News/ Bikes/ The Liquid-Cooled Scooter War: Yamaha Aerox 155 vs Hero Xoom 160 | Specs Compared

The Liquid-Cooled Scooter War: Yamaha Aerox 155 vs Hero Xoom 160 | Specs Compared

Scooters in India are prominently seen as family-oriented machines that prioritise practicality over everything else. Honda Activa has been dominating this market for roughly two decades now. It is a scooter anyone in the family can ride, and it is ideal for grocery shopping and other such activities. Very few among this generation would know that back in 2006, there was a scooter called the Kinetic Blaze powered by a 165cc air-cooled engine, which produced 11.6 bhp and 12 Nm of torque, a scooter way ahead of its time! 

Design

When it comes to design, the Yamaha Aerox 155 and Hero Xoom 160 showcase two distinct approaches that cater to different tastes. The Aerox 155 stands out with its sporty and aggressive design, heavily inspired by Yamaha’s R-series motorcycles. Its sharp body panels, low-slung stance, and dual-tone colour schemes exude a premium, race-ready aesthetic. On the other hand, the Hero Xoom 160 adopts a more rugged and edgy design language, with angular lines, bold LED lighting, and a sculpted body that gives it a dynamic and modern appeal. While the Aerox leans towards those who appreciate a sporty, motorcycle-inspired look, the Xoom targets riders who prefer a bold and rugged urban style.

Power Figures

The Yamaha Aerox 155 is equipped with a 155cc liquid-cooled engine that delivers 14.7 bhp of peak power at 8,000 rpm and 13.9 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Meanwhile, the Hero Xoom 160 features a slightly larger 156cc liquid-cooled engine, producing 14.6 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 14 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. With nearly identical power outputs and peak figures achieved at the same RPM, the real-world performance of these two scooters will be the deciding factor. A thorough test will reveal which one has the edge in terms of acceleration, rideability, and overall dynamics.

Features

The Yamaha Aerox 155 and Hero Xoom 160 are packed with modern features to enhance convenience, comfort, and riding experience. The Aerox 155 has a fully digital LCD instrument cluster offering Bluetooth connectivity via the Y-Connect app, allowing riders to access call and message alerts, fuel consumption data, and more. It also features LED lighting all around, a 24.5-litre under-seat storage, keyless ignition, and a front disc brake with ABS for added safety. Its sporty design is complemented by a step-through frame, giving it a unique motorcycle-scooter hybrid appeal.

On the other hand, the Hero Xoom 160 boasts a futuristic fully digital instrument cluster with Hero Connect, providing features such as turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and vehicle tracking. It also features LED headlights with DRLs, an intelligent cornering light system for better visibility at night, and a slightly larger under-seat storage capacity. Additionally, the Xoom 160 offers a front disc brake with an Integrated Braking System (IBS).

Cycle Parts and Dimensions

When it comes to cycle parts and dimensions, the Yamaha Aerox 155 and Hero Xoom 160 take different approaches to deliver unique riding experiences.

The Yamaha Aerox 155 is built on an underbone chassis and features telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the rear. It rides on 14-inch alloy wheels with wide 110/80 front and 140/70 rear tyres, ensuring excellent grip and stability. Braking duties are handled by a 230mm front disc with ABS and a drum brake at the rear. In terms of dimensions, the Aerox has a seat height of 790mm, a ground clearance of 145mm, and weighs 126kg. Its 1,350mm wheelbase and sporty riding position further enhance its performance-oriented character.

The Hero Xoom 160, on the other hand, is equipped with telescopic front forks and a single monoshock at the rear. It features 14-inch alloy wheels paired with 120/70 front and 140/60 rear tyres, prioritising manoeuvrability in urban conditions. Braking is managed by a 190mm front disc and a drum brake at the rear, supported by Hero’s Integrated Braking System (IBS). The Xoom has a seat height of 787mm, a ground clearance of 155mm, and a kerb weight of 142kg. Its wheelbase of 1,348mm enhances agility, making it ideal for city riding.

Pricing

The pricing of these scooters is strikingly similar. The Aerox 155 is priced at ₹1,49,450, while the Xoom 160 comes in at ₹1,48,500—a mere ₹950 difference. This tight pricing further intensifies the battle between these two scooters, making them an exciting choice for enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance and features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Yamaha Aerox 155 and Hero Xoom 160 bring immense capability and advanced engineering to the premium scooter segment. Both scooters promise consistent performance with liquid-cooled engines, while their cutting-edge features cater to modern riders. The Aerox 155 leans towards sporty performance with its aggressive design, wider tyres, and motorcycle-inspired dynamics. Meanwhile, the Xoom 160 shines in urban practicality with its compact dimensions and innovative features.

Adding to the competition is the narrow price gap, with the Aerox priced at ₹1,49,450 and the Xoom at ₹1,48,500—a difference of just ₹950. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether the rider prioritises sporty performance or urban practicality, making this rivalry one to watch in the premium scooter market.

TopGear Magazine January 2025