TVS NTorq 125 Race XP Review

TVS Motor Company has been consistently updating its two-wheeler line-up of late, offering better technology and dynamics, and also boasting of best-in-segment features. The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V now comes with riding modes, and the flagship TVS Apache RR 310 now gets factory customisation with the Built To Order vertical, offering fully adjustable suspension, and two performance kits. But that doesn't mean the TVS scooter range has been ignored. The TVS NTorq 125 now gets a brand-new top-of-the-line variant in the new TVS NTorq 125 Race XP, and it's the most powerful 125 cc scooter available on sale in India right now.

Also Read: TVS NTorq 125 Prices Increased

The TVS NTorq 125 Race XP ups its sporty appeal with a trendy colour scheme, more performance, and new features

When it was launched in 2018, the TVS NTorq 125 blew our mind away. It came with first-in-segment, Bluetooth connectivity, featuring turn-by-turn navigation through the TVS SmartXonnect system, and offered a blend of performance and dynamics, that was instantly likeable. The transition to Bharat Stage VI (BS6) emission regulations resulted in the NTorq 125 becoming slightly milder than the first-generation scooter, although it offered better fuel consumption figures. But the NTorq 125 still had the same sporty dynamics that made it a popular choice in its segment.

Also Read: TVS NTorq 125 Race XP Launched In India

The TVS NTorq 125 Race XP is the top-spec variant, featuring two riding modes, voice command system, and more performance.

The top-spec NTorq 125 Race XP now features two riding modes, better performance, and segment-first voice command system. But is it worth the hype, or is it just a matter of bragging rights, to get a minor performance upgrade and riding modes, which sound gimmicky at best? We try to seek some answers.

Also Read: 2021 TVS Apache RR 310 Built To Order Track Review

The TVS NTorq 125 Race XP has smooth performance, and acceleration is brisk, without compromising on engine refinement.

Performance & Dynamics

The Race XP's engine is the same 125 cc, 3-valve unit, but gets improved combustion offering more performance. So maximum power has gone up by 0.81 bhp, and similarly, peak torque output has also increased by a small 0.3 Nm. And that's not all; it's also the only petrol-powered scooter to feature two riding modes, Street and Race. Maximum power is now 10.06 bhp at 7,000 rpm and peak torque is 10.8 Nm, kicking in at 5,500 rpm.

In the city, Street mode and Race mode feel more or less similar. Although, out on the highway, Race mode feels like it offers marginally better acceleration, especially in the mid- and top-end.

And with the 2 kg weight loss, the Race XP feels quick, in in-town dashes from standstill to up to around 60 kmph. In fact, from a standstill, the Street mode and Race mode hardly offer any noticeable difference in performance. And it's only out on highway speeds accelerating between 65-85 kmph, that Race mode feel a little punchier.

The TVS NTorq 125 Race XP feels perfectly at home in the city. Acceleration is brisk, handling is confidence-inspiring, and it's easy to dart in and out of traffic.

Dynamics are well-sorted and the NTorq 125 is completely at home darting in and out of traffic. Performance and acceleration is smooth and refined, right up to triple digit speeds. Considering its sporty personality, the NTorq 125 always has focussed on dynamics and outright comfort.

The ride quality of the TVS NTorq 125 Race XP is on the firm side, so it's not plush, and instead focusses on its sharp dynamics.

The suspension on the Race XP feels a little firm, not back-breaking, but it won't sail over the odd pothole, speedbreaker or broken patches, without the ride quality thudding through, and making every undulation felt. It's not a deal breaker, and the superb handling more than makes up for it, but if it's just pure comfort and plush ride one is looking for, the Race XP isn't the best place to start looking, to sail over broken patches.

The instrument console is the same LCD unit, but now features voice command system, as well as two riding modes - Street and Race.

Tech & Ergonomics

The instrument console remains the same LCD unit, and now gets an updated TVS SmartXonnect system, which allows the rider to sync a smartphone with the scooter via Bluetooth, using the TVS Connect app. While standard features like call alerts, SMS alerts, trip meters, lap timer, acceleration timer (0-60 kmph) remain, the updated system now features voice command assists, which can be used by a pair of headphones wired into the smartphone, or with a helmet mounted Bluetooth communication system.

The TVS SmartXonnect system on the Race XP has been updated to include a voice command system, and there are two riding modes offered, which can also be switched either through the app, or buttons, and even voice commands.

The NTorq 125 Race XP is now India's first petrol-powered scooter to offer riding modes.You can toggle between the modes by a press on the starter button, or through a button on the bottom outline of the instrument console, or by using the app, and also by using voice commands.

There's a long list of voice commands available to be used, through the updated SmartXonnect system. You can use navigation through voice commands, change the riding modes, and even change the brightness of the instrument console.

There's a long list of voice commands, which can be used to navigate to the nearest fuel station, to a frequently visited location, or point of interest, which will then be displayed on the panel with turn-by-turn navigation instructions. You can also check missed call alerts through the voice command feature, dial last called number, increase or decrease brightnes of the console, and also set up a Do Not Disturb feature. It's quite an exhaustive list, but frankly, while gizmos do pump up the bragging rights scale, personally, I find too many of them distracting. But the new-age customer may actually dote on such tech-laden features.

The shape, silhouette and dimensions remain the same, but the Race XP's bright colours with new livery, and the 12-inch wheels finished in red, give it fresh appeal.

Design

Being the top-spec variant in the TVS NTorq 125 range, the Race XP packs in some interesting features, along with new livery to make it stand out. It's the fifth variant in the NTorq range, and comes in a sporty red colour shade, blended with white, grey and red elements. And it's the only shade the NTorq 125 Race XP is available in. The livery includes a liberal dose of Race XP graphics on the bodywork, and even the 12-inch alloy wheels are finished in red, to give that sporty appeal, and justify the "Race" in the Race XP moniker.

22-litre underseat storage space is ample, though there's still no remote hatch operation from the ignition key.

Overall, the shape and silhouette remain the same as the regular NTorq 125, just that the bright colours add that snazziness to the Race XP. What has not changed is the multi-function key, which still doesn't get remote hatch opening function, so the key will need to be taken out and used in a separate slot to access the underseat storage. The 22-litre underseat storage space is ample though, and comes with a LED light, as well as a USB charging socket.

There's still no storage space on the inside of the front apron, the key doesn't get remote hatch operation, and footboard space is somewhat limited.

There's still no storage on the inside of the front apron, and the footboard space is somewhat limited, if practicality and room to move around the feet are requirements. It's still a sharp and handsome looking scooter nevertheless, and the special livery does give the Race XP fresh appeal, and a sense of youthful energy. According to TVS, the Race XP has shed 2 kg over the standard NTorq 125 as well, with a kerb weight of 116 kg.

The TVS NTorq 125 Race XP is priced at Rs. 84,025 (Ex-showroom).

Price

The TVS NTorq 125 Race XP is the top-spec variant in the series, so it's priced also accordingly. At Rs. 84,025 (Ex-showroom), it's nearly Rs. 7,000 more expensive than the standard disc-brake variant of the NTorq 125, priced at Rs. 77,320 (Ex-showroom). For someone looking for more colour options, there's the Super Squad edition, priced at Rs. 83,025 (Ex-showroom), but you won't get the riding modes, extra performance, or voice command system that the Race XP comes with.

The TVS NTorq 125 Race XP is a performance-oriented 125 cc scooter, that scores high with best-in-class features and sporty appeal.

Verdict

The TVS NTorq 125 Race XP certainly ups the game in the 125 cc scooter segment. It looks great, has superb dynamics, and comes loaded to the brim with features and technology no other petrol-powered scooter even comes close to. Most of all, the NTorq 125 Race XP still retains its fun-to-ride character, and that alone more than makes up for recommending it as a performance-oriented scooter that scores right up there with the best available on sale right now. The extra features, riding modes, et al, just make it that much more appealing to the new-generation scooter buyer. So, yes, it's still a winner, and still a superb package, if features and performance are the factors that make for being the primary considerations.

(Photography: Prashant Chaudhary)