TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review: The Best 150cc Scooter?

Every so often, an automaker gets a shot to create something special - and reap the rewards. For TVS Motor Company, that moment came in 2018, and they grabbed it with both hands with the launch of the Ntorq. Now, a similar opportunity seems to have presented itself once again. And befittingly, the story once again revolves around the Ntorq – this time in a bigger, bolder 150cc avatar. So, the obvious question is – can TVS recreate the same magic with the Ntorq 150?

TVS Ntorq 150 Review: Design & Styling

Design is a matter of preference, but if you ask me, the Ntorq 150 hits all the right notes in terms of styling. Built on the same platform as the Ntorq 125, its dimensions are more or less identical. But the designers have done a commendable job, especially with the apron – it looks modern and intimidating. The Ntorq 150 comes with quad LED projector headlamps, positioned higher up on the apron. Below the headlamp are the sleek LED DRLs, which also double as turn indicators.

There are some other small details that I really like – for instance, the winglets on the side of the apron, the dual-tone front fender, and the side panels with different colours and finishes. The T-shaped taillamp is now slimmer and more stylish than before. Another nice touch is the adjustable brake levers.

TVS missed out on giving the Ntorq 150 bigger 14-inch wheels. Instead, it continues to ride on the same 12-inch wheels as the Ntorq 125 – a shame, really, for the bigger wheels would’ve enhanced its overall stance and also better complemented the new bodywork.

TVS Ntorq 150 Review: Instrument Cluster & Features

The higher-spec Ntorq 150 comes with a new 5-inch colour TFT unit similar to the one seen on the Apache RTR 310. The screen itself is well-designed, with a clean UI, crisp graphics, and both light and dark modes. It is easily among the best non-touch displays in the segment. The scooter also features an engine kill switch, and four-way controls on the left.

The buttons feel solid, with good quality and tactile feedback. TVS has even equipped the Ntorq 150 with traction control – a nice addition for safety, though arguably unnecessary on a scooter in this class. There is a USB-A charging port, but it’s tucked inside the boot. An external port would have been far more practical.

TVS Ntorq 150 Review: Ride & Handling

At first glance, the new 150cc engine doesn’t seem all that impressive. It’s a three-valve, air-cooled unit. And while the power and torque figures are respectable, they aren’t class-leading. Despite this, the scooter gathers speed effortlessly – 60-70 km/h is achieved surprisingly easily. Even at 85 km/h, the Ntorq 150 feels unstrained.

More impressive still is how smooth the engine feels at these speeds. There are two riding modes – Street and Race – which can be toggled on the go. In Race mode, the rider can also access the boost offered by the battery for that extra edge. Even the throttle calibration ensures a smooth flow of power, whether you open the throttle quickly or ease it off suddenly.

Since we tested the scooter on the track inside TVS’ Hosur plant, I couldn’t fully evaluate the suspension in everyday conditions. That said I did find it to be relatively softly sprung when going over the bumpier sections. There was some vertical movement, but it never unsettled the scooter. Personally, I prefer this softer setup, as it makes the Ntorq 150 easier to live with on a daily basis.

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TVS Ntorq 150 Review: Worth the Price?

TVS could well take the market by storm once again, much like they did with the original Ntorq. The new 150cc version is quick, stylish, and impressively comfortable. Add to that an introductory price that undercuts rivals – ₹1.19 lakh for the base variant and ₹1.29 lakh (ex-showroom) for the fully loaded version – and the value proposition becomes too hard to ignore.

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Of course, I’d like to spend more time with the Ntorq 150 out on open roads to thoroughly assess its capabilities, but as far as first impressions go, it’s definitely an impressive scooter.