New Honda Dio 125: When Honda first introduced the Dio years ago, nobody quite expected it’d evolve into the trendsetter it’s become today. Now, the Japanese manufacturer has upped the ante with their Dio 125 – priced between ₹98,829 and ₹1,04,224 (ex-showroom) – and it’s turning heads across India for all the right reasons.

The streets of Panipat have already witnessed several of these sleek machines zipping through traffic, their distinctive dual-tip mufflers announcing their arrival with a confidence that matches their enhanced performance capabilities.

“I’ve owned the 110cc version for years, but this is something else entirely,” says Rahul Sharma, a 27-year-old software engineer who recently upgraded. “The extra power makes highway riding much more comfortable, and the smart features actually make a difference in day-to-day use.”

Muscle Where It Matters Most

Pop open the seat, and you’ll notice there’s more than just storage space beneath – there’s a legacy of Honda engineering excellence. The heart of this scooter is a robust 123.92cc air-cooled engine that produces 8.19 bhp at 6,250 rpm and 10.5 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm.

These numbers mightn’t impress sportbike enthusiasts, but in the urban jungle where quick acceleration from traffic lights and nimble handling through congested streets matter more than top speed, the Dio 125 delivers impressively.(New Honda Dio 125)

Honda hasn’t just increased displacement – they’ve refined the entire package. The Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology optimizes combustion efficiency, while the ACG starter ensures whisper-quiet starts that won’t disturb your neighbors during those early morning commutes.

Despite the performance boost, fuel economy hasn’t taken a significant hit. Owners report achieving around 48 kilometers per liter in real-world conditions – certainly not class-leading but reasonable considering the performance on tap.

Tech That Actually Makes Sense

Gone are the days when scooters were basic transportation appliances. The premium H-Smart variant of the Dio 125 features keyless operation that’ll make you wonder how you ever tolerated fumbling for keys with gloves on.

The system includes practical functions like Smart Find (which helps locate your scooter in crowded parking lots by flashing the indicators), Smart Unlock (allowing operation without inserting a physical key), and Smart Start (enabling ignition with a simple knob turn).(New Honda Dio 125)

“These aren’t gimmicks,” insists Priya Gupta, who uses her Dio 125 for daily commuting to college. “The smart find feature saved me at least 10 minutes of searching last week when I parked at the mall during festival season.”

The fully digital instrument console provides all essential information, including real-time mileage and distance-to-empty – practical features that help manage fuel stops in a country where petrol stations can sometimes be inconveniently spaced.

Built for Indian Realities

Honda clearly understands Indian road conditions. The telescopic front forks and three-step adjustable rear suspension handle potholed streets with composure that inspires confidence. Ground clearance stands at a respectable 171mm – enough to clear most speed bumps without scraping the underside.

The 12-inch front and 10-inch rear alloy wheels offer stability while maintaining the agility that’s essential for navigating through congested traffic. Weight has been kept in check too, with the scooter tipping the scales at a manageable 104kg.

For those concerned about safety, the combined braking system comes standard across all variants, while the premium model features a petal-type front disc brake for enhanced stopping power.

Expression Through Color

In a market where personalization matters, Honda offers seven distinct color options ranging from the eye-catching Pearl Siren Blue to the sophisticated Matte Axis Gray Metallic. Some variants feature bold graphics that further enhance the scooter’s youthful appeal.

The Pearl Nightstar Black with contrasting graphics has proven particularly popular among young buyers, while older riders tend to gravitate toward the more subdued Pearl Deep Ground Gray.