TVS Ntorq 150: Evolution Or A Step Back?

Ever since its debut, the TVS Ntorq 125 revolutionized the 125cc scooter market and has been dominating proceedings in this segment. But there was one big problem, evolution. You see, while TVS added a bunch of features and gave it a bit of a refresh over the past few years, in essence, the Ntorq 125 remained unchanged. This means if you were an Ntorq 125 owner and wanted to upgrade, your option was simple. Say bye-bye to brand TVS and switch to some other scooter marquee. 

The above move was a big problem for the company as it wanted to retain its customer and we have been waiting for a very long time for an Ntorq 125 upgrade. And finally, we have got the new Ntorq 150. Looks sharper, gets a larger displacement engine compared to the Ntorq 125, but there is no liquid cooling and the same 12-inch wheels. So, has TVS taken a step back with the Ntorq 150?

Performance: Beyond the Numbers

One look at the specification sheet and the numbers don’t look great for the Ntorq 150. But you know what, numbers aren’t always the reality. If that was the case, a CA would be writing this article and not me. But there are some numbers which matter, 0 to 60 kph in just 6.3 seconds, the Ntorq 150 is the quickest accelerating scooter in its segment. Yes, in terms of power, it is low, but also it is low on weight, which gives it a great power-to-weight ratio. Because of which you have this snappy, peppy acceleration which makes the Ntorq 150 so much fun to ride in city traffic. 

And yes, those traffic-like drag races would be very, very fun on the Ntorq 150. There are also two riding modes. One is the Street, the other is the Race. In the Race mode, you get a boost of power, which helps you in terms of overtaking. But it would be criminal to just focus on the acceleration of this scooter because there are other two aspects which really impress me. First is the way the scooter does those high speeds. Speeds around 85 to 95 kmph are absolutely effortless. When I was testing this scooter, I had to check the console and cut down my momentum because the manner in which it masks those speeds is incredible. The second aspect is the refinement. Even at speeds around 100 kmph, there is no vibration on this scooter. So the engine feels very unstressed as it has got a bump up in terms of displacement. 

The manner in which  TVS engineers have managed the balance of refinement, performance, and acceleration is just brilliant, and the Ntorq 150 is a  fun and engaging scooter. Additionally on the safety end, it also comes with a traction control system, which might be beneficial on wet roads and loose surfaces. But honestly, I never required its intervention. 

Mileage: Frugal & Fun

With great performance comes bad fuel efficiency. Normally, that is true, but not in the case of the Ntorq 150. The scooter delivered 36 kmpl despite riding it mostly in the city, which is very impressive. So you’re looking at a range of 200 kilometers on a full tank, which is very good but a larger tank would have been more welcome. 

Design & Features: Sharp & Loaded

If I have to use a few words to describe the styling of the new Ntorq 125, then it would be sharp, edgy and striking. Let’s start from the face of the scooter. The raked out apron with the four projector headlights is so unique. Below which are the flanked LED DRLs and the indicators which flow very well with the face of the scooter. The one element that I really like is the exposed handlebar which gives the scooter a raw appeal. There is also a small winglet which I’m sure is more for aesthetics than aerodynamics. The tail section too carries forward the edgy design language with a twin boomerang LED tail light which looks cool. 

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In profile, the Ntorq design language is clearly visible. If the above wasn’t enough, there are some really loud and flashy colour combinations on offer and the Ntorq 150 did grab a lot of attention wherever I went. Personally, I thought the 12-inch piece might not go well with the overall design, but they somehow work and in terms of aesthetics, TVS designers have nailed it.

The variant we were testing came with the TFT screen which is loaded with information and features. The layout of the console is very clear and the tachometer is a cool addition. You can switch through the various settings via a switch cube. The quality of which is the absolute best in the segment and so is the overall quality of the scooter. You get details such as average speed, top speed, acceleration timings, traction control settings, ride modes and service reminder.

Via the app, you can access turn-by-turn navigation, music control, voice command, crash alert and more. There is also a start-stop system. The intervention of the same can be controlled. You also have a top speed limiter. It is also the only scooter in the segment to get an adjustable lever while the brake lock is useful. 

Now let’s talk about convenience. You get a small cubby hole over here which has a 2 litre capacity to store some knick-knacks over here. The USB charger is underneath the seat, which kind of defeats any logic. Talking about the underseat storage, it is 22 litres. Decent enough for a normal helmet but yeah, in terms of space, it could have been better.

Ride, Handling & Braking: Dynamics On Point

So by now, we have established that the Ntorq 150 is a fast and fun motorcycle in a straight line, but so are a lot of other scooters. What made the Ntorq so special was its handling dynamics because it felt so nimble, agile, and so easy to steer. Gladly, the Ntorq 150 also carries forward the same DNA that we had seen on the Ntorq 125. The 12-inch wheels make it very nimble and agile when you are cutting through traffic ,making your commutes engaging. And in terms of fast cornering too, the Ntorq 150 is very stable and it engages with the rider by  giving you loads of confidence. Yes, the tyres  on the 14-inch wheels are not very wide, but for the chassis they are adequate. 

The other aspect that is very impressive is the ride quality of the scooter. Yes, the front end felt a bit firm compared to the rear, but when you compare to the scooters in this segment, the Ntorq 150 clearly has the best ride quality, which adds to the element of comfort. Now coming to the brakes, the brakes do a good job. From the lever, you get nice feedback, but the bite could have been better. The Ntorq 150 has a very peppy and snappy acceleration, so you want to shed those speeds quicker. So maybe a slightly sharper brake would have been better.

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Verdict: 

The Ntorq 150 doesn’t get liquid-cooling or 14-inch wheels as seen on its rival, and the simple reasoning is cost-cutting. The base variant is priced at ₹1,09,000, while the top-end variant with the TFT screen retails at ₹1,18,000 (both prices mentioned are ex-showroom). So as you can see, it has a clear cost advantage over its rivals and I think that TVS has been very clever with it. Among these two variants, my pick is the base variant unless you are a tech geek who wants all the connected features. Because the base variant offers you all the performance that you want and with that extra money that you have saved, you can invest in riding gear.

As for the verdict, the Ntorq 150 is a brilliant scooter. The performance is exciting, the handling is fun, it is comfortable and as an overall package of a  fast city scooter, the Ntorq 150 delivers. No wonder then the TVS Ntorq 150 went on to clinch the 2026 Acko Drive Bike Of The Year trophy. In terms of negatives, the motor  is an all-new engine, so one doesn't know how reliable it is over a long period of time.. The second aspect is the service quality of TVS is not the best out there, we have heard a lot of complaints, so you have to make that decision based on the ratings for the service center in your area.

Having said that, if you want a fast, fun and comfortable scooter at a great price point, the Ntorq 150 is absolutely brilliant. And if you are an existing Ntorq 125 owner, the Ntorq 150 is a good step up in terms of performance, in terms of fun and in terms of a good price point. So yeah, with the Ntorq 150, TVS has killed it.