The tiny two-stroke Scooty has been quite a success ever since it was first introduced in 1993. A decade later, it underwent heart surgery and made the switch from two-stroke to four. While its profile remains unchanged, there are new features to add to its appeal.
On the outside
Even now, this scooter is still quite attractive to look at. The Pep Plus now features a new set of graphics. Dual-tone shades spruce up the scooter complemented by a racy checkered look on the front apron and rear panels. There are clear-lens turn indicators now and the grab-rail matches its body colour. The new features make this scooter lighter and more practical. The flashy speedometer cluster reads well, and uses the TVS trademark economy and power mode indicators, along with a round speedo and auxiliary dial for fuel level.
Grips, levers, switchgear and mirrors are top-notch. What’s missing though is a rear brake-locking clamp. However, there is a shrill safety warning beep when the side stand is down with the ignition key turned.
The key slot is fluorescent for easy access in the night - there’s a new cellphone-charging point too. There’s an easy-to-access storage bin carved into the front apron. The floorboard is flat and wide enough with an integrated mat-like texture. The lockable underseat storage bay lights up as well, which is a nice touch. The main stand goes up with a mere flick - even a child could prop up this scooter effortlessly. The rear remains familiar, with its bright and visible warning lights. It also comes with alloy rims, both front and rear.
Power Torque
The big change is the addition of the new four-stroke engine. The thumb-started single-cylinder has been tweaked for improved efficiency. There is an almost negligible weight jump to 95kg compared to the earlier bike. Max power has gone up to a healthy 5bhp at 6500rpm and, so has torque, peaking out at 0.59kgm at 4000rpm. The new motor feels vibe-free at city speeds and is quite responsive too, with healthy doses of reserve performance begging to be used. And though the Plus is more responsive at city speeds, it does manage a relatively respectable top speed of 71kph.
From the saddle
TVS’s Pep is agile and easy to manoeuvre. The alloy rims are set just right for a ride quality that doesn’t wallow overtly, nor feels too firm. It’s as stable as a light scooter that sits on 10-inch wheels can get. It turns accurately into corners, but its cornering manners are just satisfactory. The scooter stays surprisingly stable under emergency braking -.the 110mm drum brakes are adequate kit for this vehicle.
The Plus delivered well on the fuel economy front - 49.1kpl in city conditions and a creditable 53.8kpl when speeds averaged 60kph on a relatively open highway.
Is it worth the money?
The snazzy-looking Scooty Pep Plus is a considerable improvement over the earlier scooter. The Plus retains its light-handling character and now comes with a lot of convent features like the effortless centre stand, mobile charger, the backlit underseat storage bin and that helpful glow in the dark key slot. With little lost to fuel economy or added to its original sticker price, this Plus continues to sound like a good deal.
