Hero Xoom: In India’s competitive two-wheeler landscape, where functionality often trumps flair in the entry-level segment, Hero MotoCorp has boldly challenged conventional wisdom with the introduction of the Xoom.
This sporty 110cc scooter represents the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer’s ambitious attempt to capture the imagination of younger riders while establishing a stronger foothold in a market segment traditionally dominated by competitors like Honda, TVS, and Suzuki.
With its blend of distinctive styling, practical technology, and accessible pricing, the Hero Xoom emerges as a compelling option for urban commuters seeking both personality and practicality in their daily ride.
Hero Xoom: Design Philosophy: Breaking the Mold
The moment you set eyes on the Hero Xoom, it becomes abundantly clear that this isn’t just another utilitarian 110cc scooter. Hero’s design team has infused the vehicle with a visual character that punches well above its displacement class.
The front fascia is dominated by sharp, angular lines that create a sense of forward motion even when stationary.
The distinctive LED daytime running lights give the scooter an unmistakable light signature, ensuring it stands out in a segment where bland uniformity has long been the norm.
Move along the profile, and the design continuity maintains its sporty character through deliberate character lines and creases that add dimensionality without appearing excessive.
The side panels feature modern sculpting that creates dynamic light reflections, while the floorboard offers generous space for riders of various heights – a practical consideration that doesn’t compromise the scooter’s athletic stance.
At the rear, the X-shaped LED tail light serves as both a functional element and a branding statement, creating instant recognition from behind.
The rear grab handle integrates seamlessly with the overall design rather than appearing as an afterthought, maintaining the Xoom’s cohesive visual identity from every angle.
Available in six distinctive colors – Pearl Silver White, Polestar Blue, Black, Matte Abrax Orange, Sports Red, and Matt Shadow Grey – the Xoom offers customization options to suit various personality types.
While color preferences remain subjective, the scooter wears each shade convincingly, with the dual-tone implementation adding premium visual appeal regardless of which option you choose.
What’s particularly impressive is how Hero has managed to create this distinctive design language without falling into the trap of making the scooter appear forced or overly aggressive.
The proportions remain balanced and the styling elements, while bold, don’t overshadow the fundamental utility expected from an everyday scooter.
This careful equilibrium between expressiveness and functionality sets the Xoom apart in a segment where design innovation has rarely been a priority.
Performance Credentials: Energetic Yet Economical
Under the stylish exterior lies a refined 110.9cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, SI engine that generates 8.15 PS of power at 7,250 rpm and 8.70 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm.
While these figures may seem modest on paper, they translate to sprightly real-world performance in the urban environments where the Xoom is designed to excel.
The engine’s character deserves special mention for its linear power delivery and responsive throttle mapping. Unlike some competing models that feel lethargic off the line, the Xoom demonstrates eager acceleration from a standstill, making it particularly adept at navigating stop-and-go city traffic.
The variomatic drive (CVT) transmission performs its duties smoothly, eliminating the jerkiness that often plagues less refined automatic scooters in this segment.
With a claimed top speed of approximately 87 km/h, the Xoom isn’t designed for extended highway cruising but provides ample velocity for short intercity jaunts.
More importantly, it maintains stability at higher speeds thanks to its 12-inch wheels at both ends – a size upgrade from the typical 10-inch wheels found on many competitors.
This wheel dimension choice pays dividends in ride quality and handling, offering greater confidence when encountering road imperfections or taking corners with enthusiasm.
Fuel efficiency, a critical consideration for the target demographic, impresses with a claimed figure of 53.4 km/l under ideal conditions.
Real-world usage typically yields around 45-50 km/l depending on riding style and conditions – respectable numbers that ensure the 5.2-liter fuel tank provides adequate range between fill-ups.
The inclusion of Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology further enhances efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine during extended stops and seamlessly restarting it when the throttle is twisted.
The telescopic front fork and offset monoshock rear suspension strike an effective balance between comfort and sportiness.
The slightly firmer tuning compared to some competitors results in more composed handling without sacrificing ride quality over typical urban road conditions.
This suspension setup particularly shines when carrying a pillion passenger, maintaining stability without the wallowy feeling that often affects scooters with softer springs.
Feature Integration: Practical Innovation
Where the Hero Xoom truly distinguishes itself is in its thoughtful integration of features that enhance the everyday riding experience.
The fully digital instrument cluster on higher variants offers comprehensive information including speed, fuel level, trip meters, and service reminders in a legible format even under direct sunlight.
The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity on the ZX variant enables turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and message notifications – features increasingly relevant to today’s connected riders.
Perhaps the most innovative feature is the segment-first cornering lights on the ZX variant. These additional LED lights, positioned on either side of the front apron, automatically illuminate when the scooter leans into turns beyond a certain angle.
This clever implementation enhances visibility where it’s most needed during night riding, demonstrating Hero’s attention to functional safety rather than merely adding features for specification-sheet appeal.
Practical storage solutions include a spacious under-seat compartment, though not quite large enough to accommodate a full-face helmet, and convenient front pockets for smaller essentials.
The inclusion of a USB charging port in the front storage area acknowledges the importance of keeping devices powered during daily commutes – another thoughtful touch that enhances everyday usability.
The braking system combines a 190mm front disc (or 130mm drum on the base variant) with a 130mm rear drum, providing confident stopping power modulated by a combined braking system (CBS) as mandated by safety regulations.
During emergency braking scenarios, the system maintains stability while delivering respectable stopping distances for the segment.
Lighting is entirely LED across all variants, providing better illumination while consuming less power from the electrical system.
The projector headlamp offers a well-defined beam pattern that effectively illuminates the road ahead without blinding oncoming traffic – a considerate balance of visibility and responsibility.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Daily Usability
A scooter’s ultimate success largely depends on how comfortably it accommodates riders during their daily journeys. The Hero Xoom addresses this through thoughtfully designed ergonomics that suit a wide range of rider physiques.
The seat height of 770mm strikes an accessible compromise, allowing shorter riders to place their feet securely on the ground while maintaining a comfortable knee bend for taller individuals.
The seat itself deserves praise for its contoured shape and supportive padding that remains comfortable even during longer rides. The tapering front section allows shorter riders to reach the ground easily, while the wider rear portion provides adequate support for the pillion.
The floorboard offers generous space for various foot positions, allowing riders to adjust their stance for comfort during different riding scenarios.
Handlebar placement is natural and doesn’t require an uncomfortable reach, while the slightly forward-leaning riding position reinforces the scooter’s sporty character without inducing fatigue during extended use.
Controls fall readily to hand, with switchgear that operates with satisfying tactile feedback and logical placement that quickly becomes second nature.
One subtle but appreciated aspect is the quality of the mirrors, which provide a clear rearward view without excessive vibration – a detail that enhances safety while reducing rider stress in dense traffic conditions.
These ergonomic considerations collectively create a riding experience that remains pleasant through daily commutes of varying distances and traffic conditions.
Variant Strategy: Options for Every Budget
Hero has structured the Xoom lineup to address various price points and feature preferences through three primary variants – LX, VX, and ZX – alongside the limited Combat Edition that offers unique styling elements.
The entry-level LX variant (priced around ₹71,484 ex-showroom) establishes the fundamental Xoom experience with sheet metal wheels, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and basic LED lighting.
Despite being the most accessible option, it retains the core engine characteristics and distinctive styling that define the Xoom identity.
Moving up to the VX variant (approximately ₹74,917 ex-showroom) introduces alloy wheels, a fully digital instrument cluster, and enhanced styling elements that justify the moderate price increment.
This mid-tier option likely represents the value sweet spot for most buyers, offering meaningful upgrades without stretching budgets excessively.
The range-topping ZX variant (around ₹79,967 ex-showroom) completes the feature set with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, cornering lights, and premium finish options.
This comprehensive package targets tech-savvy riders willing to invest in convenience features that enhance the daily riding experience.
The limited Combat Edition (approximately ₹80,967 ex-showroom) maintains the ZX’s feature set while introducing unique color schemes and graphics for riders seeking additional visual distinctiveness.
This strategy of offering cosmetic special editions demonstrates Hero’s understanding of the importance of personalization in the younger demographic’s purchasing decisions.
This carefully calibrated variant strategy ensures the Xoom remains accessible across different price sensitivities while maintaining consistent performance characteristics throughout the range.
The incremental nature of the feature additions creates clear value propositions at each level, helping prospective buyers identify which variant best aligns with their priorities and budget constraints.
Ownership Experience: Accessible Premium
Beyond the initial purchase, the Hero Xoom offers a compelling ownership proposition through Hero MotoCorp’s extensive service network – the largest in India with over 6,000 customer touchpoints nationwide.
This infrastructural advantage ensures that maintenance and service support remain accessible even in smaller towns and rural areas, eliminating a significant concern for potential buyers.
The service interval of 3,000 kilometers for the first service and 5,000 kilometers thereafter strikes a reasonable balance between maintenance frequency and convenience.
Consumable parts and service labor charges remain economical, contributing to a low cost of ownership that complements the scooter’s fuel efficiency.
Hero’s standard warranty package covers the Xoom for three years or unlimited kilometers, demonstrating confidence in the product’s reliability while providing peace of mind for owners.
Additional extended warranty options allow risk-averse buyers to further protect their investment for a modest premium.
The availability of genuine accessories through the dealer network enables personalization without compromising warranty coverage or quality standards.
Options ranging from practical additions like luggage racks and mobile phone holders to cosmetic enhancements like body graphics and colored trim pieces allow owners to tailor their Xoom to specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
Market Positioning: Youthful Alternative
The Hero Xoom enters a highly competitive segment dominated by established players with strong brand equity.
The Honda Activa and Dio, TVS Jupiter, and Suzuki Access have defined consumer expectations in this category, creating a challenging environment for new entrants seeking to establish relevance.
Hero’s strategic approach positions the Xoom not as a direct challenger to these utilitarian stalwarts but as a youthful alternative for buyers seeking more character and feature content from their everyday commuter.
This differentiation through design language and technology integration creates a distinct identity that appeals particularly to younger riders making their first scooter purchase.
The pricing strategy places the Xoom competitively against segment benchmarks while offering arguably more visual flair and feature content at each price point.
This value proposition has resonated sufficiently to establish the model in the market, though it hasn’t yet achieved the sales volumes of the category leaders – an unsurprising outcome given the entrenched brand loyalties in this segment.
Industry recognition through awards including “Scooter of the Year” at the Zee Media and DNA Auto Awards 2023 and “Best Scooter” at the BBC TopGear Awards 2023 has helped validate the Xoom’s credentials and build awareness among prospective buyers who might not otherwise consider Hero for a scooter purchase.
The Xoom 125 and 160: Expanding the Family
Building on the foundation established by the 110cc model, Hero has expanded the Xoom family to include 125cc and 160cc variants that target different segments of the market while maintaining the core brand identity.
The Xoom 125, introduced as a more performance-oriented option, features a 124.7cc engine producing approximately 9 bhp and 10.4 Nm of torque.
This power increase transforms the riding experience with more authoritative acceleration and better highway capability, while retaining the distinctive styling elements that define the Xoom aesthetic.
With pricing starting around ₹86,900 (ex-showroom), it competes directly with sporty 125cc options like the TVS NTorq 125 and Suzuki Avenis.
The most ambitious addition to the lineup is the Xoom 160, Hero’s first venture into the premium maxi-scooter segment.
Unveiled at EICMA 2023 and introduced to the Indian market at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, this adventure-styled scooter features a liquid-cooled 156cc engine producing 14.6 bhp and 14 Nm of torque.
With its tall stance, muscular bodywork, and premium features like smart key functionality, the Xoom 160 (priced at approximately ₹1,48,500 ex-showroom) directly challenges the Yamaha Aerox 155 while offering Hero’s value proposition in a previously unexplored segment.
This strategic expansion demonstrates Hero’s commitment to establishing Xoom as a comprehensive sub-brand spanning multiple displacement categories rather than merely offering a single model.
By maintaining consistent design language and feature philosophy across different engine capacities, Hero creates a coherent family identity while addressing varied performance requirements and price points.
Riding Experience: Daily Dynamics
The true character of any scooter emerges through extended daily use rather than specification comparisons or brief test rides.
After logging substantial kilometers across varied urban conditions, the Hero Xoom reveals itself as a genuinely enjoyable everyday companion that balances practicality with character – a rare combination in this utilitarian segment.
The riding experience begins with the scooter’s approachable nature – lightweight at 108-109 kg (depending on variant) and featuring neutral handling characteristics that inspire confidence even for inexperienced riders.
Initial throttle response is immediate without being jerky, allowing precise control in dense traffic situations where smooth modulation matters most.
As speeds increase, the larger 12-inch wheels with their 90/90 front and 100/80 rear tire dimensions demonstrate their value through enhanced stability and bump absorption compared to smaller-wheeled competitors.
This wheel choice particularly shines when navigating broken road surfaces or railway crossings that would unsettle scooters with more traditional wheel dimensions.
The 155mm ground clearance, while not class-leading, proves adequate for typical urban obstacles when approached with reasonable caution.
The slightly firm suspension tuning maintains composure during directional changes without transmitting excessive harshness to the rider – a well-judged compromise that prioritizes handling precision without sacrificing comfort.
Engine refinement remains impressive throughout the rev range, with minimal vibrations reaching the handlebars or floorboard even at higher rpms.
The engine note stays pleasantly subdued during normal operation, only becoming more pronounced under hard acceleration – an acoustic character that doesn’t draw unwanted attention during early morning departures from residential areas.
The braking system inspires confidence with progressive lever feel and predictable deceleration, though enthusiastic riders might desire slightly more initial bite from the front disc on higher variants.
The CBS implementation works transparently in the background, ensuring balanced braking force distribution without requiring conscious rider input – a safety net that functions exactly as intended.
Perhaps most tellingly, the Xoom encourages a more engaged riding style than many commuter scooters. Its responsive handling and eager power delivery invite riders to actively participate in the journey rather than merely arrive at their destination – creating a subtle but meaningful distinction from more appliance-like competitors.
This character doesn’t compromise practicality but adds a layer of enjoyment to daily transportation that can transform mundane commutes into more satisfying experiences.
The Competitive Landscape: Finding Its Niche
The 110cc scooter segment in India presents a complex competitive environment with established players that have refined their offerings over multiple generations.
The Honda Activa continues to dominate through its reputation for bulletproof reliability and exceptional resale value, while the TVS Jupiter has carved out a significant market share through its blend of comfort and feature content.
Against these entrenched competitors, the Hero Xoom differentiates itself primarily through its more expressive design language and technology integration rather than attempting to challenge them on their core strengths.
This approach acknowledges the difficulty of displacing segment leaders while creating space for a distinct identity that appeals to different purchase motivations.
When compared directly to its most natural rival, the Honda Dio – which also targets younger riders with sportier styling – the Xoom offers more distinctive visual character and arguably better feature content for similar pricing.
The Dio counters with Honda’s reliability reputation and generally stronger resale value, creating a decision matrix that weighs immediate product attributes against longer-term ownership considerations.
The Xoom’s larger 12-inch wheels provide objective handling advantages over the 10-inch wheels found on many competitors, while its cornering lights and Bluetooth connectivity create feature differentiation that matters to tech-savvy buyers.
These tangible points of distinction provide salespeople with concrete talking points beyond subjective styling preferences when guiding potential customers through their options.
Hero Xoom: Distinctive Character in a Practical Package
The Hero Xoom represents a refreshing interpretation of what an entry-level scooter can be in the Indian market.
By prioritizing distinctive design and thoughtful feature integration while maintaining competitive pricing, Hero has created a compelling option for riders seeking to express their personality through their daily transportation choice.
The scooter’s success ultimately hinges on this ability to balance character with practicality – offering enough distinctive attributes to stand out from utilitarian competitors while delivering the fundamental reliability, efficiency, and ease of use that define the category.
By most measures, the Xoom achieves this balance successfully, creating a genuine alternative rather than merely adding another homogeneous option to an already crowded segment.
For younger riders making their first two-wheeler purchase or existing customers seeking a more expressive daily commuter, the Hero Xoom deserves serious consideration.
Its combination of visual appeal, thoughtful features, and accessible pricing creates a value proposition that extends beyond basic transportation to include the less tangible but equally important aspect of rider satisfaction.
In a market often defined by rational considerations, the Xoom introduces an emotional component that enriches the ownership experience without compromising the practical foundations that matter in everyday use.
As Hero continues to expand and refine the Xoom family across multiple displacement categories, this foundation of balanced character provides a solid platform for future development.
By maintaining this distinctive identity while addressing different performance requirements and price points, the Xoom has the potential to establish itself as a significant player in India’s competitive scooter landscape – proving that practical transportation need not be devoid of personality, even at accessible price points.