Here’s a detailed, review-style article of the 2025 Hero Xoom 160 Review, featuring five compelling pros and five notable cons—accompanied by an immersive narrative to meet your request.
2025 Hero Xoom 160: Review in Depth
The Hero Xoom 160 marks Hero MotoCorp’s bold leap into the premium maxi-scooter segment—a blend of adventure styling, commuter sensibility, and standout presence that challenges the norm in India’s 125cc-plus scooter category. Priced at Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom), it sets a value-conscious benchmark via striking aesthetics and a bespoke riding experience.
Design & Styling: “Not Your Everyday Scooter”
Hero is stepping into new territory with the Xoom 160’s “maxi-scooter adventure tourer” design. The muscular apron, dual LED DRLs, beak-style front, and block-pattern tyres all exude rugged confidence. The tall windscreen, 14-inch alloy wheels, and chunky panels reinforce its commanding aura on the roads.
Verdict: The bold styling instantly elevates the scooter’s road presence, making it visually more expensive and distinctive in a price-conscious market.
5 Pros of the Hero Xoom 160
1. Striking Aesthetics & Road Presence
Its bold, rugged design stands apart in urban traffic. The maxi-style build, tall windscreen, and adventure-ready cues ensure you’re noticed—and it successfully commands attention on the roads.
2. Comfortable Ergonomics
A long, wide, and well-cushioned one-piece seat combined with a long footboard that allows multiple seating styles—feet-forward cruising, upright city riding, or slick paddling for spirited rides—delivers flexible comfort for different riding conditions.
3. Mid-Range Engine Punchiness
The liquid-cooled 156cc, 4-valve engine generating ~14.6 bhp & 14 Nm performs best between 45–70 km/h. It’s perky in the mid-range, making city commute and short highway runs engaging and enjoyable.
4. Stable Ride & Handling
Thanks to a long wheelbase, large tyres, balanced chassis, and substantial build, the Xoom 160 remains confident and secure even at higher speeds. It handles corners with discipline and provides a sense of solidity rare in this segment.
5. Generous Storage & Smart Features
Dedicated features include a sizeable 22 L under-seat compartment, smart key with keyless GO, Bluetooth-enabled digital display with navigation, and idle start-stop tech. The under-seat storage, albeit limited in utility, still adds utility.
5 Cons of the Hero Xoom 160
1. Stiff & Harsh Suspension
While intended for adventure, the suspension behaves rigidly on rough Indian roads. Riders report feeling every pothole, making extended rides uncomfortable.
2. Subpar Grip from Block-Pattern Tyres
Though styled to look rugged, the tyres provide patchy traction on wet or uneven surfaces. Combined with throttle vagueness, this compromises low-speed maneuvers and confidence on broken roads.
3. Tiny, Hard-to-Read Digital Display
The feature-packed display suffers from being too small, difficult to read while moving, and less user-friendly than expected on a premium scooter. Many point out that it feels outdated for a 2025 flagship.
4. Features Missing or Slightly Underwhelming
Notable omissions include dual-channel ABS (only front disc), no hazard lights, lack of Type-C USB, halogen turn indicators (vs. swiping LEDs in lower-end models), and no cruise-control or cornering lights—all expected at this price or for a touring-capable machine.
5. Initial Engine Response & Refinement Issues
The engine can feel sluggish off the line, requiring throttle twist before response, and is accompanied by noticeable vibrations at idle and low speeds—impacting refinement. The horsepower expires beyond 70 km/h, revealing its performance ceiling.
Summary
At its core, the Hero Xoom 160 is a daring and refreshing entry from Hero MotoCorp: a maxi-style scooter that blends commuter utility with adventure-ready soul. It showcases impeccable design, a flexible riding posture, commendable mid-range performance, and stable handling, along with thoughtful tech integrations—all at a competitive price.
Yet it’s not without compromise. The ride can be rough, the tyres underperform on tricky surfaces, screen and feature execution feel outdated, and engine response lacks polish at the edges.
In summary, here’s a snapshot:
| Strengths | Areas Needing Improvement |
|---|---|
| Stand-out design & robust road presence | Harsh suspension and tyre grip on real-world roads |
| Comfortable ergonomics with flexible positions | Display is too small; lacks modern screen quality |
| Mid-range performance with stable handling | Throttle response and refinement need better execution |
| Value-packed price with smart features | Missing features expected at this segment and price |
If you value style, personality, and a more grown-up riding experience—especially for taller riders or those craving a departure from ordinary scooters—the Xoom 160 makes a compelling case. But if comfort suspension, comprehensive feature sets, and smooth refinement are your top priorities, you might want to weigh these caveats carefully or explore alternatives like the Yamaha Aerox 155.