The Hero Destini 125 boasts a design that draws inspiration from the Duet 110, initially known as the Duet 125 during its debut at Auto Expo 2018. The front end of the scooter features a prominent chrome section, adding a touch of sophistication to its appearance. The headlamp sports an attractive curvy design, although the overall front fascia may remind you of the Honda Activa 125. The side body panels are adorned with chrome accents, enhancing the premium feel. The scooter is offered in a striking all-black theme, lending it a sportier look than its 110cc counterparts. At the rear, the Destini 125 showcases a large and distinctive tail lamp. The dual-textured seat, although initially appearing monotonous, adds a subtle touch of sophistication upon closer inspection. Overall, the Hero Destini 125 is an aesthetically pleasing scooter with a distinctive character.
Powering the Hero Destini 125 is a 124.6cc single-cylinder engine capable of delivering 8.2 bhp of maximum power and 10.2 Nm of peak torque. Hero MotoCorp claims that this engine provides 9 percent more power and 17 percent more torque compared to the Duet 110. The enhanced power and torque figures result in improved pickup, particularly noticeable from a standstill. Thanks to the increased torque, the Destini 125 offers better acceleration than the Duet 110 and feels more responsive. The scooter features Hero's indigenously developed engine, which exhibits refinement during city commutes. However, at higher revs, vibrations become noticeable earlier than expected when compared to its rivals. During testing, the scooter achieved a top speed of 85 kmph, with more potential left untapped.
The Hero Destini 125 is the first Hero scooter to incorporate i3s technology. This feature automatically shuts down the engine when it idles for over 5 seconds, reactivating when you engage the brake lever and twist the throttle. The system is seamless and fuel-efficient, but it can be turned off if desired.
For the ride and handling, the Destini 125 features conventional telescopic forks at the front and a single coil spring hydraulic unit at the rear, providing a comfortable ride on Indian roads. The scooter is equipped with drum brakes at both ends, complemented by an Integrated Braking System (IBS) that enhances safety and minimizes the risk of skidding by engaging both brakes when the rear brake lever is applied. The braking performance is satisfactory, although the addition of an optional front disc brake would have been desirable.
The Destini 125 is fitted with 90/100 section tires on 10-inch rims, although competitors like the Honda Activa 125 and Suzuki Access 125 offer a 12-inch front wheel. The scooter's grip is decent, with no issues even at higher speeds and during cornering.
In terms of features, the Hero Destini 125 stands out, offering a comprehensive feature list. It incorporates Hero's i3s technology for fuel efficiency, making it the only scooter in India to feature this technology. The scooter also features a digital-analog instrument cluster with a side stand indicator and service reminder. Convenience is enhanced by a mobile charging facility, boot light, external fuel fill, a pass-by switch, and a combination lock for operating all vehicle functions through a single keyhole. The scooter is equipped with a buzzer alarm that alerts when the external fuel lid is left open.
The Hero Destini 125 offers excellent value for money, available in two variants. The LX variant is priced at Rs 54,650, while the more premium VX variant is priced at Rs 57,500, both ex-showroom, Delhi. It competes favorably in terms of features and performance in its price range. However, it lacks some features offered by the competition, such as the Honda Activa 125, which also boasts a more advanced engine. At a similar price point, the TVS Ntorq 125 is another strong contender in this segment.
In summary, the Hero Destini 125 may not bring groundbreaking features to the table, as many of its competitors have already established their offerings. However, Hero MotoCorp's extensive service network and a solid reputation for reliability and trust may contribute to its success, making it a popular choice for many.
Hero Destini on road price starts from Rs.94642/-
Hero Destini comes in 7 variants.
- Hero Destini Prime on road price starts from Rs.94642 /-
- Hero Destini 125 LX on road price starts from Rs.98452 /-
- Hero Destini 125 VX on road price starts from Rs.104354 /-
- Hero Destini VX Spl Edit PWH 100M on road price starts from Rs.93993 /-
- Hero Destini VX Platinum MBK on road price starts from Rs.94918 /-
- Hero Destini 125 Xtec on road price starts from Rs.102000 /-
- Hero Destini 125 VX xtech on road price starts from Rs.105132 /-
Hero Destini EMI starts from Rs.3049/- for tenure of 36 months on OTO.