Yamaha launches Fascino 125 with mild-hybrid tech

Just about a month after it took the covers off its Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid, equipped with mild-hybrid technology, India Yamaha Motor today officially launched the scooter. The new model, which replaces the existing Fascino, is priced at Rs 70,000 (ex-showroom Delhi / drum brake model) for and Rs 76,530 for the one with disc brakes. Deliveries are slated to begin by end-July.

In a market which is seeing frenzied activity in the electric two-wheeler space, the latest Fascino can be seen as a stepping stone to the EV segment.

Speaking to Autocar Professional in an exclusive interview recently, Motofumi Shitara, Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said:  “The Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid is Yamaha’s first step towards entering the EV space in the Indian market, on a small note. The Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid with electric power assist is just one of many technological advancements achieved in the field of electric mobility by Yamaha, which we plan to introduce in the Indian market over time.”

The Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid is powered by the same 125cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine as in the outgoing model. While the peak power is the same at 8.2hp at 6500rpm, torque  has gone up by 0.6Nm to 10.3Nm at 5500rpm. There is no increase in the 99kg kerb weight, despite the addition of the hybrid system.

The standout feature of the new Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid is the Smart Motor Generator (SMG). SMG basically works as an electric motor, providing power assist when taking off from standstill or climbing up an incline. The rider gets a notification on the instrument cluster when the power assist function is in operation. The system cuts off the power assist three seconds after setting off or after a predetermined rpm is crossed. It also stops if the rider closes the throttle.

Other gains from the SMG include the silent start system and auto stop start. The engine start-stop system assists fuel economy. The previous Fascino 125, which delivered 57.08kpl in the city and 64.2kpl on the highway in Autocar India road tests, is among the most fuel-efficient BS VI 125cc scooters in India.