Honda launches Vario 150 eSP in Indonesia

PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM), the Indonesian arm of Honda, has launched the all-new Honda Vario 150 eSP, its new flagship scooter and the first 150cc automatic scooter which is fully manufactured in Indonesia. Along with sharp styling, other highlights include an answer back system, dual keen eyes LED headlight and tubeless tyres.

The new scooter has a top speed of 102kph and delivers 52.9km per litre through the activation of Idling Stop System (ECE R40 method). Honda says the emission levels of this model are also better than EURO3 emission standard.

According to president director AHM Toshiyuki Inuma, “The all-new Honda Vario 150 eSP will bring the next level of riding fun and ownership satisfaction, at the same time achieving the least impact to the environment and customers’ wallet, thanks to eSP technology.”

There are plenty of smart features on the 150cc premium AT scooter. Before starting the trip, a rider using the Answer Back System can easily locate his/her vehicle in a parking lot while the Dual Keen Eyes headlight with LED offers brighter light intensity, more efficient electricity power, and much longer lifetime.

Another signature feature of eSP is the ACG Starter, which creates smooth sensations to start the engine without any sound; it is also the foundation to install the advanced feature Idling Stop System (ISS), which turns off the engine after stopping more than 3 seconds, and restart immediately once the throttle is opened. And like most Honda two-wheelers, it incorporates the Combi Brake System (CBS) for safe braking through distributing an optimum balance of braking forces to both the front and rear wheels whenever the left brake lever is applied.

That’s not all. The Vario 150 eSP has features such as a side-stand switch which turns the engine off when on a lower position, brake lock which easier to be operated and functions to avoid jumping when started or making it in stable condition when it is stopped in uphill road. There’s also a magnetic key shutter which keeps thieves at bay. And the u-box capacity is 18 litres which is able to fit a full-face helmet.

Executive vice president director AHM Johannes Loman is optimistic about demand for the new scooter: “We predict the demand for motorcycles this year would at least be the same as last year. But it does not stop us to continuously launch products with best technology and feature in each segment. The Vario 150 eSP will be able to accompany Indonesian customers in their activities.”

Based on Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association (AISI) sales figures in 2014, sales of Honda were 5,051,100 units or 64.2 percent from total national two-wheeler sales. Honda AT scooters contributed 3,880,190 units to this total with a market share of 73 percent.