Hero Xoom 160 Review: India’s First Practical Maxi-Scooter?

Hero MotoCorp has been on a roll in 2025. With multiple launches already this year, the company has shown it is no longer content with playing safe in the commuter segment. After successful experiments such as the Xpulse 200 that carved out a new dual-sport niche, Hero has turned its attention to scooters with something equally bold  the Hero Xoom 160.

Touted as India’s first genuinely accessible maxi-scooter, the Xoom 160 is priced at around ₹1.49 lakh (ex-showroom). On paper, it promises the comfort of a touring machine, the practicality of a scooter, and the ability to handle our mixed road conditions. We took a close look to see if it delivers on those promises.

Design and Presence

Maxi-scooters are meant to stand out, and the Xoom 160 does not disappoint. It carries a sharp, stretched-out design that is very different from the conventional scooters Indian buyers are used to.

The wide apron, bold angular cuts, and twin-chamber LED headlamp give it a modern and premium face. Its stance is more motorcycle-like, suggesting long-distance readiness. Hero has also designed accessory options such as a taller windscreen, side guards, and luggage carriers that make it even more touring-friendly.

Among current scooters on sale, only Yamaha’s Aerox 155 comes close in terms of sporty appeal, but the Xoom 160 feels more versatile.

Summary Table

Ergonomics and Comfort

At 787 mm, the seat height is slightly higher than most commuter scooters. Shorter riders may initially find it a challenge, but the narrow front profile makes it manageable to get both feet down.

The wide, well-cushioned seat is supportive for both rider and pillion, while the stretched footboard allows a semi-relaxed leg position  a hallmark of maxi-scooters. The scooter tips the scales at 142 kg. While heavier than your everyday 110-125 cc scooters, it is lighter than the Aerox and feels stable yet manageable in traffic.

The fuel tank capacity stands at 7 litres, with the filler placed on the central tunnel instead of under the seat, freeing up space for storage.

Engine and Performance

Under the bodywork lies a 156 cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve single-cylinder engine producing 14.6 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 14 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Power is delivered through a CVT automatic gearbox.

These figures may not be record-breaking, but they are tuned for a mix of performance and usability. The scooter pulls strongly off the line, maintains effortless highway cruising, and feels smooth across city conditions. Thanks to Hero’s i3S idle stop-start system, efficiency is also optimized. Riders can expect fuel economy in the ballpark of 40 km/litre.

Chassis, Suspension and Brakes

Hero has developed a new underbone chassis specifically for the Xoom 160. It rides on 14-inch alloy wheels wrapped in block-pattern tyres that provide both grip and stability.

Up front, a 31 mm telescopic fork offers 97 mm of travel, while the rear uses twin shock absorbers with 94 mm travel. This setup makes the scooter better prepared for Indian roads compared to purely sporty scooters.

Braking is handled by a 240 mm front disc with single-channel ABS and a rear drum. Dual-channel ABS would have been a welcome addition at this price point, but Hero has clearly prioritized cost competitiveness.

Features and Technology

Hero has packed the Xoom 160 with features that make it feel premium:

• Smart Key with remote start, seat unlock, and find-my-scooter function.

• Fully digital LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, call/SMS alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation.

• Dual-chamber LED headlights for excellent illumination.

• i3S technology for better fuel efficiency.

• USB charging port inside a small glovebox.

• Front parking brake for convenience on slopes.

Under-seat storage is 22 litres, enough for a helmet and small essentials.

Riding Experience

First ride impressions suggest the Xoom 160 combines stability with surprising agility. On highways, it feels planted and refined, while on rough roads, the suspension absorbs bumps reasonably well. The upright seating position ensures long rides are less tiring.

Reviewers have noted that it may not be the outright fastest scooter in its segment, but it strikes an impressive balance between power, comfort, and practicality. The result is a scooter that feels equally at home in city traffic and on longer weekend rides.

Pricing and Availability

The Hero Xoom 160 is priced at ₹1.48-1.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Deliveries began in late August 2025. Thanks to recent GST reductions, Hero MotoCorp is expected to lower prices further by up to ₹15,000 across its scooter and motorcycle lineup, making the Xoom 160 even more attractive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes the Hero Xoom 160 unique?

A. It is Hero’s first maxi-scooter for India, blending touring comfort, practical features, and everyday usability in an affordable package.

2. How fuel-efficient is it?

A. Real-world mileage is expected around 40 km/litre, depending on riding style and conditions.

3. Is it suitable for long-distance rides?

A. Yes. With its comfortable seat, relaxed riding triangle, liquid-cooled engine, and stable chassis, it is designed for both city and highway use.

4. What safety features are offered?

A. The scooter gets a front disc brake with single-channel ABS, LED lighting, and a parking brake for added convenience.

5. When are deliveries available?

A. Deliveries began in August–September 2025, with availability expanding across major cities.

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