Manila Bulletin

Honda launches ADV 150 and Genio scooter

New off-road and city offerings

- INIGO S. ROCES

There are two new unique scooters to choose from as Honda Philippine­s, Inc. took the wraps of two highly- anticipate­d motorcycle­s. These two new models, the ADV 150 and Genio are intended to offer distinct style and capabiliti­es to the growing discernmen­t of the motorcycle buying public.

All-new Genio

Honda’s first offering is a new AT scooter intended for the stylish and trendy set. The new Genio picks up where the original Scoopy left off, aimed at the growing number of female riders. Quite appropriat­ely, it tips the scales at just 90 kg thanks to its new, ultra lightweigh­t frame called the enhanced Smart Architectu­re Frame (eSAF). Its seat height is also at an accessible 740 mm. It boasts of a large underseat utility box capable of storing 14-liters in volume. There’s also a power outlet in there to charge devices.

Powering the Genio is a singlecyli­nder, 110 cc, fuel-injected enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine that produces 9.0 PS at 7,000 rpm and 9.3 Nm at 5,500 rpm. It’s linked to a V-belt CVT and kept aloft by telescopic forks in front and a single-sided swingarm in the rear. A disc brake in front and a drum brake in the rear bring it to a quick stop, thanks to the included Combi-Brake System. It rolls on tubeless tires.

It is equipped with a fully digital meter that features an ECO light to help riders achieve a claimed 59.1 km/L of fuel consumptio­n. That guarantees riders will be able to go far with a 4.2 liter tank.

The Genio will arrive at authorized Honda dealers starting December 2019 in just one variant and a choice of two colors at R72,900.

Helping Honda promote the Genio is their newest brand ambassador, actress, Yassi Pressman, who will be featured in all the campaign and promotiona­l materials of the new Genio.

All-new ADV 150

However, the star of the launch was undoubtedl­y the all-new ADV 150. It is powered by the same liquid-cooled, enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine in the PCX 150, with similar 14.6 Ps of power and 13.6 Nm of torque. It features Honda’s Idling Stop System and stops and starts the engine after idling for some time to save fuel.

While it may share similariti­es with the PCX, the improvemen­ts to make it off-road capable are evident in the form of the longer telescopic front suspension and twin Showa rear coilspring­s with subtanks. This gives it a ground clearance of 165 mm, much higher than the typical scooter range (130-135mm). Naturally, this also raises the seat height to 795 mm.

It rides on larger 110 mm 14-inch tubeless tires in front and 120 mm 13-inch tubeless tires in the rear. It’s brought to a stop with discs in front and behind, governed by ABS (front only) and with a Combi Brake System.

The inspiratio­n from its larger X-ADV 750 sibling is evident with similar angular styling and split LED headlights. The tail lights are also LED and include an emergency stop signal that automatica­lly pulsates the lights under hard braking. All these features add some heft as it tips the scales at 133 kg. As such, this is recommende­d for riders of medium or larger height and build.

For the rider, he’ll find a new digital meter panel that will have all the necessary displays and trip info, including average and instantane­ous fuel consumptio­n as well as trip meters. There’s a tapered handlebar for him to grab on to. The windscreen is also adjustable to two levels.

Below the handlebar is a compartmen­t that features a built-in power outlet. The other side houses the smart key system selection knob and seat unlock button. The underseat storage boasts of 28 liters in volume, capable of storing a full-face helmet and other items.

Those interested in acquiring the bike may place their order but will have to wait as stocks of the ADV 150 will arrive in January 2020 at R149,000.

“The all-new Genio and the all-new ADV 150 combine innovation with style and function so it’s not only the male riders who will experience the joy of riding, but ladies as well,” said Honda Philippine­s President, Susumu Mitsuishi.

 ??  ??
 ??  ?? Yassi Pressman and the all-new Genio.
Yassi Pressman and the all-new Genio.
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines