The game is on for the auto gear scooter segment as we get to see new products on regular basis from every other Two-wheeler manufacturer in India. Following the trend Hero MotoCorp has recently launched a new 110cc auto scooter- Maestro Edge. The new Maestro Edge is not the updated version of the existing “Maestro” but in fact a brand new product from the house of Hero MotoCorp. The all new Maestro Edge is pitched against the market leader Honda Activa 3G, in fact, one more product is already been unveiled by the Hero which is even look like Honda Activa in many ways. We are talking about the “Duet” which will be launched anytime from now.
In the meanwhile since we have already conducted a thorough Road Test Review of both Honda Activa 3G and Hero Maestro Edge, we will try to bring you a clear picture as we put these two strong contenders against each other.
Style:
On the grounds of design and style the new Hero Maestro looks more in vogue, justifying its name there are lots of edges and creases in the new Maestro. The latest offering from Hero has got a road presence be it stands still or cruising on the road. The masculine character of the brand Maestro has been passed on to the Edge also, the “Very Boy Thing” can be felt with the bold stance of the new Edge.There is big headlight mounted on the Maestro Edge with small visor on it, parking lights are featured on the massive dome which can be used as Drl’s also. Blinkers are placed on the front body with crystal lens rendering a bold look. Full size rear view mirrors are very practical and easy to adjust, they even come in body color in the top end variant of the Maestro Edge.
The rear tail assembly of the Maestro Edge is massive and comes loaded with features like LED taillights, clear lens blinkers and smartly concealed fuel lid.On the other hand the Honda Activa 3G though touted to be a 3rd generation Activa has the conservative looks and styling, however, it is way better than the previous version of Activas we have seen. The conservative yet descent styling of new Activa 3G surly attract the matured audience. The Honda Activa 3G comes with very basic features contrary to the new Maestro Edge but still the overall persona of the Activa gels with its larger than life image.
Instrument Cluster & Switchgear:
The new Maestro Edge is equipped with bold instrument console with big speedometer in the center of the console; the meter is both analog and digital. There is small digital meter integrated with the console displaying fuel gauge, trip meter and service due indicator. Apart from these information there are tell tale lights for displaying the blinkers, headlight and side stand indicator.
On the flipside the meter console of Activa 3G is plain and simple carry forward from the previous model. The all analog instrument cluster of Activa 3G consists of center speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge and tell tale lights. As far as switchgear are concerned, the quality of switches used in Activa 3G is a notch better than it is used in new Maestro Edge. However, the fit and finish along with the plastic quality used in Maestro Edge is exceptionally good but there is still room for improvement in the quality switches used in Edge. Hero has done the homework pretty well and tried to incorporate all good things from their competitors’ products in Maestro Edge.
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We have been demanding for the good old hand held brake switch that used to be featured on the early Honda Activa models, but Honda did not listen to us. Surprisingly, Hero has come up with that switch, which is very effective and worth featured as emergency latch while parking the scooter at incline.Handling & Comfort:
The tried and tested handling and comfort of Honda Activa is strongly challenged by Hero Maestro Edge. The Edge is featured with longer wheelbase and higher ground clearance is also mated to the front telescopic suspension and bigger 12 inches wheel. All these added features of Maestro Edge clearly make it one of the best handling auto scooters in its segment. Hero has also worked on the vibration issue and I must say that they have quite successfully handled it, one hardly feels any vibration on the scooter at any given speed. There are additional weight balancers placed at the handlebar ends to further check the vibrations.
The seat of the new Maestro Edge is super soft and comfortable for both rider and pillion as compared to the firm cushioning of the Activa 3G. However, it is to be seen that how comfortable the plush seat of Maestro Edge will be for long journeys.
Engine & Performance:
It is in this segment where the Honda technology is still felt top notch and the butter smooth Honda engine performs better than the indigenously developed 111cc engine of Hero. However, on papers the Hero engine is marginally more powerful than the Activa engine but may be because of extra 2 kgs weight of Maestro it cancelled out evenly. Opposite to the quiet Honda engine the newly developed engine of Edge sounds a little more and there is one continues humming sound coming from the engine which might not be pleasing to you. Although, the engine of the new Maestro Edge is moderately smooth and refined but there is no match to the smoothness of Honda engine.
Verdict:
At a given price tag, which is almost same for both Activa 3G and Maestro Edge, you get more features on Maestro Edge like analog-digital meter, telescopic front suspension, USB mobile charger, remote Seat & Fuel lid opener and even immobilizer by paying extra premium. This makes the Maestro Edge more value for money and the fresh styling of the scooter along with the solid service backup of Hero comes in the package.By: Farhan Kashif
