Suzuki All New Access 125 vs Honda Activa 4G

Both Suzuki Access and Honda Activa 4G are revamped versions with BSIV compliant engines.


 Important Bits:


Suzuki All New Access 125
Honda Activa 4G
(On Road price (Mumbai) 
Drum Brake Variant
₹ 66,950
Disk Brake Variant ₹ 70844
₹ 62,500
Engine Displacement (CC)
124 cc
109.19 cc
Power (PS@rpm)
8.6 bhp. @ 7000 rpm
8 bhp. @ 7500 rpm
Real World Mileage
50-55 kmpl
50-55 kmpl
Kerb Weight
102 kgs.
108 kgs.

Access 125 2017 vs Activa 4G Video:

Pricing & Features:
The All New Suzuki Access 125 retails at ₹66,950 for the Drum variant and ₹70,844 for the Disc variant (both on-road prices). It has seen a complete redesign for this year. Honda Activa 4G on the other hand retails at around ₹62.500 (on-road). Prominent changes in the Access include a complete redesigned retro-styled look, Chrome Head Lamp cover which helps not only in styling but ensures long spread of the headlight. It has a partial Digital meter which the Activa 4G lacks plus some well thought of Suzuki features that come in handy. Although the Activa 4G does come with an Automatic Headlamp on (AHO) but we believe that it doesn’t add much value. 

One important point to mention here is the Access has a 125 CC engine and weighs 102 Kgs. While the Activa 4G has a 109 CC engine and weighs 108 Kgs. This difference in the two scooters translates to a better P2W ratio and better fuel economy for the Access (even if it has more CC’s). Remember, weight is always the killer.

Build Quality & Refinement:
Both Scooters are well built and are refined though the Suzuki Access does feel like a better finished product of the two.

The Activa 4G has a full metal body while the Suzuki Access claims it does but it is not, however, that is in no way a deal-breaker.

Performance:
Without a doubt the Suzuki Access is the better performer of the two not only in terms of power but also the Fuel economy thanks to the weight reduction in the New Access.

Access sports a new SEP BSIV engine while the Activa 4G sports a HET BSIV engine. Both are reliable and are based on proven platforms but in our tests the Access came out to be the better performer and better refined of the two.

Comfort & Ergonomics:
The New Suzuki Access trumps here and by far it a very well thought of, practical scooter (as they say, devil is in the details) and Suzuki did think a lot keeping the user in mind. For eg. It now sports a new and improved longer seat and floor board, both help in comfort and carrying the extra grocery that mum ordered you to get from the supermarket. The luggage compartment is also slightly larger and the largest in its segment. 

It has a well thought of front pocket which can even hold a water bottle but mainly for mobile phones, also comes with an optional charging point. One push central locking system works really well because you don’t have to remove the key every time you want to open the seat. It is an extremely convenient and well thought of feature.

To us, the Activa 4G features seemed cosmetic rather than practical and a modern scooter should be practical and stylish. For example, Dymanic Front Stance, Premium 3D Emblem. Charming Headlamp, Graceful Tail Lamp, Convenient Lift-up Independent Cover (CLIC) offers easier & faster servicing. (Not sure if this would really help the Owner or the mechanic, we believe the latter). All these features add no practical value.

Overall, the features in the Activa 4G seem to be developed keeping in mind the youth who need a scooter with style. Whereas the Access is a more mature platform.

Handling & Ride Quality:

Both Scooters are well made, ride really well and quality is good. The engine on the Suzuki Access felt more refined, smooth and quicker off the mark in our tests.

Reliability & After Sales Service: 
Both scooters are extremely reliable thanks to their Japanese lineage and after-sales service is well established throughout the country.

Verdict:

The Suzuki Access is the clear winner, the base variant is costlier by ₹ 4,000 than the Activa 4G, but that should not be a deal breaker because Access delivers more power yet returns a similar average, is an extremely well thought of, practical yet stylish scooter.