Hero Xoom 160 Review – Hero’s Bold Step into the Maxi-Scooter World
The two-wheeler market in India has seen massive changes in the last decade. Scooters that once only served short-distance commuters now offer style, comfort, and performance that challenge motorcycles. In 2025, Hero MotoCorp entered this new premium space with the Hero Xoom 160. The scooter made its first public appearance at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January and immediately drew attention for its size, design, and adventurous character.
Hero priced the Xoom 160 around ₹1.48–1.49 lakh (ex-showroom). With this move, Hero positioned the scooter against rivals like the Yamaha Aerox 155 and the Aprilia SXR 160. Hero wants riders to see this scooter not just as a city commuter but as a touring machine that can handle long rides.
Launch and Delivery
Hero launched the Xoom 160 in January 2025 but buyers had to wait for months before they could ride it home. Supply delays held back deliveries. The company finally opened bookings in July 2025. By September 2025, Hero confirmed that the first batch of scooters would roll out to customers. This marked the start of Hero’s real entry into the premium scooter segment.
Design and Styling
The Xoom 160 looks bold and aggressive. Hero designed it with a strong maxi-scooter body and added adventure styling cues. The scooter stands tall, with a large windscreen, chunky 14-inch alloy wheels, and a muscular front profile. Its dual-chamber LED headlamps look sharp and futuristic.
On the road, the scooter grabs attention. The large proportions and flashy body panels give it a commanding presence. Riders who want to stand out will appreciate its looks. However, some reviewers feel that the plastic panels do not give the same premium feel as its price suggests. The fit and finish could look more solid.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Hero focused heavily on comfort with the Xoom 160. The one-piece seat is wide and soft, offering plenty of space for both rider and pillion. The upright handlebar and stretched floorboard allow relaxed seating. Riders can even extend their legs forward while cruising, which gives the scooter a motorcycle-like comfort.
The seat height measures 787 mm, which works well for most Indian riders. Ground clearance stands at 155 mm, which allows the scooter to handle speed breakers and small potholes easily. Under the seat, Hero provided 22 litres of storage space, enough for a helmet and some small bags. Riders also get a front cubby for quick items. Hero plans to offer touring boxes and a taller windscreen as accessories, which will add to its long-ride appeal.
Engine and Performance
Hero gave the Xoom 160 a 156 cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine. The motor produces 14.6 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 14 Nm of torque around 6,500 rpm. A CVT gearbox handles power delivery. With a kerb weight of 142 kg and a 7-litre fuel tank, the scooter delivers a claimed mileage of around 40 kmpl.
On the road, the engine feels refined and strong in the mid-range. The scooter pulls well between 30 and 80 km/h, which covers most city and highway conditions. It can cruise comfortably at 90 to 100 km/h, making it a capable highway scooter. The engine does struggle a little when carrying a pillion at high speeds, and riders may notice the performance drop.
Ride and Handling
The Xoom 160 feels stable and planted on smooth city roads. The wide tyres and strong chassis provide good confidence in corners. Even though the scooter looks heavy, Hero managed the weight balance well. In traffic, the scooter does not feel clumsy, and riders can maneuver it with ease.
The suspension, however, tells a different story. Hero tuned the setup on the stiffer side. While this keeps the scooter stable on highways, it makes city rides uncomfortable over potholes and broken roads. Long stretches of bad roads can tire the rider quickly. Riders who plan to use the scooter mainly for daily commuting may find this an issue.
Features
Hero packed the Xoom 160 with modern features.
- Smart Key System: Riders can lock, unlock, and locate the scooter remotely. The key also includes seat-release functions.
- Fully Digital Instrument Cluster: The screen connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone. It offers turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and message notifications.
- LED Lighting: Dual-chamber LED headlamp, LED tail lamps, and indicators give the scooter a premium look.
- Braking System: The scooter comes with disc brakes at the front and rear, along with ABS for safety.
- Accessory Options: Touring boxes of 23 and 29 litres, a longer windscreen, floor mats, and body guards expand the scooter’s practicality.
Some riders feel that the digital screen looks small compared to the size of the scooter. Reading information while riding can feel difficult in bright sunlight.
Variants and Colors
Hero sells the Xoom 160 in a single fully-loaded variant called the ZX. Buyers can choose from four color options:
- Matte Rainforest Green
- Canyon Red
- Summit White
- Matte Volcanic Grey
All four shades enhance the maxi-scooter styling, and the bold color options match the adventurous design language.
Strengths
- Striking Design – The scooter looks muscular and premium. It has great road presence.
- Comfortable Ergonomics – Wide seat and upright riding position suit long rides.
- Strong Mid-Range Engine – The liquid-cooled motor offers smooth performance.
- Loaded Features – Smart key, Bluetooth navigation, ABS, and LED lighting add value.
- Good Storage Options – Spacious under-seat storage and accessory touring boxes make it practical.
Weak Points
- Stiff Suspension – The hard setup makes rough roads uncomfortable.
- Plastic Quality – Panels feel less premium than rivals in the same price range.
- Small Display Screen – Difficult to read while riding, especially under the sun.
- Performance with Pillion – Engine feels stressed with a second rider at high speeds.
Competition
The Hero Xoom 160 competes directly with the Yamaha Aerox 155 and Aprilia SXR 160. The Aerox 155 offers sharper performance with Yamaha’s proven motor, while the Aprilia SXR 160 combines style with a sportier character. Hero counters them with a more adventurous design, better touring comfort, and a lower starting price. Buyers who want a maxi-scooter with big-bike styling and daily practicality may find the Xoom 160 a stronger value package.
Verdict
Hero MotoCorp stepped into a new territory with the Xoom 160. The company moved beyond basic commuter scooters and built a product that looks bold, performs well, and carries features that riders expect in 2025. The scooter delivers strong mid-range power, comfortable ergonomics, and an adventurous design that sets it apart on the road.
The suspension stiffness and average plastic quality hold it back from becoming the perfect maxi-scooter. Yet, the Xoom 160 proves that Hero can match international rivals in design and ambition. Riders who want a stylish, tech-loaded scooter for daily commutes as well as weekend touring will find this model attractive.
In short, the Hero Xoom 160 is more than just a new scooter. It represents Hero’s attempt to win buyers in the premium space and redefine what a scooter can do in India. For young professionals, urban explorers, and even long-distance riders, this scooter opens a new chapter in India’s growing scooter market.
