Hero Destini 110 vs TVS Zest 110
The Indian commuter scooter segment continues to evolve with manufacturers introducing refined products that balance affordability, efficiency, and practicality. Two compelling options in this space are the Hero Destini 110 and the TVS Zest 110, both targeting riders who prioritize lightweight handling, fuel economy, and everyday usability. This comprehensive comparison examines these scooters across every parameter to help you make an informed buying decision.
Table of Contents
Market Positioning and Target Audience
Both scooters occupy the essential 110cc segment but with slightly different philosophies. The Hero Destini 110 represents a fresh approach from India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, bringing retro-modern styling and family-friendly features to the affordable segment. Launched in September 2025, it slots below the Destini 125 and shares its engine with the sportier Hero Xoom 110.
The TVS Zest 110 has established itself as a lightweight, maneuverable scooter primarily marketed toward women riders and first-time buyers. It sits between the more compact TVS Scooty Pep Plus and the larger Jupiter 110 in TVS’s scooter lineup, offering a balanced package of accessibility and practicality. The Zest has gained recognition for achievements like becoming the first 110cc scooter to reach Khardung La, proving its capabilities beyond city limits.
Design Language: Retro Charm vs Youthful Energy
The visual identity of these scooters reflects their distinct target demographics and brand philosophies.
Hero Destini 110: Neo-Retro Sophistication
The Destini 110 adopts neo-retro design cues that create a mature, elegant appearance. The front features projector LED headlamps that provide excellent illumination while adding premium appeal. Hero’s signature H-shaped LED tail lamp distinguishes the scooter from behind, creating a memorable visual signature.
Chrome detailing throughout the bodywork enhances the premium feel, while smooth, flowing lines give the scooter a sophisticated presence. The design clearly targets family buyers seeking style without aggressive sportiness. The front looks modern yet conventional, earning broad appeal across age groups.
However, the rear section appears busier with various design elements competing for attention. While the front maintains clean aesthetics, some riders may find the tail section less cohesive. Despite this minor criticism, the overall design successfully differentiates the Destini 110 in a crowded segment.
Available in six color options including Eternal White, Nexus Blue, Matt Steel Grey, Groovy Red, Nexus Blue for the ZX variant, and Aqua Grey, Hero provides decent variety though the Destini 110 misses the dual-tone paint schemes offered on the larger Destini 125.
TVS Zest 110: Compact and Cheerful
The Zest 110 embraces a more youthful, energetic design philosophy that appeals to younger riders. The styling has evolved to become more sophisticated compared to previous generations while retaining the compact dimensions that make it approachable for new riders.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Scooty Pep, the Zest 110 features angular, compact bodywork that looks modern and fresh. The front is dominated by a halogen headlamp with an LED DRL positioned below, creating a distinctive face. Vertically-stacked turn indicators add to the contemporary appearance.
Dual-tone seat covers, beige interior panels, and a premium 3D logo enhance the scooter’s appeal. The design language prioritizes approachability and style over aggression, perfectly suiting its target demographic of women riders and urban commuters.
Engine Performance: Power and Efficiency
Both scooters employ air-cooled, single-cylinder engines optimized for city commuting, though with different displacement figures and tuning philosophies.
Hero Destini 110: Refined and Efficient
The Destini 110 is powered by a 110.9cc BS6 Phase 2 compliant engine that develops 8.07 bhp at 7,100 rpm and 8.87 Nm of torque at 5,300 rpm. This motor prioritizes smoothness and fuel efficiency over outright performance, delivering adequate power for city commuting and occasional highway runs.
The engine features Hero’s i3S idle stop-start technology that automatically shuts off the engine at traffic lights, improving fuel economy in congested conditions. A one-way clutch ensures jerk-free starts, particularly beneficial in stop-and-go traffic situations that dominate urban riding.
Hero claims an impressive fuel efficiency figure of 56.2 kmpl under standard test conditions. User reports suggest real-world mileage of approximately 48 kmpl under mixed riding conditions, making the Destini 110 among the most efficient scooters in its segment. Conservative riding styles can push figures closer to the claimed number.
Power delivery is linear and predictable, without any sudden surges or drops. The engine feels adequately powerful for solo riders and manages pillion duties reasonably well on flat terrain. Highway riding at sustained speeds above 70 kmph feels taxing for the engine, revealing the Destini’s city-focused nature.
TVS Zest 110: Peppy and Responsive
The Zest 110 employs a slightly smaller 109.7cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 7.71 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 8.8 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. While peak power figures trail the Hero marginally, the TVS engine delivers its torque at higher revs, creating a more rev-happy character.
TVS equips the Zest with EcoThrust Fuel Injection (ETFi) technology that optimizes fuel delivery for improved efficiency, startability, and throttle response. The electronic fuel injection system ensures consistent performance across varying weather conditions and altitudes.
The manufacturer claims an ARAI-certified mileage of 62 kmpl, though user reports suggest real-world figures of approximately 45 kmpl under typical riding conditions. While the claimed figure appears optimistic, the actual mileage remains competitive within the segment.
The engine character feels peppier and more responsive compared to the Destini, encouraging riders to explore higher rev ranges. Initial acceleration proves adequate for city traffic, with the scooter feeling lively off the line. The top speed reaches approximately 80 kmph, sufficient for occasional highway jaunts.
The continuously variable transmission ensures smooth power delivery without any step changes, making the Zest easy and intuitive to ride for beginners. Engine refinement matches segment standards, with acceptable vibration levels that don’t intrude on the riding experience.
Features and Technology: Modern Convenience
Both scooters pack practical features designed to enhance daily usability, though with different priorities.
Hero Destini 110: Family-Focused Practicality
The Destini 110 employs a semi-digital instrument cluster that combines analog speedometer with digital readouts for fuel level and odometer. While not cutting-edge, the display provides essential information with adequate visibility in various lighting conditions.
The base VX variant includes practical features like a front glove box for storing small items, boot lamp for illuminating under-seat storage, and combined braking system for enhanced safety. The top ZX variant adds a front disc brake and pillion backrest, improving both performance and comfort.
Standard features across variants include LED illumination throughout, side stand indicator with engine cut-off, and service reminder indicator. A USB charging port keeps smartphones powered during commutes, addressing modern connectivity needs.
The under-seat storage capacity accommodates a half-face helmet and small personal items, meeting basic practicality requirements. The metal body construction enhances durability and provides better crash protection compared to full-plastic alternatives.
With a seat height of 1,154mm, the Destini remains accessible to shorter riders while providing adequate space for taller individuals. The longest seat in the segment ensures comfort during extended rides and better accommodates pillion riders.
TVS Zest 110: Smart Connectivity
The Zest 110 distinguishes itself through SmartXonnect technology that brings Bluetooth connectivity to this affordable segment. The digital instrument cluster pairs with smartphones via the TVS Connect app, displaying call alerts, navigation prompts, and other notifications.
This connectivity feature represents a significant advantage for younger, tech-savvy riders who value staying connected during commutes. The system works reliably without draining smartphone battery excessively or creating riding distractions.
Other practical features include an engine kill switch for added safety, parking brake for secure parking on inclines, front storage box for small items, and 19 liters of under-seat storage with an integrated boot lamp. The storage capacity exceeds many competitors, accommodating daily essentials comfortably.
TVS incorporates SBT (Synchronized Braking Technology) braking system that distributes braking force between wheels, improving stopping distances and stability. While not as sophisticated as CBS found on some competitors, SBT delivers adequate safety.
Standard equipment includes a side stand alarm that alerts riders if the stand remains down, hazard warning indicators for roadside emergencies, and pillion grabrail for passenger confidence. A USB charging port addresses modern connectivity requirements.
The 760mm seat height represents one of the lowest in any segment, making the Zest incredibly accessible for shorter riders and beginners. This low seat height remains the scooter’s signature advantage, building confidence for new riders who can easily plant both feet firmly on the ground.
TVS Zest 110: Light and Maneuverable
The Zest 110 utilizes a duplex tubular frame with sheet metal body panels, creating a rigid yet lightweight structure. At just 103kg kerb weight, the Zest ranks among the lightest scooters in any segment, transforming the urban riding experience.
This featherweight construction makes the scooter incredibly easy to maneuver through traffic, requiring minimal effort to change direction or navigate tight spaces. The light weight also enhances acceleration, making the scooter feel peppier than power figures suggest.
Suspension setup includes telescopic front forks and coil spring with hydraulic dampers at the rear. The tuning feels slightly firm compared to the Destini, delivering better body control and more engaging handling at the expense of some ride comfort over broken surfaces.
With 150mm ground clearance, the Zest handles typical Indian road obstacles adequately though riders must exercise caution over larger speed bumps when carrying pillions. The 10-inch wheels (90/100 front and 90/90 rear, both tubeless) are smaller than most competitors, contributing to the compact dimensions but slightly compromising high-speed stability.
Drum brakes at both ends (110mm front and 130mm rear) provide adequate stopping power for the scooter’s light weight. The SBT system distributes braking force effectively, preventing rear wheel lockup during panic stops. While disc brake options would enhance braking performance, the existing setup proves sufficient for typical city riding.
The 5-liter fuel tank is marginally smaller than the Destini’s but still provides reasonable range given the scooter’s efficiency. Most riders can expect 180-225km range between fuel stops.
The 1,250mm wheelbase contributes to nimble handling while the compact 1,770mm overall length makes parking and storage significantly easier than larger scooters.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Price represents a crucial factor in this segment where buyers carefully weigh every rupee spent.
Hero Destini 110: Competitive Pricing
The Hero Destini 110 price starts at Rs. 72,000 for the base VX variant and extends to Rs. 79,000 for the top ZX variant (ex-showroom Delhi). These introductory prices position the Destini competitively against established rivals while undercutting the larger Destini 125.
The 2025 on-road price in Delhi reaches approximately Rs. 86,331 for the base variant after including RTO charges and insurance. State-wise variations mean buyers in different regions will encounter different final prices, though the Destini remains competitively priced nationally.
The base VX variant at Rs. 72,000 represents excellent value for buyers on tight budgets, though it requires compromises like drum brakes and lack of pillion backrest. For Rs. 7,000 additional investment, the ZX variant adds meaningful equipment including front disc brake and backrest, making it the recommended choice for buyers who can afford the premium.
Hero’s extensive service network across India ensures convenient maintenance and readily available spare parts, reducing long-term ownership costs. The company’s reputation for reliability and durability adds intangible value that influences buying decisions.
TVS Zest 110: Affordable Entry Point
The TVS Zest 110 price ranges from Rs. 70,600 to Rs. 75,500 (ex-showroom), making it marginally more affordable than the Destini 110 at entry level. The base Gloss variant starts at Rs. 70,600, with the Matte Series and top SXC variant reaching Rs. 75,500.
The 2025 on-road price in Delhi approximates Rs. 86,278 after including registration and insurance charges, comparable to the Hero offering. The Zest’s lower starting price creates an attractive entry point for budget-conscious buyers, particularly first-time riders or students.
With three variants spanning different feature levels, buyers enjoy flexibility in choosing equipment that matches their requirements and budget. The extensive color options don’t command premium pricing, allowing buyers to express personality without financial penalty.
TVS’s growing service network ensures reasonable parts availability and maintenance access, though the network density doesn’t quite match Hero’s. Service costs remain competitive within the segment, making the Zest economical to maintain.
The value proposition strengthens when considering features like Bluetooth connectivity that typically appear on more expensive scooters. For buyers prioritizing modern technology, the Zest delivers functionality typically found in premium segments.
Competitive Landscape: Market Context
Understanding how these scooters compare against alternatives provides broader perspective.
Both the Destini 110 and Zest 110 compete in the intensely contested 110cc segment against established players like the Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access 125, and Hero Pleasure Plus. Each competitor brings unique strengths to the segment.
The Honda Activa remains the segment benchmark with unmatched brand recognition, extensive service network, and proven reliability. However, it commands premium pricing and offers conservative styling that doesn’t appeal to younger buyers.
The TVS Jupiter delivers balanced practicality with modern features and larger storage capacity than both scooters discussed here. It represents a more mature alternative for riders prioritizing utility over style.
The Hero Pleasure Plus targets women riders directly with feminine design cues and accessible ergonomics, competing closely with the Zest 110 for the same demographic.
Within this competitive context, the Destini 110 positions itself as a stylish, efficient family scooter that balances retro aesthetics with modern functionality at accessible prices. The Zest 110 distinguishes itself through incredibly light weight, low seat height, and modern connectivity features that appeal to younger, tech-savvy buyers.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Perfect City Companion
Selecting between the Hero Destini 110 and TVS Zest 110 ultimately depends on individual priorities, riding scenarios, and personal preferences.
Choose the Hero Destini 110 If:
You prioritize fuel efficiency above all else, with the Destini’s 48 kmpl real-world mileage leading the comparison. The i3S technology delivers tangible fuel savings for riders frequently stuck in traffic.
You value mature, sophisticated styling over youthful energy. The neo-retro design appeals to families and older riders seeking elegance without sacrificing modernity.
You need better high-speed stability for occasional highway riding. The 114kg kerb weight and larger 12-inch wheels provide planted feel at sustained speeds.
You prioritize Hero’s extensive service network and proven reliability. The brand’s reputation and dealer density ensure convenient maintenance and peace of mind.
You prefer comfortable, plush riding quality over sporty handling. The softer suspension setup delivers better ride comfort over broken roads.
Choose the TVS Zest 110 If:
You value incredibly light weight and effortless maneuverability for congested urban riding. The 103kg kerb weight transforms the city commuting experience.
You need the lowest seat height available for maximum accessibility. The 760mm seat height builds confidence for shorter riders and beginners.
You prioritize modern technology and connectivity features. The Bluetooth-enabled SmartXonnect system brings premium functionality to an affordable package.
You prefer peppy, responsive engine character over pure efficiency. The rev-happy engine feels livelier during spirited riding.
You want extensive color customization with trendy matte finishes. The eight color options provide more personality expression than competitors.
You appreciate compact dimensions that simplify parking and storage. The smallest footprint in the segment proves invaluable in space-constrained environments.
Final Thoughts: Two Valid Approaches
Both the Hero Destini 110 and TVS Zest 110 represent well-executed products that successfully serve their target demographics. Neither scooter is objectively superior; they simply prioritize different attributes.
The Destini 110 excels as a refined, efficient family scooter that balances style, comfort, and economy. It appeals to buyers seeking hassle-free transportation with distinctive aesthetics and proven reliability. The comprehensive dealer network and Hero’s reputation add intangible value that influences long-term satisfaction.
The Zest 110 shines as an accessible, technology-forward city runabout that prioritizes maneuverability and modern features. It particularly suits women riders, beginners, and younger buyers who value connectivity and style. The incredibly light weight creates a riding experience unlike heavier alternatives.
Your choice should align with how you’ll primarily use the scooter. For family duties, occasional highway rides, and maximum fuel efficiency, the Destini 110 delivers better overall capability. For congested city commuting, maximum accessibility, and modern technology, the Zest 110 provides superior urban credentials.
Both scooters prove that affordable doesn’t mean compromised. They deliver genuine value, practical functionality, and distinctive character at accessible price points. Test ride both to experience the differences firsthand, then select the scooter that resonates with your personal priorities. Either choice will serve you well as a reliable, economical city companion in 2025 and beyond.
