New Delhi
Honda Dio vs TVS NTorq 125: Which entry-level sporty scooter to go for?
Reviews by Team Drivio | 15 Mar 2023
The TVS NTorq 125 is undoubtedly the sportiest 125cc scooter in India. We find out if it can hold its own against its Japanese rival, the Honda Dio.
- The Honda Dio makes 7.8PS and 9Nm from its 110cc engine.
- TVS has equipped the NTorq 125 with a larger 124.8cc engine making 9.38PS and 10.5Nm.
- That said, it’s also 13kg heavier than the Dio.
TVS joined the 125cc scooter race a couple of years ago and boy was it impressive. The scooter, in typical TVS fashion, leans towards the sporty side of things and we found it to be quite enjoyable, and quite a refreshing scooter when compared to its fuel efficiency-centric scooter rivals.
The Honda Dio, on the other hand, has always been the college-goer’s heart throb. Honda offered the Dio as a more flamboyant version of the Activa 6G. So let’s see which scooter comes out on top in our comparison.
Honda Dio vs TVS NTorq 125: Design & Features
| Features | Honda Dio | TVS NTorq 125 |
| LED headlamp | No (optional) | Yes |
| Fully-digital console | No (optional) | Yes |
| LED indicators | No | Yes |
| Riding modes | No | Yes |
| Alloy wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Split seats | No | No |
| Bluetooth connectivity | No | Yes |
No points for guessing which scooter won this segment. The NTorq 125 is loaded to the brim with features and is likely the most feature-packed petrol-powered scooter in the country. From Bluetooth connectivity to a fully digital console to even riding modes, this TVS scooter has it all!
The Honda Dio, meanwhile, doesn’t come with most of the modern-day bits in its standard trim. The Sports Edition gets extra bits like a digital console and an LED headlamp. That said, it still misses out on Bluetooth connectivity.
Honda Dio vs TVS NTorq 125: Engine
| Specifications | Honda Dio | TVS NTorq 125 |
| Engine | 109.51cc air-cooled, single-cylinder | 124.8cc air-cooled single-cylinder |
| Maximum power | 7.8PS | 9.38PS |
| Maximum Torque | 9Nm | 10.5Nm |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
The 124.8cc single-cylinder 3-valve mill has seen extensive development. In its latest iteration, TVS claims to have improved its breathing and combustion processes, producing 0.82PS more power and 0.3Nm more torque. The NTorq is now the fastest it has ever been. It is over a second faster than the 2020 BS6 model from 0-60kmph.
The Honda Dio’s engine, though punchy, cannot match the NTorq’s, given its lower displacement too. There’s no replacement for displacement, eh?
Honda Dio vs TVS NTorq 125: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes
| Specifications | Honda Dio | TVS NTorq 125 |
| Front suspension | Telescopic fork | Telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | 3-step Preload-adjustable monoshock | Monoshock |
| Front tyre | 90/90-12 | 100/80-12 |
| Rear tyres | 90/100-10 | 110/80-12 |
| Front brake | 130mm Drum | 220mm Disc |
| Rear brake | 130mm Drum | 130mm Drum |
| ABS | No | NO, but CBS (Combined Braking System) available |
The NTorq 125’s sporty nature is seen in its suspension setup too, which is tuned slightly on the firmer side. It is, in no way or form, stiff or harsh, it’s just firm. That said, the stiffness makes the NTorq feel planted in the corners, making the scooter quite a lot of fun when corner-carving.
Honda has, meanwhile, has gone the family-friendly way with the Dio. Its suspension is plush, absorbing most of the bumps our pathetic roads have on offer. While the sharpest of bumps do make their way to your back, the ride is nice for most part.
Honda Dio vs TVS NTorq 125: Dimensions
| Dimensions | Honda Dio | TVS NTorq 125 |
| Length | 1808mm | 1861mm |
| Height | 1150mm | 1164mm |
| Width | 723mm | 710mm |
| Wheelbase | 1260mm | 1285mm |
| Ground clearance | 160mm | 155mm |
| Kerb weight | 105kg | 118kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 5.3-litres | 5.8-litres |
| Seat height | 765mm | 770mm |
The NTorq 125 is a bit wider and taller than the Dio (according to the spec sheet) but there’s to a lot of difference to be felt, dimensions wise, between the scooters. They’re both compact, flickable and a lot of fun in the city. That said, the 13kg weight advantage of the Dio is visible as the scooter is visibly lighter than its TVS rival, especially at lower speeds.
Honda Dio vs TVS NTorq 125: Variants & Price
| Honda Dio Variant | Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) |
| STD | Rs 68,625 |
| DLX | Rs 72,626 |
| Sports Edition Drum | Rs 69,125 |
| Sports Edition DLX | Rs 74,626 |
| TVS NTorq 125 Variant | Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) |
| Drum | Rs 84,386 |
| Disc | Rs 88,841 |
| Race Edition | Rs 92,891 |
| Super Squad Edition | Rs 94,941 |
| Race XP | Rs 96,491 |
| XT | Rs 1,04,391 |
The Dio is available in two variants for the standard scooter and in two more for the Sports Edition. What you essentially get for the latter is a digital console and an LED headlamp. The NTorq 125, on the other hand, come in a massive six trims.
Conclusion
The NTorq 125 is the clear winner then, isn’t it? Well, yes, and also no. You see, you will have to pay a lot of premium over the Dio for the performance. If that’s fine by you, the NTorq 125 makes for a fantastic investment. But if you’re on a shoestring budget, the Honda Dio could suffice your needs.
