Jupiter vs Activa 3G Quick Comparison Review

Honda Activa 3G vs TVS Jupiter Quick Comparison Review:

Introduction: 
Every year, literally millions of scooter buyers in India, buy the Activa, making it the bestselling vehicle in the country. Why do they do it? What is it that compels them to reject the variety of scooters available in the market, in favor of the Honda Activa?

 Reliability & After Sales Service:  
Well for starters, ever since it made its debut in the year 2000, it has proven itself to be the most reliable scooter in the history of the Indian two wheeler market. Even today, you can see so many of the 2000 model year Activa’s in running condition, whereas its competitors like the Kinetic Nova and Scooty ES are nowhere to be found. TVS has, over the years, proven itself as the most reliable ‘Indian’ two wheeler manufacturer, but still it is nowhere in the same league as Honda. Just compare 2009 Wego, on which the Jupiter is based, to a 2009 Activa, and you will see the difference.

Activa 3G vs Jupiter Video Comparison Review:

Fuel Efficiency: 
In our back-to-back test, the TVS Jupiter returned a respectable fuel efficiency of 44 kmpl, which is still no match to the Activa 3G’s incredible fuel-efficiency of 50 kmpl.

 Fuel Cost: Activa 3G – 84,000 Rs, Jupiter – 95,000 Rs

 Refinement: 
The Jupiter is TVS Motor Company’s best effort to date, with excellent noise suppression and a judder free CVT operation. It is almost as refined as the Activa 3G’s HET power-plant, but that is when both the scooters are brand new. 5 years down the line, the Activa will still retain its buttery smooth refinement, while the Jupiter will be asking for an engine tune-up.

 Resale & Cost of Ownership: 
The Activa 3G is bound to hold slightly better residual value than the Jupiter, which coupled to the 10,000 Rs. saving in fuel costs, makes it 10% cheaper to own, compared to the Jupiter.

 Resale Price: (after usage of 5 to 7 years): 
Activa 3G – 33,000 Rs. 
TVS Jupiter – 30,000 Rs.

 Cost of Ownership: (after usage of 5 to 7 years): 
Activa 3G – 33,000 Rs. 
TVS Jupiter – 30,000 Rs. 

 Pricing and Features:
Both the Activa 3G and the TVS Jupiter (Standard), retail for an identical price of 55,000 Rs, on road Delhi. The Activa 3G get the CBS combi-braking system which the Jupiter tags as SYNC, whereas the Jupiter gets Alloy Wheels, external fuel cap and mobile charging point over the Activa.
TVS Jupiter SYNC braking system (CBS)
Handling & Ride Quality: 
Where the Activa falters big time, is in terms of dynamics. Honda continues to use the horrendous, trailing link suspension setup at the front, coupled to tiny 10 inch wheels, which give the Activa a back-breaking ride and make it a handful under emergency braking maneuvers. Unlike a telescopic suspension, Activa’s suspension causes it to squat instead of pitching under heavy braking, transferring the weight off the front wheel and resulting in a loss of traction. The Jupiter on the other hand has one of the most sorted underpinnings among Indian scooters, with excellent bump absorption, thanks to telescopic front suspension and 12 inch wheels. Jupiter’s stability at high speeds as well at its composure over a series of undulations is also far superior to the Activa.

 Verdict:
The Activa is better than the Jupiter in a lot of parameters like reliability, efficiency, refinement etc. but by a very small margin. The Jupiter on the other hand is enormously better than the Activa, in terms of comfort and composure, over the speed bumps and potholes, that we encounter 100 times a day in our commutes. What is more important to you at the end of the day, 10% lower Ownership Cost or your spinal health? It is high time that Honda upgrade the Activa's cycle-parts to at least match, if not improve upon its competitors. But until then the TVS Jupiter remains our pick among the two.