Style or substance: The choice is yours

The restyling job has given the Scooty Pep a distinctive identity but it fails to convince connoisseurs of powerful biking

Motorcycles may rule the roads today but when it comes to the by-lanes of the Punes, Dehraduns and Chandigarhs of India, nothing matches the scooterettes.

Since the days of the Sunny, the scooterette has been associated with teenagers and the fairer sex. The shift towards feminity has been complete with manufacturers trying to make their vehicles look as feline as possible. The restyling job has given the TVS Scooty Pep a distinctive identity but it fails to convince. The 75cc four-stroke unit feels a little short of pep and initial acceleration is sluggish though the engine has depth. On the other end of the spectrum is the Kinetic Zing 80.

A two-tone paint job, a sharp beak for a headlamp and stylish teardrop indicators all add to its haute look. The 71cc two-stroke mill though peppier runs out of breathe quickly. But in stop and go traffics, there is no denying the Zing 80. Scooty Pep comes with two-tone body-panels and the effect is better than in the Zing 80. The switchgear quality is better in the Scooty Pep and so is storage space. In the final analysis the Zing will do well in the by-lanes. But, when it comes to taking the roads, one will be better off with the Scooty Pep. So what if it’s boring.

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Perks It’s very stable. It’s well built and will last long. The underseat compartment can be removed. Nags It’s sluggish. Switchgear quality could have been better. Looks a bit plump from certain angles.