Hero Xoom 160

Over the past year, one question has dominated the comment section of every Hero review I have done: ‘Where is the Hero Xoom 160?’ Well, ladies and gentlemen, the wait is finally over. The Indian two-wheeler giant has unveiled one of its most anticipated products – a machine born from years of effort, aimed squarely at the heart of the rapidly growing maxi-scooter segment. This segment is currently dominated by two extremes – the sharp, unapologetically sporty Yamaha Aerox 155 and the supremely comfortable sofa-on-wheels that is the Suzuki Burgman Street. But Hero isn’t trying to beat them at their own game – it’s trying to create a new one. By blending adventure styling with a feature-rich package and an all-new performance-oriented platform, Hero has positioned the Xoom 160 as a ‘super scooter’ – the perfect all-rounder. But have their efforts really paid off? Let’s find out. Hero Xoom 160 First Ride Review: Styling and ErgonomicsThe Xoom 160’s design is polarising, and there’s no two ways about it. Some will love it, while others will hate it, but no one will be able to ignore it. Hero says the styling draws inspiration from its 450cc Dakar rally bike, and the influence is clear in the tall, upright front end, sharp tail section, and upswept exhaust. The result is a rugged, distinctive silhouette that turns heads, available in four colour options that accentuate its adventurous lines. Up front, the dual-chamber LED headlamps offer excellent illumination – something I can personally vouch for, having started our test ride in the pre-dawn darkness. The standard windscreen is genuinely functional, helping achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.66Cd, while an even more effective touring screen, available as an accessory, reduces it further to 0.59Cd. The chunky, block-pattern 120-section front and 140-section rear tyres on 14-inch wheels – which can look oversized on smaller scooters – give the Xoom 160 a perfectly balanced, proportionate stance. The fit and finish of the scooter mark a major leap forward; I think this is the best-built scooter Hero has ever produced, with tight panel gaps and a premium feel throughout. However, the ergonomics are something of a mixed bag. For my 5’6” frame, the riding position felt slightly awkward. The flat, inward-angled handlebar forces your upper body into a mildly hunched-forward stance, while your legs are stretched out, creating what I can only describe as a T. rex-like posture. It isn’t exactly uncomfortable, but it does take some getting used to. The seat, too, is angled slightly forward, which, combined with the firm suspension, can cause you to slide towards the front under hard braking or over sharp bumps. The overall posture sits somewhere between sporty and relaxed – neither fully aggressive nor truly laid-back – and can feel a little awkward.Hero Xoom 160 First Ride Review: Features and PracticalityA maxi-scooter needs to live up to its name by maximising convenience, and the Xoom 160 does a commendable job in this regard. Up front, there’s a deep glovebox built into the apron, which also houses a handy USB charging port. Beneath the seat lies a 22-litre storage bay. The big question, of course, is: can it fit a full-face helmet? The answer is… almost. My own helmet, with its aerodynamic spoiler, was just a touch too long to fit, but a more conventional, rounded full-face lid should slot in without any trouble. Half-face helmets, naturally, fit with ease. Beyond helmets, the compartment will comfortably swallow your groceries or a weekend bag. In terms of technology, the Xoom 160 doesn’t disappoint. It comes equipped with a smart key for keyless ignition and remote seat opening, a digital LCD with turn-by-turn navigation, and Hero’s silent i3S start–stop system. This comprehensive feature set gives it a real edge, packing in modern conveniences that actually make a difference in everyday use. Hero Xoom 160 First Ride Review: Performance and HandlingAt the heart of the Xoom 160 lies an all-new 156cc liquid-cooled four-valve engine housed within a completely new reinforced underbone chassis. Thankfully, Hero hasn’t raided the parts bin for this one, and the result is a powertrain with a distinct character. The engine produces a healthy 14.6bhp and 14Nm of torque, translating on the road to performance that’s gentle yet brisk. Twist the throttle and the scooter gathers pace smoothly and willingly, with a broad, tractable powerband and a slick CVT that make city overtakes and highway cruising equally effortless. It never whines or feels strained; it simply gets on with the job. The only downside is the faint vibration that creeps through the handlebars at idle, though it settles once you’re moving. While the claimed 0 – 60 km/h time of 6.5 seconds doesn’t feel quite as dramatic from the saddle, the Xoom 160 always feels eager and responsive. In terms of handling, the Xoom 160 is quite impressive. Its stiff chassis delivers a confident, planted feel, whether you’re slicing through city traffic or leaning into a fast corner. The scooter turns in sharply and holds its line without any surprises, inspiring real confidence in the rider. However, this agility does come at a cost – ride comfort. The suspension setup, comprising telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, is undeniably firm. I’d say it’s comparable to the stiffly sprung Yamaha Aerox, which makes it enjoyable on smooth tarmac but noticeably harsh over large speed bumps or broken patches. It’s certainly less forgiving than the plush Suzuki Burgman.Hero Xoom 160 First Ride Review: VerdictSo, where does the Hero Xoom 160 sit in the maxi-scooter food chain? In my view, it strikes the perfect middle ground. It’s not as outright comfortable as the Suzuki Burgman, nor as aggressively sporty as the Yamaha Aerox. Instead, it caters to the rider who wants the best of both worlds – a scooter with head-turning design and engaging dynamics for weekend fun, yet practical, feature-packed, and comfortable enough for daily use. Hero’s efforts have clearly paid off. With impressive build quality, a generous features list, and a well-judged blend of comfort and capability, the Xoom 160 isn’t just another scooter. It’s a thoughtfully engineered all-rounder that confidently carves out its own identity in a demanding segment.