Honda QC3: Same Price, Other Options

The Honda QC3 sits in a price bracket where buyers have several alternatives to look at, including both electric and petrol-powered two-wheelers. The Ather 450S offers an electric drivetrain and connected features, while the TVS NTorq 150 TFT focuses on sporty scooter performance. Those considering motorcycles can also explore options such as the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS. Here is what each alternative brings to the table.

1. Ather 450S (122km IDC range and without Atherstack Pro) - Rs 1,35,999

The Ather 450S with a 122km IDC range has a 2.9kWh battery and comes without the optional AtherStack Pro package. The Ather 450S gets an electric motor that produces 5.4kW of peak power and 22Nm of maximum torque. Ather Energy claims that the scooter can accelerate from 0 to 40kmph in 3.9 seconds, while its top speed is rated at 90kmph. The scooter gets a 2.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with a claimed Indian Driving Cycle (IDC) range of 122km on a full charge. 

Charging the 2.9kWh Ather 450S using home charging takes a claimed five hours and 30 minutes to go from 0 to 80 per cent, and seven hours and 45 minutes for a full charge. The scooter is also compatible with the Ather Grid public charging network. The manufacturer claims charging speeds of up to 15km of range in 10 minutes. 

The 450S offers four riding modes: SmartEco, Eco, Ride and Sport. These modes adjust the scooter's performance characteristics to suit different riding requirements. SmartEco and Eco are intended to prioritise efficiency, while Ride and Sport provide a more performance-oriented response. The scooter features coasting regenerative braking, which recovers some energy when the scooter slows down and feeds it back into the battery.

The Ather 450S gets a disc brake at both ends. The scooter rides on 12-inch alloy wheels, with 90/90-section tubeless tyres at both the front and rear. 

The scooter has a compact, sporty design with angular body panels and a sharply styled front apron. The 450S is available in five colours including Cosmic Black, Hyper Sand, Stealth Blue, True Red and Still White.

The Ather 450S gets a 7-inch LCD display rather than the TFT touchscreen found on the 450X. The display presents key riding information, including speed, battery status, range estimates and riding mode. Unlike the 450X's touchscreen, the 450S display is designed around a simpler interface and does not offer the same Google Maps navigation experience.The scooter still gets Park Assist, AutoHold, coasting regeneration, dashboard auto-brightness and guide-me-home lighting.

2. Hero Xtreme 160R 4V - Rs 1,34,695

The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is powered by a 163.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It produces 16.9PS at 8,500rpm and 14.6Nm at 6,500rpm. The engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox. The bike also gets three riding modes: Rain, Road and Sport. These modes adjust the throttle response to suit different riding conditions.

Suspension duties are handled by a 37mm KYB upside-down fork and a seven-step adjustable rear monoshock. Braking is handled by a 276mm petal disc at the front and a 220mm petal disc at the rear. The motorcycle gets dual-channel ABS as standard. The motorcycle rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, with a 100/80-section tubeless front tyre and a 130/70-section rear tyre. 

The Xtreme 160R 4V has a sharp streetfighter design, with a muscular fuel tank, sculpted tank extensions and angular bodywork. The Xtreme 160R 4V gets an LCD instrument console that displays riding information including a speedometer, tachometer, gear-position indicator and fuel gauge. The motorcycle also features a drag race timer with two modes: one for recording 0–60kmph acceleration and another for timing a quarter-mile run of 402 metres.

The bike also gets cruise control, which allows the rider to maintain a certain speed without continuously holding the throttle. It also gets ride-by-wire technology and three riding modes. In terms of dimensions, the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V’s wheelbase is 1,333mm, while ground clearance stands at 165mm. The fuel tank has a capacity of 12 litres, and the kerb weight is 147.5kg.

3. TVS Ntorq 150 TFT - Rs 1,22,100 

The TVS NTorq 150 TFT is the top-spec variant of the sporty 150cc scooter. It is powered by a 149.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 13.18PS at 7,000rpm and 14.2Nm at 5,500rpm when the iGO Assist boost is active. Without the assist, the Race mode output is limited to 12.64PS and 13.4Nm, while Street mode produces 10.87PS and 12Nm. TVS claims a 0–60kmph acceleration time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 104kmph in Race mode.

The NTorq 150 TFT offers two riding modes: Street and Race. Street mode is designed for more measured power delivery and activates the automatic engine start-stop function, which switches the engine off when the scooter is idling under suitable conditions. Race mode provides higher power output and enables the iGO Assist function, which supplies additional torque when required. These modes allow the rider to choose between everyday riding and a more performance-focused response.

The NTorq 150 TFT rides on 12-inch alloy wheels, with a 100/80-section tubeless front tyre and a 110/80-section tubeless rear tyre. Braking is handled by a 220mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum brake. The scooter gets single-channel ABS, which helps prevent the front wheel from locking under hard braking. It also features a traction control system designed to reduce rear-wheel slip when grip is limited. 

The TFT variant is available in three colour options: Nitro Green, Racing Red and Turbo Blue. These colours are paired with contrasting graphics and details that highlight the scooter's sharp bodywork. One of the main differences between the TFT and standard variants is the instrument cluster. The NTorq 150 TFT gets a 5-inch TFT display. The TFT display works with TVS SmartXonnect, which offers more than 50 connected features. These include turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, voice assistance through Alexa integration, smartwatch connectivity, ride statistics and live vehicle tracking. The system also supports last-parked-location information, crash alerts and over-the-air software updates. 

The scooter also features iGO Assist, which provides additional torque support in Race mode and incorporates automatic engine start-stop functionality in Street mode. The instrument cluster includes riding information such as speed, fuel level, odometer and trip meters, along with service reminders. 

In terms of dimensions, the TVS NTorq 150 TFT has a wheelbase of 1,326mm, a seat height of 770mm and ground clearance of 155mm. The kerb weight is 115kg, and the fuel tank has a capacity of 5.8 litres. 

4. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V - Rs 1,48,240

The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is a sporty naked motorcycle powered by a 197.75cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 20.82PS at 9,000rpm and 17.25Nm at 7,250rpm in Sport mode. In Urban and Rain modes, the output drops to 17.32PS at 7,800rpm, while torque stands at 16.51Nm at 5,750rpm. This change in power delivery is intended to suit different riding conditions.

The motorcycle gets three riding modes: Sport, Urban and Rain. Sport mode provides the engine's full output, while Urban and Rain modes use a lower power setting. The modes also adjust the ABS response to suit the selected setting. TVS claims a maximum speed of 127kmph in Sport mode and 105kmph in Urban and Rain modes. The engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. The slipper clutch helps reduce the effects of rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.

The Apache RTR 200 4V’s suspension setup consists of a 37mm upside-down fork and a rear monoshock. The latest version also gets adjustable front suspension, allowing the rider to fine-tune the setup. The brake and clutch levers offer three-step adjustment, making it possible to change their reach to suit individual preferences.

Braking duties are handled by a 270mm petal-type front disc and a 240mm petal-type rear disc. The motorcycle comes with dual-channel ABS and rear-wheel lift-off protection control, which is designed to help reduce the chance of the rear wheel lifting under hard braking. It also gets a traction control system. The bike gets a 90/90-17 front tyre and a 130/70 R17 rear tyre. 

The motorcycle's instrument console is a fully digital 5-inch TFT display. It provides riding information and supports smartphone connectivity through TVS SmartXonnect. The display offers features such as turn-by-turn navigation, ride analytics and race telemetry. The top variant adds Google Maps mirroring on the TFT screen. The bike also gets a Type-C charging port for mobile devices.

The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has a wheelbase of 1,353mm and a seat height of 800mm, while ground clearance stands at 180mm. The motorcycle weighs 151kg and gets a 12-litre fuel tank. 

5. Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS USD Split Seat - Rs 1,42,585

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS USD Split Seat is the top-end variant of the Pulsar N160 range. It is powered by a 164.9cc, single-cylinder engine and produces 18.5PS at 9,500rpm and 14.4Nm at 8,000rpm. Bajaj claims that the N160 S and N160 SS can accelerate from 0 to 60kmph in 4.5 seconds. The engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox and an assist-and-slipper clutch. The slipper function helps manage the effect of sudden downshifts, while the assist mechanism is designed to make clutch operation easier. 

The Pulsar N160 SS offers four riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport and Off-Road. These modes allow the rider to select a mode suited to different conditions, from everyday commuting to wet roads and more challenging surfaces.  The SS variant also features traction control. The system helps manage rear-wheel slip when grip levels change, providing additional assistance on different road surfaces.

The Pulsar N160 SS gets a 37mm upside-down front fork, finished in gold, along with a rear monoshock. Braking duties are handled by a 300mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc, with dual-channel ABS as standard. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, with a 100/80-17 front tyre and a 130/70-17 rear tyre. The motorcycle has a muscular streetfighter design, with a sculpted fuel tank, angular tank extensions, sharp side panels and a compact rear section. 

The instrument console is a 5-inch TFT display that supports Google Maps mirroring. It supports Bluetooth connectivity for incoming call alerts, notifications and music controls. The motorcycle also gets a USB Type-C charging port for compatible devices.