When it comes to the scooter segment in India, we all know that Honda ranks at the top of the pyramid. The Japanese manufacturer has managed to attain big success with the Activa, which has proven itself by recently bagging the title of the highest selling scooter — not only in India but also in the world. Using the successful blueprint of the Activa, Honda had introduced the Navi, a fun and quirky scooter aimed at young buyers. Now, there’s another offering that uses the same platform, but offers a bit more; it’s called the Cliq. Intended for the rural market, the Cliq is the first of its kind in the scooter segment with a new target audience. We spent some time riding the Cliq in the environment it has been designed, so here’s all you need to know about the Cliq in five simple points:
What is the Cliq all about?
The Honda Cliq carries a fresh design with notable similarities to bigger scooters sold in markets abroad. From the front, the Cliq has a fairly large apron which houses the headlamp and indicators, and further ends with a little visor at the top. Tucked behind that visor is a large instrument console followed by the handle bars located just behind it covered in a plastic casing.
The Cliq uses the same switchgear and mirrors as seen on the Navi in order to keep the costs in check. It comes with a flat and wide floor board for sufficient space to keep luggage and also has enough knee room. An extra storage box is also available which can also be attached along the centre line. The scooter borrows few of its design elements like the circular body panel at the centre from the Navi, giving it a dash of quirkiness.
Engine and transmission
In this department, the Honda Cliq uses the same trusted 109.19cc motor that does duty in the Activa. The motor produces a decent 8 bhp at 7000 rpm and comes mated to the variomatic gearbox. That makes the Cliq capable of reaching a top speed of 83kmph (company-claimed). What’s notable is that, at speeds above 60kmph where slight vibrations are felt at the handlebar and floorboard of other scooters, the Cliq didn’t pose any such issues. However, in spite of weighing 102 kg which is almost the same as the Navi, the Cliq somehow doesn’t feel as quick as the former.
Features and Comfort
Being an offering for the rural market where road conditions are not that favourable, Honda has given the Cliq a rugged look by sporting it with block-pattern tyres. The wheel sizes remain at same at 10-inches for both ends while braking is taken care of by 130mm drums with Honda’s CBS (Combi-Braking System) as a standard fitment. The Cliq also comes with a maintenance-free battery and a viscous air filter which doesn’t need a replacement for long intervals.
Being a unisex scooter, the Cliq has a long and wide seat (743mm height) that has been contoured well for a comfortable riding position. Under-seat storage is good — fairly wide to accommodate a variety of items — and there’s a standard-fit USB charging point, as well. To increase the storage one can also opt for the additional add-on carrier at the back.
Ride and Handling
Being a light scooter, the Cliq feels better than the Activa in terms of ride quality. The front-end felt to be a bit lighter mainly due to the less weight at the front which, should not be an issue after getting accustomed to it. The rear feels well planted and does a good job at combating the bumps on the road. The block-pattern tyres offer decent grip levels on the road and off it as well. The brakes on the Cliq do a fair job at shedding speeds and with the combi-braking system, braking in panic situations or wet weather conditions won’t be much of a problem.
Efficiency
The Honda Cliq is a light and an efficient scooter which has a fuel tank capacity of 3.5 litres. Surprisingly, in spite of being developed for the rural market, it’s less than the Navi’s 3.8-litre tank. Claimed to return an average of above 60 kpl, it should allow the scooter to provide a range of around 200km on a full tank.
Summing it up
Honda will begin the sale of the Cliq from Rajasthan and will further expand the availability to other tier-2 and tier-3 cities across the country. With four colours to choose from — Patriotic Red with White, Black, Moroccan Blue with White, and Orcus Grey — the scooter is available in Standard and Delux trims, priced at Rs 42,499 and Rs 42,999 (both ex-showroom, New Delhi) respectively.
The trend of gearless scooters is steadily gaining momentum in India as buyers are preferring the comfort and practicality of scooter over a motorcycle in the market. For Honda, with its well-acclaimed Activa platform allows the manufacturer to come up with different versions that help to create different identities for itself in the market. And with the introduction of the Cliq, it would only be a matter of time before knowing how much the market is willing to accept the new form of purpose-oriented offering that addresses specific requirements.
