New Honda Activa 7G: Amid thunderous applause, at Mumbai’s Jio Convention Centre yesterday, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) pulled the wraps off the seventh generation of its iconic Activa scooter at a glittering launch event.
The company bosses at the Activa 7G reveal keep interrupting themselves to say how “dhansu” (stunning) their new scooter looks, and with its premise of appealing to “young females” – meaning a targeted design, without compromising on its already broad appeal that’s made it India’s number one for 20 odd years.
New Honda Activa 7G Evolution of Style: Young Sophisticats
The instant the wraps came off, we could clearly make out that Honda has 7 taken a reasonably brave approach towards the styling of the Activa 7G.
What remains true to form, though, is the square-ish profile long associated with the nameplate, and the overall styling has sharper body panels and deeper character lines that give the car a more contemporary look.
The front apron is a whole new development and full of angular cuts and creases that make it look more aggressive, all of which wrap around the reworked LED headlamps that now boast new daytime running lights which create a signature light pattern. The side panels integrate more smoothly with the tail section than they did on some of the previous generations.
In the new “Electric Teal” paint that is both vibrant and sophisticated with blue and green shades underneath the bright sun, the Activa 7G is also available in eight colour options in total, including four newly introduced options that were designed specifically for female riders the other four were based on the extensive market research for the same.
Other new colors also include “Rose Gold Metallic,” “Lavender Mist” and “Berry Purple” – which Honda said had taken inspiration from the fashion scene of the target demographic.
Chrome trim adds visual trim in moderation at front, mirrors and grab rail so as not to clutter up the clean design. Newly designed alloy wheels (standard on higher trims) feature a unique geometric pattern that takes its inspiration from modern jewelry designs – another of the many subtle references to the target market.
Feminine Features of Practical Use
As the cliché goes, there’s a lot of smart thinking here, more than enough to explain the 11 patents for new products and technologies that this bike represents for Honda, and in scale at least, there are reasons for all of it.
That goes beyond just a pretty face, too; Honda says many of the practical solutions introduced today were borne of common frustration out on the road, and the result of complaints from the early female “jury” that evaluated the bike.
The seat has been brought to the complete new comfort for rider who is wearing Indian traditional dresses.The front portion of the seat has been narrowed to ease off the foot reach towards the ground when waiting on a red signal.
Storage has been bumped up to a healthy 26-litres – enough to carry a half-face helmet but also bits and pieces or a few groceries as well (storage capacity is noted by the company as a major customer requirement). Added-value underseat storage features a USB charging port, angled for ease of use to charge devices even when on the move.
The addition of a front storage pocket with the underseat compartment opening independent of the pocket offers easier access to commonly used items – a feature found particularly pleasing by women test riders during development.
This pocket is secured with a magnetic closure, which protects the pocket from opening unsolicited and yet allows for quick and easy access, even while wearing gloves.
Keyless operation, which was once a feature restricted to premium scooters, is now included in the Activa 7G with the introduction of the smart key fob that can be kept in the rider’s pocket or bag and proximity sensors that unlock the scooter when the rider is near and activate the ignition with just a button press – no more hunting for keys at the bottom of that handbag.
Performance Enhancements
Beneath its new look, the Activa 7G gets the same 110 cc eSP (enhanced Smart Power) engine from Honda that is now capable of producing 8.2 hp and 9 Nm.
Whilst these numbers are slight improvements over the outgoing car the emphasis has obviously been placed on refinement and economy rather than performance.
The most important mechanical addition is a new variable valve timing system, a feature not previously found in this segment, that allows for optimal combustion in every rev range.
This allows more low end torque for excellent acceleration out of the gates and outstanding fuel economy at highway speeds.
Fuel economy, an important aspect of this segment has dramatically improved with fuel economy claimed at 66km/L under standard test conditions – which is a solid 8% bump over what the older bike was capable of.
Honda says the increased power is due to a new valve timing system, low-friction parts and a revised continuously variable transmission that shifts more responsively.
The suspended has been tweaked to offer a little more plushness when riding through urban road irregularities with more travel in the front (telescopic forks) and changes to the rear shock absorber.
The 12-inch front wheel (not available on base trim) further enhances stability and obstacle control over the 10-inch wheel found on base models.
Technology Integration
The brand knows that its customer base is very tech-savvy and is equipped with quite a few modern bits on it too.The fully digital instrument cluster is within view of the rider, and with the information required such as trip meter, realtime fuel efficiency readout and service reminders egging you on.
Some versions even have Bluetooth, which connects with Honda’s smartphone app to provide alert to turn-by-turn directions, calls and messages, as well as the location of the scooter—all of which female riders will likely prize thanks to their safety-first ethic. It also allows for remote immobilization in the event of a theft attempt, addressing safety fears that some women riders may have.
Positioning in terms of price and product lineups
The Activa 7G will come in three main variants:
Standard: Priced at ₹77,500 (ex-showroom), the base type comes with drum brakes, steel wheels, and halogen headlamps
Deluxe: ₹82,900 (ex-showroom), digital instrumentation, alloy wheels, LED headlamps added
Premium: At ₹88,400 (ex-showroom) including all Deluxe features and keyless operation, bluetooth connectivity and the 12-inch front wheel
Honda also unveiled a limited “Celestial Edition” of the Activa 6G that costs ₹91,900 (ex-showroom) and boasts unique paint schemes, premium seat material with gold embossed design and chrome inset which is in other for the youth, especially women who are fashion conscious, to make a style statement with their personal commuting medium.
New Honda Activa 7G Market Impact and Reception
According to industry analysts, by launching Activa 7G, Honda is focusing on increasing its grip on the scooter segment and capturing the attention of women buyers.
It male/female elements AND things a woman rider has to worry about are all dealt with in a real way, without grossing – or worse, gender-clarifying – those male Activa customers who account for the majority of the population who’ve made the Activa a bestseller.
First dealer reaction has been phenomenal, especially among young working women and college students in cities. At least a few dealers said that their pre-booking inquiries had already well exceeded their ability to fulfill them within just hours of the official announcement, suggesting there may be some supply issues during the first few months on the market.
With urban mobility trends changing even in the post-Covid era, the Activa 7G’s style, efficiency and intelligent features present the ideal product to help retain Honda’s sturdy position in the scooter market as the undisputed leader and, possibly attract new target customer groups.