ntorq 150 an aggressive front with sharp styling which is said to be taking cues from a stealth aircraft. The first-in-segment quad projector headlamps with the front visor lend the scooter a predatory appearance, flanked by the forward-biased stance and naked handlebar, which we generally see in motorcycles.
The Jet-inspired vents with aerodynamic winglets further accentuate the sportiness of the scooter. The side profile is rather modern with stylish graphics and 12-inch alloy wheels. The rear profile too is quite proportionate with the signature T-shaped LED tail lamp being the standout design element. TVS is offering four dual-tone colours with the scooter namely Stealth Silver, Racing Red, Turbo Blue, and Nitro Green. All of the aforementioned paint schemes look really amazing not just in pictures but also in daylight. It seems that TVS has taken a leaf out of Royal Enfield’s book and chosen such peculiar colourways for the scooter.
TVS Ntorq 150 Features
Talking about the comfort creatures and tech in the Ntorq 150 which are always considered the forte of TVS, it is quite apparent here that the company has used its strength to its advantage as the scooter is packed with a plethora of upmarket features and advanced tech. As we were told, it comes loaded with 22 first-in-segment and 5 best-in-segment features. Well, there’s way too much hoopla about it and a few such as Alexa integration could have been simply avoided, I must say.
The best feature which I personally loved in this scooter is the switchable traction control as it really helps a rider on the wet and slippery surfaces, especially during the Monsoon season when the streets are usually flooded with water due to incessant rains, poor infrastructure and dismal public policy. The traction control system works really well and instills the much-needed confidence in a rider. It can be switched on and off through the 4-way navigation switch placed near the 5-inch digital TFT display on the left hand side of the handlebar, which again, happens to be one of the best things in the Ntorq 150.
TVS Ntorq 150 Ride & Handling
The feature list is gigantic and can be found on the TVS website. Hence, I will now move on to better things which would probably interest you more than merely brochure reading. So, as far as the ride and handling is concerned, TVS Ntorq sails pretty smoothly on straight roads but due to smaller wheel size, it is not as reliable on the corners. Hence, stability is one area which could be further improved as it feels a bit shaky at times, especially at higher speeds. If you already have a Ntorq 125 at home or in your extended family, akin to me, you would find the Ntorq 150 almost similar in ride dynamics.
TVS Ntorq 150 Engine & Performance
The 149.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, which has been carved out of the Ntorq’s 125cc mill by increasing the bore size and compression ratio, performs fairly well. With peak power of 13 bhp and top torque of 14.2 Nm, it packs a punch. TVS claims a best-in-segment 0-60 kmph sprint time of 6.3 secs which is true as I was able to touch the 60 kmph mark from standstill around the same time, or should I say even faster. The best thing about riding the scooter was its effortless cruising at speeds of 70-80 kmph. Though beyond that, it becomes a bit wobbly as I mentioned earlier and TVS engineers should work on it.
TVS Ntorq 150 Top Speed & Mileage
TVS Ntorq comes with a claimed top speed of 104 kmph and yours truly could touch that mark, but it is advised not to try this sheer madness at home. Since this is a performance-oriented scooter, mileage is a factor not worthy of a discussion here. Though we believe that it could return somewhere in the ballpark of 30-32 kmph depending on your riding style. Did I forget to mention that the upright riding position makes it quite comfortable to commute through the roads.
TVS Ntorq 150 Suspension & Braking
Since the ride was organised on the testing track inside the TVS factory in Hosur, the suspension setup couldn’t be properly tested and hence no comment on it. Though the front disc brake with single-channel ABS is an out-and-out performer. Even during sudden braking, the stopping distance is relatively lower and ABS saves it from skidding or slipping, rather it appears as if the front tyre is about to bury itself in the ground.
TVS Ntorq 150 Seat
The single-piece seat is comfortable as it gets decent cushioning while being large enough for two individuals. Though it has been slightly raised for the pillion for better comfort and grip on the split rear grab rails. The floorboard space is also okayish and it doesn’t feel cramped for room. There is a small glove box for belongings up to 2 litres. The underseat storage area can swallow up to 22 litres, which I would call rather inadequate. It should have been bigger.
TVS Ntorq 150 Review: Verdict
The Ntorq 150 has been launched at a stellar starting price of Rs 1.19 lakh (ex-showroom) in the Indian market. However, the top-end TFT variant sets you back by 10k more, but most of these additional features are non-essential. Its arch rival, Hero Xoom 160, comes at Rs 1.48 lakh (ex-showroom) which is nearly Rs 29,000 more with lesser number of features.
So, in all, the Ntorq 150 happens to be quite a value-for-money scooter for individuals who are ready to go that extra mile for next-gen telematics, connected features and exorbitant design. The performance isn’t too bad as well, except for the stability factor due to the smaller 12-inch wheels. While concluding this piece, I sincerely hope that folks at TVS will take this feedback seriously and (perhaps) roll out a bigger wheel size (13 or 14-inch) as an optional accessory as it is the only thorn in this rose. But anyways, full marks to the brand for this valiant effort!
