TVS Phoenix 125 Review
TVS Phoenix 125 is a complete VFM bike
Saturday, January 12, 2013Overview of TVS Phoenix 125
After the failure of Flame, TVS is all set to start their new innings in the 125cc segment of bikes in India with a new player called Phoenix 125. TVS claims this bike to be India’s first premium 125cc bike. Does this bike have the potential to change the fortune of TVS in our Indian bike market?
TVS Phoenix 125 Exterior
Frankly speaking, the bike doesn’t look as premium as TVS proclaims. Yes, it’s different than the regular 125cc crowd but it can’t beat Bajaj Discover 125 ST and Hero Ignitor. At first glance you can figure out easily that this bike belongs to TVS. The bike resembles a lot to other cheaper siblings like Jive, Sport and Star City. At the front, it has a bikini fairing which sports graphics on it. The tinted visor comes with flowing lines which looks cool with its smart headlight. It has a stylish headlight with integrated LED pilot lamps. This feature is first in its class and surely grabs your attention at night. The flexible clear lens indicator is a welcome feature in this bike. The front fender is also very sharp and makes this bike look aggressive. The Roto petal disc plate and six spoke alloy wheels are very similar to its elder sibling Apache. The bike follows the all black theme with black finished alloy wheels, engine and muffler. When you look it sideways, you may feel that TVS has overdone the graphics on its fuel tank which isn’t much impressive for sure. Its rear grab rail, suspension and front part of its side panel comes painted in white color. At the back, it has a broad rear fender which carries the number plate and side indicators. It has a full size tail light which makes it look attractive when seen from the back.
Instrument Console of TVS Phoenix 125
There is something unique and interesting in this department. Phoenix 125 has a complete digital instrument console which features digital speedometer, tachometer, trip meter, odometer and fuel gauge. The bike also features service reminder, clock and other indicators. This instrument console uses orange color for illumination. You can say it’s the best instrument console ever used in any 125cc bike in India.
Engine and Gearbox
TVS Phoenix 125 uses a mono-cylinder, 124.5cc engine which pumps out a power output of 10.8 bhp at 8000 rpm. The utmost torque output of this air-cooled, 4-stroke engine is 10.8 Nm which is accessible at 6000 rpm. Similar to other siblings, Phoenix is also equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox with all gears up- shift pattern.
Acceleration and Performance
The performance of this engine feels inferior if compared to its rivals. The bike feels very much similar to its predecessor Flame. TVS has kept the initial gears very short so that it never hesitates in city traffic. There is no need of frequent gear shifts as bike musters up enough torque at low rpms. It does 0-60km/hr in 6 seconds and can cross the speed of 105km/hr. The bike surely feels better than many entry level 125 cc bikes at low rpms but feels hungry for power at high speeds. TVS should have increased its power output as it lags behind than most of its competitors at high speeds. However, its initial throttle response is impressive but after a certain limit, this engine feels dead. This engine is well tuned and refined and works well with its smooth gearbox. If it had a fifth gear and more power output then things would have been much better.
TVS Phoenix 125 Mileage
The early torque production and light weight helps it to return good fuel efficiency. It can give you a mileage of around 55-60km/ltr in city conditions while these figures increase by at least 5km/ltr on long runs.
Comfort while Driving TVS Phoenix 125
TVS Phoenix 125 is a commuter bike which offers relaxed position with front-set foot pegs. It has a compact handlebar which offer convenient palm grip. TVS also offers engine kill switch on this handle bar along with quality plastic buttons. It features a broad and long seat which feels well cushioned and makes this bike appropriate for long journeys. You will feel very comfortable on this bike with perfectly folded knees around its tank.
Storage Space and Safety Features
TVS Phoenix 125 has under seat storage space while it features rear saree guard, front leg guard and pass button for your safety.
Suspension and Braking
TVS Phoenix 125 has telescopic forks at its front and sports first in class, dual spring shock absorbers with rectangular swing arm at the back. The basic variant of this bike comes equipped with drum brakes of 130mm on its both wheels. It’s also available with an optional front disc brake of 240mm.
TVS Phoenix 125 Ride and Handling
TVS Phoenix 125 is a very light bike in terms of handling which offers a comfortable ride. The suspension of this bike takes most of the bumps easily and holds it comfortably on highways. It can easily be steered in city traffic with accurate braking system. The disc brake of this bike functions really well and you always have the sense of control at high speeds. It has high ground clearance of 165mm which is very much needed on our Indian roads filled with nasty speed breakers and potholes. For high speed stability and sharp corners, it has a wheelbase of 1265mm. The bike turns easily and feels safe around corners but we have an issue with its rear tyre. The road grip and stability would have been much better if it had a wider rear tyre.
Most Prominent Features
- Twin LED pilot lamps
- Petal disc brakes
- Aircraft inspired decals
- Black alloy wheels
- Duel spring suspension
- Fully digital instrument console
- Hazard lamps
- Engine kill switch
Shades Available
Phoenix 125 is available in five eye-catching dual-tone shades:
- Moroccan Red
- Alaskan Green
- Helsinki Black Silver
- Belgian Black Red
- Oxford Grey
Verdict
The disc variant of TVS Phoenix 125 is priced at INR 52.9K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). At this price, we must say it’s a complete value for money bike. Yes, it is less stylish than others but TVS has priced it very competitively and stuffed it with many premium features. For the first time, we can say confidently that if you are looking for an economical yet powerful, feature rich and fuel efficient 125cc bike then you should opt for this bike from TVS.