In India, the scooter segment is a crucial part of the two-wheeler market, known for its practicality and efficiency.
With many players like Suzuki, TVS, Yamaha, and Honda dominating the 125cc category, Hero has taken a bold step to make a mark in this space. The newly launched 2024 Hero Destini 125 is their latest attempt to capture attention.
Recently, News18 Auto had the chance to test ride the 2024 Hero Destini 125 in Goa.
While Hero is a heavyweight in the commuter bike arena, its presence in the 125cc scooter segment has been relatively modest compared to rivals like Suzuki, TVS, Yamaha, and Honda. The new Destini 125 aims to change that narrative, and here’s what we discovered.
Design & Features
The Hero Destini 125 doesn’t stray far from traditional scooter aesthetics. It’s a classic scooter in every sense, with a design that doesn’t push boundaries but remains practical.
The new tactile switchgear feels premium, and the scooter is packed with features. The top variant we rode comes with a Bluetooth-compatible display, offering turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, and even a backlit starter button. For those opting for lower variants, there’s still a decent feature set including a side stand cut-off, USB charging port, and a boot light.
Personally, we found the simpler analogue unit with a small LCD in the base VX variant to be quite adequate. One aspect that stood out was the integration of indicators into the rear section—a design choice that, while innovative, might not appeal to everyone. The alloy wheels on the VX variant are also a standout feature.
The Destini 125 offers a comfortable seating position. The seat is well-padded, and we spent hours riding without discomfort. The spacious seat comfortably accommodates two adults.
However, the under-seat storage is a letdown with just 19 liters of space. It struggles to fit even a small bag, which is a significant drawback compared to some rivals.
Performance
Under the hood, the Destini 125 packs a 124.6cc engine, generating 8.7 bhp and 10.2 Nm of torque. The CVT transmission ensures smooth acceleration, and the scooter pulls away effortlessly from a standstill. However, it starts to lose steam once you cross the 70-75 km/h mark.
While it isn’t built for high-speed thrills, it performs adequately for urban commuting. One notable feature is the i3S technology, which automatically shuts off the engine when idling at traffic lights and restarts it with a twist of the throttle. This system is not only environmentally friendly but also contributes to the claimed mileage of 59 km/l.
Ride Quality
One of the first things that stood out was the Destini 125’s plush ride quality. Hero’s reputation for a comfortable ride continues with this scooter. The suspension is tuned well for city roads, absorbing bumps and undulations with ease. The rear suspension is a bit firm, and you’ll feel it when hitting potholes. However, we did feel underconfident while taking sharp turns. The ride is vibration-free up to around 85kph, after which the handlebars begin to buzz slightly—a minor issue.
Verdict
Despite a couple of shortcomings, the 2024 Hero Destini 125 is a commendable scooter with a refined ride, practical features, and an overall solid performance. With an expected price similar to the outgoing model at around Rs 86,538 (ex-showroom, Delhi), it offers good value in a competitive segment. If you’re in the market for a family scooter that combines comfort and practicality, the Destini 125 is definitely worth considering.
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