Vespa beware! Honda Scoopy scooter with retro-modern design coming to India

Italian motorcycle brand Vespa re-entered in India in 2012. The Piaggio brand's scooters were priced significantly premium this time and despite that it found many takers, thanks to the retro-modern design. Vespa continues to enjoy high-end lifestyle scooter status in India while Honda may enter the elite club soon with the Scoopy.

Also read: Vespa scooters in India may get ABS soon

A report in MotorOctane confirms Honda has patented the name Scoopy for its upcoming high-end scooter. Though will be called Scoopy here the body panels of the scooter will be identical to the Metropolitan scooter Honda selling in some international markets.

The Metropolitan comes with more rounded body panels and its classic look it is appealing. The use of round shaped theme in head and tail lamps, indicators and instrument cluster particularly adds old world's charm. The instrument cluster too is retro styled black detailing on the back drop of white. Generous use of chrome in the exterior add-ons further adds rich feel. The scooter also comes with 10-inch alloy wheels and Optional USB charger. The India-spec Scoopy is also expected to carry this without major tweaks.

The existing Scoopy scooter of Honda is a fun scooter in foreign markets with a 50cc fuel-injection engine. However, the India-spec will share engine and cycle parts of the Activa range. The 109.2cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine is expected to produce identical 8bhp of power and 8Nm of maximum torque.

Reports suggest Honda Scoopy is likely to be positioned below the Activa 125. That means it won't be as expensive as Vespa range. We expected the pricing around Rs 70,000 and at that price point, it will find the sweet spot between the regular scooters in the market and Vespa range. Honda has already announced that it will launch two new scooters this year. Hence, launch of the Scoopy can be expected during the festive season.