Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid Review: Fast, Good-looking & Every-bit Practical

The 125cc scooter segment is a rapidly growing one. So we see if the subtle changes given to the Yamaha Fascino 125 make it relevant in today’s day and age. 

• The Fascino 125’s 125cc engine makes 8.2PS and 9.7Nm
• It returned a fantastic fuel efficiency of 65.92kmpl
• At 99kg kerb, it’s the lightest scooter in its segment

Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid: Design & Features

One of the most important aspects of modern scooters is their features. The more, the better! And the latest model finally meets the requirements. It gets a few extras, such as a full-digital console taken directly from the Ray ZR 125. 

Moving up the spectrum, you can get the top-spec variant with Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to access features such as response time, ride history, last parked location, hazard lights, and parking records.

The new full-LED headlight has a good spread and throw but isn't as bright as other 125cc competitors. Because of the lack of depth in the beam, it is difficult to focus on smaller details. Last but not least, the side stand engine cut off feature has been added. A welcome safety feature that should be standard on all two-wheelers. You can also choose to add a USB charger as an optional extra.

Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid: Engine & Specs

The Fascino's updated engine is undoubtedly the centre of attention, which now has micro-hybrid technology, which increases torque and fuel efficiency. The system is powered by an onboard lithium-ion battery located in the floorboard and the Smart Motor Generator (SMG), which is the same motor used to silently start the scooter and serves as an electric motor assist. This effectively compensates for the torque lag that ICE engines are notorious for. Consider something similar to the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but in a much smaller package. As a result, there's 0.6Nm more torque and a more linear power delivery that's ideal for city commutes.

However, the system is not without flaws. Yamaha claims that the additional boost from the electric motor is available lower in the rev range, allowing you to get off the line faster or simply scooter away from a signal faster. And they are correct to some extent, because in our tests, the Fascino hybrid was a full second faster to 80kmph than the older model. BUT, that's not the end of the story.

The new Fascino was a tenth slower in both our 0-60kmph and 0-40kmph tests. You're perplexed, right? Please allow me to explain. The real improvement comes in the middle. When you press the throttle, the SMG spools up the motor sufficiently to provide a linear surge of torque. This significantly improves the Fascino Hybrid's roll-on acceleration, making the scooter much easier to ride. You're always in the heart of the powerband, making quick overtakes in city traffic look easy. Our only complaint about the engine is that it isn't as smooth as it used to be. 

Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid: Chassis

This is where things start to get a little strange. The suspension setup on the previous BS6 model was fine. The rear monoshock was firmer than expected, but not alarmingly so. Yamaha decided to stiffen the suspension even more for the 2021 model, making the ride borderline harsh. While you can feel the sharp bumps, it does a good job of flattening the others.

Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid: Dimensions

On the plus side, despite all of the updates, the Fascino still weighs just 99kg (kerb), making it the lightest scooter in the 125cc segment. The scooter is surprisingly agile, making switching through traffic and simply moving around the parking lot a breeze.

Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid: Variants & Price

Prices for the base (drum brake) variant of the Yamaha Fascino 125 begin from Rs 78,600. If you want a disc brake up front, you’ll have to pay nearly Rs 10,000 extra for that, which does sound like a tad bit too much. 

Conclusion

Overall, the updated Yamaha Fascino 125 is highly recommended. It's smarter, faster, more lively, easier to ride in city traffic, and more fuel-efficient! Something buyers would appreciate given the skyrocketing cost of gasoline. Furthermore, the new features and eye-catching color schemes position the Fascino Hybrid to compete with its rivals.

It's now a well-rounded family-oriented product with a lot of punch. When you consider the small premium over the previous BS6 model, the Fascino Hybrid makes a lot of sense.