Honda Activa 7G : For more than 20 years, Honda Activa has been India’s undisputed No-1 selling two-wheeler, this is despite making its mark in the scooter segment. Its riders range from college students and workers to elderly folk, reaching across generations.
Now, with the Honda Activa 7G, Honda has chosen evolutionary progression over a revolutionary change. But will it be enough to keep it at No. 1 in a market that is growing more competitive by the day?
Now, here is what the Activa 7G is all about.
Honda Activa 7G Design and Styling: More of the Same, in the Best Way Possible
On the surface, the Activa 7G is more-or-less the conservative design its fans have now got used to. Honda hasn’t rocked the boat with any radical revelations here, but you can see where the slight changes have been made.
It has a fresher, although unmistakably familiar face, with a slightly thinner front apron and new LED headlamp design, along with exciting new dual-tone colour options.
Not too much has been done to the bodywork with updated graphics and cleaner paint schemes helped make it a little more up-market.
Then again, if you favor classic styling to glitz, this will be a welcome development.
Engine and Performance: Just like the good old days
At its heart, Activa 7G gets the same 109.51cc single-cylinder, air-cooled BS6 compliant engine from the outgoing model. It makes about 7.7 bhp and 8.9 Nm of torque… you get something that’s dull if you’re a crazy person but is good for what you’d use it for in daily running around on it.
The engine is as smooth, quiet and superbly refined as ever. The silent-start ACG motor also contributes to a no-brainer riding experience, if you are up early in the morning. The acceleration response is linear and predictable; perfect for city use. It won’t win any drag races, but the scooter is at home with city speeds, and it feels efficient doing so.
Ride and Handling: City Buddy That’s Also Comfortable
The Honda Activa 7G is designed with long hauls or bumpy rides in mind. It has telescopic front forks and 3-step adjustable rear suspension that makes the ride plush – even over crumbled potholed roads.
It is light and agile, easy to thread through tight spaces and rush-hour traffic.
Braking is done using 130mm drum brakes at each end with the CBS, which is the combi-braking system that helps in distributing brake force equally, adding up to the safety.
A front disc brake would have been a welcome addition, especially as the segment’s standards continue to climb, but for most street riders the setup is adequate.
Benefit and Convenience: Practical Made Better
The 7G is rich with some neat features that you’d appreciate very much on your scoot- a fantastic convenience being the external fuel filler cap, so that you don’t have to lift open the seat every time you are low on fuel. The semi-digital instrument cluster (only on higher trims) now gets real-time mileage, range and service reminders.
There’s also the integration of the Smart Key system in higher trims, adding things like keyless start, remote seat opening, and anti-theft alerts.
Throw in the engine cut-off switch and eco indicator and you get a scooter that feels a tiny bit more up to date and yet no harder to live with.
Underseat stowage is still good, there’s a front hook and an optional USB power point to add to its useful nature.
Mileage and Efficiency: Still a Star Performer maxcdn
If there is one department where the Activa still holds fort, it is fuel efficiency. With a little bit of software tweaking and engine tuning, the Activa 7G will offer anywhere between 55-60 km/l in the real-world, depending on your riding conditions.
This is what makes it a great choice for daily office run or the school hauls so you don’t keep refueling.
Pros:
Dependable and solid Honda motor
Impressive real-world fuel economy
Comfortable suspension setup
A Smart Key (only on higher models) completes the contemporary look
Convenient external fuel lid
Quiet and easy starting system
Good resale and service network
Cons:
Little design evolution; could seem too familiar
There wasn’t even a front disc brake available as an option
It is missing a full digital display or smartphone integration
The Engine The engine is mostly un-touched.
Lacks tech features of cheaper versions
Honda Activa 7G Verdict: Still the Benchmark for All-Purpose Scooters
We can’t have the Honda Activa 7G: First ride review The Honda Activa 7G is not a rethink at all, it’s a refresh. Honda has carried over what works and updated it with small but user-friendly enhancements to it at the top in the 110cc category.
It’s not a head turner and it’s not going to surprise you with any leading edge technology by giving you a free driving lesson, but if you are looking for a reliable, frugal, no-nonsense scooter for daily use, the 7G still has the goods.
For both diehard Activa aficionados and pragmatic purchasers, the 7G delivers where it counts — and that’s what keeps it a household name.