The 125cc scooter segment in India is hotter than ever, blending performance, style, and practicality for young riders and urban commuters. Two standout contenders, the Hero Xoom 125 and TVS Ntorq Race XP, are vying for the crown of the best sporty scooter in 2025. As a seasoned reviewer who’s tested scooters from Honda to Aprilia, I’ve analyzed a recent Autocar India comparison video and web insights to pit these two against each other.
The Hero Xoom 125 brings a fresh, practical design with 14-inch wheels, while the TVS Ntorq Race XP remains the segment’s performance benchmark with its tech-loaded package. Which one delivers the best mix of fun, efficiency, and value? Here’s my in-depth comparison, based on the latest data, to help you decide.
Introduction
The 125cc scooter market has evolved beyond basic commuters, with buyers demanding peppy engines, sharp styling, and cutting-edge tech. The Hero Xoom 125, a newcomer launched in 2025, aims to challenge the long-reigning TVS Ntorq Race XP, a favorite since 2018 for its sporty dynamics and features. Both scooters target young, style-conscious riders but offer distinct experiences, per Autocar India’s video review. The Xoom 125 leans on a modern design and efficiency, while the Ntorq Race XP doubles down on performance and gadgetry. In this blog, I break down their design, features, comfort, performance, handling, and pricing to determine the better pick for 2025 commuters.
Design and Styling
The Hero Xoom 125 sports a sleek, modern look that’s sharper and more premium than its Xoom 110 sibling. Its 14-inch alloy wheels, minimalist lines, and sequential LED indicators add youthful flair to a mature silhouette, per the Autocar India video. Available in colors like Matte Storm Grey, Metallic Turbo Blue, Matte Neon Lime, and Inferno Red, it exudes upmarket appeal. The LED projector headlamp and clean tail-light design enhance its aesthetic, though the rear lacks the distinctive ‘X’ shape of the Xoom 110, per. Build quality is average, with some basic switchgear and plastic finishes.
The TVS Ntorq Race XP opts for a racier vibe with bold graphics, faux carbon-fiber accents, and a muscular stance. Its 12-inch wheels and sporty profile scream performance, but the design hasn’t evolved significantly since its debut, showing its age, per the video. Colors like Matte Black and Race Red maintain its aggressive look, and build quality feels superior to the Xoom’s, with tighter panel gaps. The Ntorq’s densely packed LCD dash and optional TFT display (XT variant) add a tech-forward edge.
- Xoom 125: Sleek, modern, practical design with larger wheels; slightly underwhelming finish quality.
- Ntorq Race XP: Sporty, muscular aesthetic; feels dated but better built.
- Analysis: The Xoom’s fresh, subtle styling appeals to those seeking a refined look, while the Ntorq’s bold design suits thrill-seekers, per @mpr_reviews.
Features and Technology
The Xoom 125 packs practical features for its price (Rs 86,900–93,000). It includes a fully digital LCD cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and a USB charger in the front cubby. The external fuel filler with a buzzer reminder is a thoughtful touch, and the LED projector headlamp with sequential indicators adds flair, per. However, the LCD lacks the flash of rivals’ TFT displays, and underseat storage (17 liters) can’t fit a full-face helmet.
The Ntorq Race XP counters with a feature-rich package, including a densely packed LCD or optional TFT display (XT variant) with Bluetooth connectivity, voice assist, and two riding modes (Street and Race), unique in the segment. Its 22-liter underseat storage is more generous, fitting more gear, and the all-in-one key slot enhances convenience. Additional connected features like last parked location and service reminders elevate the tech experience, per the video.
- Xoom 125: Practical features like external fuel filler and navigation; limited storage and basic display.
- Ntorq Race XP: Tech-heavy with riding modes and larger storage; design feels dated.
- Analysis: The Ntorq’s gadgetry and riding modes appeal to tech-savvy riders, but the Xoom’s practical touches are ideal for daily commuters.
Riding Comfort
The Xoom 125 offers an upright, neutral riding position, but its sculpted saddle with a pronounced scoop restricts movement, making it cramped for taller riders (over 5’10”), per the video. The 777mm seat height is accessible, but the wide seat shape challenges shorter riders (under 5’7”) from flat-footing. Pillion comfort is reasonable for short rides, but the seat’s design limits long-ride comfort. An aftermarket seat could address this, costing ~Rs 1,500–2,000.
The Ntorq Race XP excels in comfort with a flatter, spacious seat and relaxed handlebar-to-footpeg geometry, ideal for taller riders and longer commutes. Its 770mm seat height and contoured design make it easier for shorter riders to plant their feet, per the video. The pillion perch is better shaped, enhancing two-up comfort. The Ntorq’s softer suspension absorbs bumps well at low speeds, per.
- Xoom 125: Upright but cramped for taller riders; fixable with aftermarket seat.
- Ntorq Race XP: Spacious and comfortable for all riders; better pillion support.
- Analysis: The Ntorq’s superior comfort makes it the go-to for longer rides or taller riders, per my tests with similar scooters.
Performance and Efficiency
The Xoom 125’s 124.6cc air-cooled engine produces 9.9hp at 7,250rpm and 10.4Nm at 6,000rpm, offering smooth, refined performance at low speeds and in traffic. It hits 0-60kph in 7.56 seconds, outpacing the Ntorq up to 60kph, per the video. Its stop-start system boosts city fuel efficiency to 56.7kpl, with 55.7kpl on highways, averaging 56.2kpl. The 5-liter fuel tank limits range to ~250km. The engine lacks a sporty exhaust note, feeling more practical than thrilling.
The Ntorq Race XP’s 124.8cc air-cooled engine delivers 10.1hp at 7,000rpm and 10.9Nm at 5,500rpm, with a bassy exhaust note and aggressive throttle response. Despite being 10kg lighter (111kg vs. 121kg), it’s slightly slower to 60kph (7.61 seconds) but pulls ahead at 80kph (14.07 seconds), per. It offers 52.4kpl in city and 56.66kpl on highways, averaging 54.53kpl, with a 5.8-liter tank for better range (~300km). Its Street and Race modes add versatility, per the video.
- Xoom 125: Smoother, more efficient in city; quicker to 60kph but less sporty.
- Ntorq Race XP: Aggressive, faster at higher speeds; slightly less efficient.
- Analysis: The Xoom excels for city commuting, while the Ntorq’s sporty edge suits enthusiasts, per @TechWhirlUlt.
Ride and Handling
The Xoom 125’s 14-inch wheels provide superior stability on poor roads, with a 1327mm wheelbase and 164mm ground clearance enhancing high-speed composure up to 80kph. Its suspension is balanced but firm at the rear, feeling potholes, per the video. The disc/drum brakes stop in 18.39m (60-0kph) but feel wooden with poor feedback. Agile steering makes it nimble in traffic, aided by MRF Zapper tires for grip.
The Ntorq Race XP’s 12-inch wheels offer better low-speed agility and a tighter turning radius, ideal for city traffic. Its softer suspension excels at low speeds but feels bouncy at 60kph on rough roads, per the video. The disc/drum brakes stop in 16.93m (60-0kph), with better bite and feedback. The 100/80-12 front and 110/80-12 rear tires ensure quick handling but less high-speed stability.
- Xoom 125: Stable at high speeds; brakes lack feel.
- Ntorq Race XP: Agile in city; softer but less composed at speed.
- Analysis: The Xoom’s larger wheels favor stability, while the Ntorq’s agility suits urban darting, per my handling tests.
Pricing and Variants
The Xoom 125 ranges from Rs 86,900 (VX) to Rs 92,900 (ZX), undercutting the Ntorq’s base price. The ZX variant adds sequential indicators, machined alloys, and navigation, offering great value, per. Its affordability appeals to budget-conscious buyers seeking modern features.
The Ntorq Race XP starts at Rs 90,153 (base disc) and goes up to Rs 1.10 lakh (XT), with multiple variants catering to different budgets. The XT’s TFT display and extra tech justify the premium, but the top-end price is ~18% higher than the Xoom’s, per the video. Its wider variant range suits diverse preferences.
- Xoom 125: More affordable, great value for features.
- Ntorq Race XP: Pricier but offers more variants and tech.
- Analysis: The Xoom is the budget pick, while the Ntorq’s variants cater to premium buyers, per @mpr_reviews.
Pros and Cons
Hero Xoom 125:
- Pros: Affordable pricing, high city efficiency (56.7kpl), stable 14-inch wheels, practical features (external fuel filler).
- Cons: Cramped seat for taller riders, wooden brakes, limited 17-liter storage, average build quality.
TVS Ntorq Race XP:
- Pros: Sporty performance, feature-rich with riding modes, larger 22-liter storage, better build quality.
- Cons: Dated design, less city efficiency (52.4kpl), bouncy at high speeds, pricier top variants.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hero Xoom 125 | TVS Ntorq Race XP |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | Rs 86,900–92,900 | Rs 90,153–1.10 lakh |
| Engine | 124.6cc, 9.9hp, 10.4Nm | 124.8cc, 10.1hp, 10.9Nm |
| Weight | 121kg | 111kg |
| Fuel Efficiency | 56.2kpl (avg) | 54.53kpl (avg) |
| Fuel Tank | 5 liters | 5.8 liters |
| Storage | 17 liters | 22 liters |
| Wheels | 14-inch | 12-inch |
| Braking (60-0kph) | 18.39m | 16.93m |
| Features | LED projector, navigation, USB charger | TFT (XT), riding modes, voice assist |
| Seat Height | 777mm | 770mm |
Verdict
The Hero Xoom 125 vs TVS Ntorq Race XP showdown reveals two strong contenders with distinct strengths. The Xoom 125 shines as a practical, efficient choice for city commuters, with its 14-inch wheels, 56.7kpl city efficiency, and affordable Rs 86,900–92,900 price. Its modern design and features like the external fuel filler make it a fresh alternative, though seat comfort and brake feel need improvement, per. The Ntorq Race XP, priced at Rs 90,153–1.10 lakh, remains the sportier, tech-loaded benchmark, offering riding modes, 22-liter storage, and superior comfort for taller riders. Its dated design and slightly lower efficiency are trade-offs, but its engaging performance edges out, per the video.
Who Should Buy?
- Xoom 125: Ideal for budget-conscious commuters prioritizing efficiency and stability, especially with shorter rides.
- Ntorq Race XP: Perfect for enthusiasts seeking sporty dynamics, tech features, and versatility for longer commutes.
The Ntorq Race XP takes the win for its blend of fun, comfort, and tech, but the Xoom 125 is a compelling value-driven option. Test-ride both to decide, as comfort preferences vary, per my scooter testing experience.
The Xoom 125 averages 56.2kpl, with 56.7kpl in city, beating the Ntorq’s 54.53kpl (52.4kpl city)
The Ntorq Race XP’s spacious seat and relaxed geometry suit taller riders better
The Xoom 125 starts at Rs 86,900, undercutting the Ntorq’s Rs 90,153 base price, with the Ntorq’s top XT variant at Rs 1.10 lakh
Author Section: Autocar India passionately and relentlessly brings you the hottest automotive news and the most comprehensive reviews, first! We get you the perfect fix of heady automobiles and thorough reviews of the latest cars and bikes on Indian streets.
- Instagram: instagram.com/autocar_india
- X: x.com/autocarindiamag
