Honda, the Japanese two-wheeler maker, seems aggressive with its product strategy for the Indian auto industry. The company is betting big on its scooter range to further enhance its market share in the highly competitive two-wheeler segment. In 2013, the company introduced the Lead 125cc scooter in Vietnam and other markets including Japan. It was speculated that the Japanese automaker will launch the scooter in India in 2013-14, but that didn't happen. Now, the company has imported the scooter in India for testing purpose. It is expected that the scooter could hit the Indian showrooms by the festive season, 2015.
It is powered by a 125cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder engine that develops 11.33bhp. The scooter features "Smart Power" technology which reduces friction and increases fuel efficiency. It also gets idling start-stop system that also helps in reducing fuel consumption. The scooter gets programmed fuel injection system that further enhances the overall performance without compromising on mileage.
Talking about styling, the Honda Lead has a thick V-shaped chrome strip with integrated indicators. To add premium look to the scooter, the rear end gets LED lights. The under-seat storage space of the scooter is 37-litres, which is more than sufficient to accommodate two helmets. The Honda Lead 125 scooter will be launched as a premium offering in the country and will rival against the Piaggio Vespa.
