When it comes to scooters, India has always been a market driven by practicality, mileage, and affordability. However, over the past few years, the trend has shifted towards premium scooters that not only deliver performance but also make a bold style statement. Among these, the Aprilia SXR 160 stands tall as one of the most stylish and performance-oriented maxi-scooters available in the Indian market. Combining Italian design, powerful performance, and modern features, the Aprilia SXR 160 aims to redefine how Indians look at scooters.
we will take a detailed look at the Aprilia SXR 160, covering everything from design and engine performance to features, mileage, pricing, and rivals. If you are planning to buy a premium scooter that balances power, comfort, and style, this in-depth review will help you decide if the Aprilia SXR 160 is the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
1. Design and Styling: A Head-Turner on the Roads
The first thing that grabs your attention about the Aprilia SXR 160 is its striking maxi-scooter design, which makes it stand out from the sea of conventional scooters. Aprilia has infused it with a true European flavor, giving it an aggressive and sporty appeal.
- Front Profile: The SXR 160 gets a sharp apron with an integrated LED headlamp cluster inspired by Aprilia’s sport bikes. The DRLs add a futuristic look and enhance road presence, especially during night rides.
- Body Lines: The scooter features sleek bodywork with aerodynamic contours that not only improve its visual appeal but also enhance performance by reducing drag.
- Wheels and Tyres: The alloy wheels with machine-cut finish and wide tyres further boost its muscular stance.
- Color Options: The scooter is available in eye-catching shades like Red, Blue, Black, and White, each designed to enhance its premium personality.
In short, the Aprilia SXR 160 is not just a scooter—it’s a lifestyle statement for riders who want to combine luxury with daily practicality.
2. Engine and Performance: Power That Excites
Performance is where the Aprilia SXR 160 truly shines. It is powered by a 160cc, 3-valve, fuel-injected engine that delivers a punchy performance compared to most scooters in its category.
- Power Output: The engine produces around 10.9 PS of power at 7100 rpm and 11.6 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm, making it one of the most powerful scooters in its segment.
- Refinement: Thanks to fuel injection, throttle response is smooth and immediate, ensuring a premium riding feel.
- Performance on Roads: Whether you’re zipping through city traffic or cruising on open highways, the SXR 160 provides excellent acceleration and stability.
- Top Speed: Riders can comfortably achieve speeds of 90–95 km/h, making it suitable even for short highway rides.
The engine is tuned not just for raw power but also for refined performance, making the Aprilia SXR 160 both thrilling and practical.
3. Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Sportiness
Maxi-scooters are designed for comfort, and Aprilia has paid special attention to ensuring that the SXR 160 delivers a smooth and enjoyable ride.
- Suspension Setup: The front telescopic forks and rear adjustable shock absorbers absorb bumps with ease, offering a stable ride on Indian roads.
- Braking Performance: Equipped with a front disc brake and rear drum brake (along with single-channel ABS), the scooter offers strong stopping power and rider safety.
- Seating Comfort: The wide seat with premium cushioning ensures comfort for both rider and pillion, even on long rides.
- Rider Ergonomics: The upright riding position, spacious floorboard, and high-quality handlebar grip make it suitable for riders of all sizes.
Overall, the Aprilia SXR 160 strikes the right balance between sporty handling and long-distance comfort.
4. Features and Technology: Loaded with Premium Touches
The Aprilia SXR 160 isn’t just about looks and performance—it also comes with a range of modern features that justify its premium price tag.
- All-LED Lighting: From headlamps to tail lamps, the scooter uses LED technology for better visibility and energy efficiency.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A large LCD display provides real-time information such as speed, fuel level, trip meter, and more.
- Optional Connectivity: Riders can opt for a Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster that connects with smartphones for added convenience.
- Large Underseat Storage: Practical storage space is available for helmets and small essentials.
- USB Charging Port: Ideal for charging smartphones on the go.
These features not only enhance convenience but also make the scooter feel futuristic and well-suited for the modern rider.
5. Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
While the Aprilia SXR 160 focuses more on performance than economy, it still offers a decent mileage for its segment.
- Average Mileage: Riders can expect around 35–40 km/l, depending on riding conditions and style.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: With a 7-litre fuel tank, the scooter offers a practical range for both city commutes and weekend rides.
This makes the Aprilia SXR 160 an acceptable balance between sporty performance and everyday practicality.
6. Price and Variants
The Aprilia SXR 160 is available in a single variant but offers multiple color choices.
- Ex-showroom Price (India): Around ₹1.45 lakh (may vary slightly based on location).
- On-road Price: Depending on city taxes and registration, the on-road cost may go up to ₹1.65–1.7 lakh.
This makes it one of the most premium scooters in India, targeting a niche audience who values style, performance, and exclusivity.
7. Rivals and Market Positioning
The Aprilia SXR 160 does not have many direct rivals, as maxi-scooters are still relatively new in India. However, some competitors include:
- Suzuki Burgman Street EX (125cc): Offers similar styling but lower power output.
- Yamaha Aerox 155: The closest rival in terms of performance and sportiness.
- Vespa 150 series: Focuses on retro design and lifestyle appeal rather than sportiness.
Among these, the Aprilia SXR 160 stands out for offering a true maxi-scooter feel with uncompromised performance.
8. Who Should Buy the Aprilia SXR 160?
The Aprilia SXR 160 is not your average commuter scooter. It is designed for riders who:
- Want premium styling and exclusivity.
- Enjoy powerful performance without compromising on comfort.
- Prefer a scooter that can handle both city traffic and longer weekend rides.
- Value modern features and are willing to pay a premium for them.
If you’re someone who wants to stand out from the crowd and experience a scooter that feels closer to a motorcycle in terms of performance, the SXR 160 is an excellent choice.
9. Final Verdict
The Aprilia SXR 160 represents the perfect blend of Italian design, robust performance, and premium features in the Indian scooter market. While it is more expensive compared to traditional scooters, it offers a lifestyle and riding experience that very few two-wheelers in India can match.
For those who want more than just a daily commuter and are ready to invest in style, comfort, and exclusivity, the Aprilia SXR 160 makes a strong case as one of the most desirable scooters in the country.