Aug 28, 2006 05:08 PM
7067 Views
I had the opportunity to get up close with the Euro during the Pune Auto show. The Euro which is slated to follow quickly on the heels of the Millennium. The Euro is no spectacularly speedy scooter, it's not even the largest in this range, but while I walked out of the Auto show I had the Euro on my mind as something special. That's because this is the scooter that is tailor-made for the discerning Indian buyer, a logical upgrade from the current hot favourite, the Honda Activa.
The Euro is soberly styled, while it still has something to make it decisively modern. Dark nights will be repelled by a twin headlight system and both clear lens indicators are placed low down and flush within the front apron. At the rear, similar treatment has been meted out to split brake-warning clusters. Switches and smartly buffed alloy levers are top class equipment on this scoot, while the pass flasher is cleverly incorporated into the high and low beam switch and operated by the novel method of depressing the complete switch. Instrumentation includes a fuel gauge and clear to decipher speedo dial. There's more than adequate underseat storage for the women who love to shop, while the glovebox may feel a tad too cramped for fussy riders out there. The Euro's seat has natty and reasonably solid grab bars slotted into both sides and we found these perfect for hauling the scooter up and onto its main stand. There is, of course, a large alloy grab-rail that guards the rear to supplement these.
While Kinetic is yet to reveal engine details, expect the Euro to arrive with an air-cooled, electric-started, four-stroke and single-cylinder powerplant that could displace anywhere between 100-125cc. The front suspension comprises a twin-brace of rigid and first-rate upside down forks, while the rear suspension is more standard - a monoshock, with the engine deployed as the stressed extension of the frame. Tyre size on the test scooter was: 120/70 x 12 up front and 130/70 x 12 behind. Six-spoke alloy rims lend a touch of class to the Euro and it all adds up to a scooter with smart handling dynamics. The never-before-seen specifications for an Indian scooter continue with a 220mm disc brake rotor in front and drum at the rear. Emergency braking inspires confidence and did not have the scooter losing any of its fine composure during our enjoyable spin on it.
The launch date is Mid 2006, this might be pushed to Dassera (Diwali) 2006
