In addition to the Honda Air Blade, the Vario 160 has just entered the Vietnamese market as a very worthwhile option when consumers are looking for a mid-range scooter.
Mid-range scooter segment – crowded but still room for improvement
If in the low-end segment, Honda Vision is almost the dominant name, overshadowing rivals FreeGo or Janus; then in the high-end segment, Honda SH and SH mode are also iconic in terms of business aspect, making other models dream of.
In addition, the mid-range scooter segment has also witnessed the outstanding success of the Honda Lead or Air Blade duo, contributing to Honda’s capture of 80% of the overall motorcycle market share in Vietnam.
However, the domestic market still signals the need for a masculine design scooter like the Air Blade, but convenient like the Lead. And that’s why just before the start of the new year 2023, Honda Vietnam officially introduced the Vario scooter.
If the Yamaha Grande is always chasing the business success of the Honda Lead – both targeting female users; while the NVX has a strong sporty character and targets young male riders, the Air Blade is for the stylish male customer group and is increasingly rejuvenated.
But with the Vario, this is truly a combination of many attractive factors: a young and sporty “cool” design, with angular and multi-layered shapes. Convenience comes from the well-considered amenities for everyday use. And a very reasonable price thanks to local assembly is also something that customers will definitely pay attention to.
In fact, the Honda Vario has already hit the streets of Vietnam; however, they were all privately imported from Thailand, with high prices and after-sales warranty and maintenance policies that could not be compared to genuine Honda bikes.
It is precisely because of these reasons that the newly launched Honda Vario will be a very reasonable choice for consumers, while also being a potential best-selling product and a business success for Honda Vietnam.
Multi-purpose, convenient, eye-catching product
At first glance, it is clear that the Honda Vario is a product targeting young users who like a sporty scooter with an impressive and eye-catching design. The front area is supplemented with a shiny black plastic panel, creating a very “rebellious” forehead.
On privately imported models from Thailand, this is where the front license plate is placed according to the regulations of that country. However, when it comes to Vietnam, the license plate is placed at the back, creating a quite awkward front area. This trim panel has completely solved the aesthetic problem, giving Vario an impressive appearance.
The turn signal lights are uniquely designed in a vertical shape, leading to the side body panels which are also expanded on both sides like many overlapping layers – folding from the front to the back. The two strips of Demi lights create depth and fierceness for the LED eyes. This design makes the front of the bike more powerful, creating an atmosphere of Robot Gundam with strong Japanese influences found in Meka movies.
Unlike the Honda Air Blade and similar to the Lead, the Vario scooter is designed with a flat footboard, providing convenience for everyday use. The foot space has a width of up to 422mm, which is very comfortable and can also be used to carry long objects when needed.
Another difference from the Air Blade is that the Honda Vario uses a single shock absorber, instead of a double shock absorber for the rear wheel. The wheels also use larger tires, with sizes of 100/80-14 for the front wheel and 120/70-14 for the rear wheel to improve grip. The bike uses a distinctive Y-shaped rim.
The seat is designed in two levels, with a slightly curved backrest for the front passenger, providing comfort for both passengers. The seat height is designed at 778mm – very suitable for the Vietnamese body shape.
The rear handle is powder coated for durability and longevity. The rear taillight cluster is neatly designed in 3D and looks even more aggressive thanks to the separate turn signal, similar to large displacement models.
Under the seat, the Honda Vario offers users a 17.9L storage compartment – quite spacious, enough to hold a half-face helmet and many everyday items.
Especially, below the handlebars, Honda Vario provides users with two convenient storage compartments. The left compartment comes with a USB charging port with a safe waterproof cover if you need to charge your phone while on the move.
Similar to the Air Blade, the Honda Vario is equipped with a single-color digital display, with a simplified interface for extremely clear and sharp display under direct strong light.
Furthermore, in addition to the basic parameters such as speed, remaining fuel indication, ODO – distance traveled, and clock, the bike also provides users with other useful operating information, such as: fuel consumption level, battery voltage, reminder of maintenance schedules, and theft alarm.
The smart display is accompanied by a convenient Smartkey, with a safe anti-theft function. The key also integrates a location determination button in the parking lot and an alarm function.
In terms of performance, the Honda Vario is equipped with an eSP+ 160 engine with a maximum power of up to 11.3 kW and a torque that can reach 14.1 Nm. Meanwhile, the bike’s fuel consumption is only 2.2L/100km, thanks to electronic fuel injection technology and the Idling Stop feature – temporarily turning off the engine when stopped at traffic lights.
In addition, the bike’s frame also benefits from the application of eSAF technology – laser welding. Thanks to this, the Honda Vario can reduce weight and increase durability as well as load capacity.
The Honda Vario 160 is sold in the Vietnamese market in four high-end, special, sporty, and standard versions, corresponding to four different colors. Of which, the sporty and special versions are equipped with front wheel ABS with suggested prices ranging from 51.69 – 56.19 million VND.
Notably, customers who purchase a genuine Honda Vario scooter at HEAD stores nationwide will also receive up to 7 benefits, including: free test drive before purchase, quality assurance meeting Honda’s global standards and meeting Vietnamese quality standards, 3-year or 30,000 km warranty and free periodic inspections every 6 months, genuine spare parts replacement, qualified technicians, additional features on the My Honda+ app, and many attractive promotion programs, installment purchases, as well as other interactive activities.
Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)
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