Yamaha India has introduced the updated Fascino 125 featuring hybrid technology. The scooter was showcased during the virtual launch of the new Yamaha FZ-X.
125cc engine makes 8.2hp and 10.3Nm
Hybrid system provides power assist while starting off or climbing inclines
Gets Bluetooth enabled digital instrument cluster
Yamaha Fascino 125: hybrid engine technology
The talking point is the Smart Motor Generator (SMG) that now has an added functionality of ‘adopting the hybrid system’, says Yamaha. It basically works as an electric motor, providing power assist when taking off from standstill or climbing up an incline. The rider gets a notification on the instrument cluster when the power assist function is in operation. The system cuts off power assist after three seconds of setting off or after a predetermined rpm is crossed. It also stops if the rider closes the throttle.
While Yamaha is calling it a hybrid scooter, it is nothing like what you see in modern day hybrid cars. The system is more of a mild-hybrid, and it provides additional power for three seconds only. In fact, there are no power gains due to this hybrid system, either. What's also worth mentioning is that there's been no increase in the 99kg kerb weight, despite the addition of the system.
The Yamaha Fascino 125 is powered by the same 125cc, air-cooled single cylinder engine. The engine now makes 8.2hp at 6,500rpm and 10.3Nm at 5,500rpm. While the peak power is the same as before, peak torque has gone up by 0.6Nm.
The SMG also provides other benefits that include the silent start system and auto stop start. The engine start-stop system aids fuel economy. In our tests, the previous Fascino 125 returned 57.08kpl in the city and 64.2kpl on the highway, making it among the most fuel-efficient BS6 125cc scooters we've tested. We wait to test the new scooter and see what kind of effect the hybrid technology has on the performance and rideability of the scooter.
Yamaha Fascino 125: Upgraded features
Yamaha has addressed one of the biggest complaints we had with the Fascino and that’s the slim features list. The disc brake equipped Fascino 125 gets an LED headlight, with a bar type LED DRL running across the center. The V-shaped taillight cluster is the same but has an LED light instead of a halogen bulb.
It also gets a new, Bluetooth enabled full-digital dash, with a similar layout as that on the Ray ZR’s cluster. Using the Yamaha Motorcycle Connect X App, the rider can answer calls, locate the scooter, record riding and parking history. However, unlike the TVS Ntorq 125 and Suzuki Access 125, the Fascino doesn’t get turn-by-turn navigation.
Yamaha Fascino 125: New colours and availability
Yamaha hasn’t made changes to the chassis or bodywork, save for the addition of stickers and introduction of new colours. The disc brake variant gets new Vivid Red Special, Matt Black Special and Cool Blue Metallic colours. The drum variant, meanwhile, gets a Yellow Cocktail colour in addition to the aforementioned ones.
The updated Yamaha Fascino 125 is expected to go on sale soon.
Yamaha Ray ZR 125
Yamaha also showcased the updated Ray ZR 125 at the FZ-X’s launch event. To reiterate, the Ray ZR 125 is mechanically identical to the Fascino 125, sharing the same chassis and engine.
Updates to the Ray ZR include new colours and the addition of an LED headlamp and taillight. Yamaha India’s Chairman, Motofumi Shitara said that the company plans to expand the new Fascino’s hybrid technology to the Ray ZR 125 soon.