Every few decades, a vehicle comes along that doesn’t just define a segment—it becomes the segment. In the 1980s, the Maruti 800 became synonymous with cars in India. In the motorcycle market, the Hero Splendor reigns supreme as the people’s bike. When it comes to scooters, the Honda Activa has ruled the streets for decades, fending off challengers left, right, and center. But Hero is not one to give up. It has come up with the new 2024 Hero Destini 125—a scooter aimed squarely at the Activa 125. So, how good is it as an Activa rival? Is it a worthy contender or just another pretender? Let me take you through all the details in my 2024 Hero Destini 125 review.
Design: Sleeker and Bolder
First impressions matter, and the 2024 Hero Destini 125 certainly looks handsome at the very first glance. The familiar, somewhat mundane styling of the earlier model makes way for a fresh, bold look. Up front, the new apron sports bronze accents, giving it a premium touch. The triangular indicators are history, replaced by sleeker units that flow better with the lines of the panel. The LED headlamp looks SciFi-spec and adds a futuristic vibe. The LED taillight, with its stylish H-motif, continues the modern theme. Another element that catches the eye is the cushioned backrest – Not something you typically find in this segment. Of course, its functional appeal overshadows its visual novelty.
Overall, the scooter looks upmarket, though it’s clear Hero is aiming for a mass-market appeal. It looks big enough but not overly flashy. The colour options, however, offer something for everyone. Metallic pink, for instance, will undoubtedly find favor with the fairer sex. The white and black are classic shades that will appeal more to men. All in all, while the Destini looks handsome, it might not win over the younger crowd that prefers the edgier designs of the Honda Dio, TVS N-Torq or the sportier Aprilia SR125. As a family scooter, it ticks the right boxes.
Engine Performance: Smooth, Refined, and Frugal
Let’s move to the heart of the matter—the engine. The 2024 Hero Destini 125 retains the tried-and-tested 124.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. The numbers haven’t changed much, with 9.12PS of power and 10.4Nm of torque. But here’s where Hero has worked its magic—the CVT has been retweaked for smoother power delivery and better fuel efficiency. The result? A claimed mileage of 59 kmpl, according to ICAT.
On the road, the engine feels refined and smooth. The power delivery is linear, meaning it builds up speed in a predictable and reassuring manner. Even with two adults onboard, the Destini doesn’t struggle to attain speeds in excess of 60 kmph. While it’s not a performance scooter, it’s more than capable of keeping up with city traffic. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything to complain about. The engine is smooth, and power is adequate for city commutes. Hero’s engineers have struck a nice balance between performance and fuel efficiency, and the refinement levels are second to none.
Ride and Handling: Comfortable and Confidence
Comfort is the key factor in a family scooter. And the new Hero Destini 125 delivers in this department. Hero has equipped it with telescopic front forks and a rear mono-shock, a setup that does a great job of soaking up bumps and potholes. During my test ride, which took me through some of the uneven roads of Goa, the scooter handled the rough patches with ease. The ride quality is plush without feeling overly soft. The scooter rides on new 12-inch tires, with a 90/90 section up front and a 100/90 section at the rear. These provide decent grip, and the 115 kg weight of the scooter feels well-managed. Even though it has a somewhat bulky appearance, the Destini is easy to maneuver through city traffic.
I had no trouble weaving through cars and making tight U-turns, and the scooter always felt stable and confidence-inspiring. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Destini 125 is not a sporty scooter. It’s no SR125, so don’t expect razor-sharp cornering abilities. That being said, for a family scooter, it handles well enough. Braking is another area where Hero has done well. The top variant comes with a 190 mm front disc rotor that offers a strong bite. The Integrated Braking System (IBS) ensures that both brakes are applied simultaneously in a panic stop, making the scooter rather idiot-proof.
Features: Packed With Goodies
Hero has also packed the new 2024 Destini 125 with a decent array of features. Most of these enhance comfort and convenience. For starters, there’s the all-new semi-digital instrument cluster that provides essential information at a glance, including a service reminder and side-stand indicator. One of the key talking points is the i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology. This feature improves fuel efficiency by cutting off the engine at traffic signals or when the scooter is stationary for a while. A simple twist of the throttle brings it back to life. It’s a handy feature for city dwellers who deal with stop-and-go traffic on a daily basis, and it helps conserve fuel over time.
Another feature that stands out is the external fuel-filler cap, which makes refueling much more convenient. The top-spec variant also gets a USB charging port, which is pretty much a must-have in today’s tech-savvy world. My favorite, though, is the LED headlamp. With an LED lamp for the standard bean and a projector LED setup for the high-beam, the setup impresses with the illumination. Additionally, there are multiple storage areas. One is below the USB port. This is big enough to hold a liter bottle. There’s even a sizable under-seat storage area that can accommodate a half-face helmet. And then there’s a hook that can hold up to 8 kg weight.
Verdict: Destined to Impress?
So, is the 2024 Hero Destini 125 a worthy Honda Activa 125 adversary? After spending some time riding the scooter around Goa, I’d say yes. Hero has done a commendable job of updating the Destini to make it more competitive in a fiercely fought segment. The design, while not radical, is a significant step up, and the scooter certainly feels premium enough. The engine is smooth and efficient, the ride quality is plush, and the scooter is packed with useful features that enhance everyday practicality. The 190 mm disc brake, IBS, fall sensor, and LED headlamp enhance the safety quotient.
However, if you’re someone who craves sportiness or a more youthful vibe, you might still gravitate towards the Honda Dio 125 or the Aprilia SR125. The Destini 125, with its more mature and comfort-oriented approach, seems tailor-made for family use or for those who prioritize practicality over style. In conclusion, the 2024 Hero Destini 125 may not be the flashiest scooter on the market, but it’s a well-rounded, reliable, and comfortable ride that ticks most of the boxes for the average commuter. It’s definitely a worthy contender to take on the Activa 125.
