TVS Ntorq 150 Review: TVS' new flagship performance scooter has arrived

With the new Ntorq 150, TVS is turning the wick up in the performance-scooter space. More power, more torque, more features, and a whole lot more attitude - this is TVS swinging for the fences. We headed to TVS' test track to see what the fuss is all about.

The Ntorq 150 is not just a reskinned 125. The silhouette might remind you of its smaller sibling, but everything else screams upgrade. The scooter wears a sharper, more aerodynamic design language - highlighted by projector LED headlamps, LED DRLs and turn indicators, and these funky little winglets near the front apron. TVS claims these add aerodynamic stability at higher speeds, and well, they do look cool regardless.

There's something unmistakably edgy about the design. It's youthful without being immature and sporty without being over the top. You get 12-inch wheels at both ends - not quite as big as the 14-inchers on some rivals, but still well suited for urban duty and spirited riding.

TVS also gets full marks for attention to detail. There's adjustable brake levers, a brake lock on the rear lever (super handy on slopes), and a supermoto-style handlebar with no bulky shrouds - giving it a very motorcycle-like feel.

TVS has always pushed the envelope with tech, and the Ntorq 150 is no exception. Two variants can be had - one with a traditional LCD screen and this top-end version that packs a 5-inch TFT display. The layout is clean, easy to read, and packed with info. You also get a Ride-by-wire throttle, two riding modes (Street & Race), and traction control (yes, on a scooter!) with this TFT model, along with single-channel ABS that's on both models. Throw in a start/stop system, turn-by-turn navigation, and voice assist, and you have a scooter that's arguably the most tech-forward in its class.

Under the sharp new skin lies a 149cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that builds on the 125cc motor from the Ntorq Race XP. Output stands at 13+PS and 14+Nm of torque, putting it in the same ballpark as the Yamaha Aerox and Aprilia SR 175.

That said, the character of the motor is slightly different. It's not as immediate or punchy off the line as the Aerox, and the buzziness at idle can be noticeable - especially if the start/stop isn't active. But get rolling, and the motor smoothens out beautifully. At city speeds, especially around the 60–80 kmph mark, it's a joy to ride. You could happily hold 80 kmph all day long, and the scooter wouldn't complain. Crossing the 100 kmph mark, though, takes a bit of effort. If you're on the heavier side, you'll notice the engine has to work that little bit harder. This is where the more powerful rivals might have the edge, especially in outright top-end performance. Still, this is a very fun scooter for city sprints and weekend blasts alike.

With a kerb weight of just 115kg, the Ntorq 150 is delightfully flickable. The chassis is carried over from the 125 but tweaked to handle the added power. The riding position is upright and spacious, and that motorcycle-style handlebar feels natural when cornering or weaving through traffic. The suspension setup - also borrowed from the 125 - is on the softer side. At city speeds or with a pillion, it soaks up bumps well and offers a plush ride. But pick up the pace, and the 12-inch wheels and soft suspension can make it feel a bit wallowy, especially if you're a heavier rider. Some more firmness, or even the option of preload adjustability for that matter, in the rear suspension would've helped maintain composure at higher speeds. Still, for everyday use and the occasional twisty road, the Ntorq 150 is more than up for the task. And yes, the ABS is well-tuned - non-intrusive yet effective.

One of the most surprising aspects of the Ntorq 150 is its exhaust note. TVS has tuned it to be noticeably deeper and more throaty than your average scooter. It's not obnoxiously loud, but once you open up the throttle, it has a raspy, boomy tone that adds to the thrill - especially as you cross the mid-range. Very un-scooter-like, and I love it.

TVS hasn't ignored the practical side of things. You get a 22-litre underseat storage bay and an external fuel filler to the 5.8-litre fuel tank. These touches make the Ntorq 150 quite a capable daily runner too. And with four colour options on offer, there's something for every type of rider.

As much as there is to love about the Ntorq 150, it isn't perfect. The vibrations at idle could have been better managed. Also, for a performance-oriented scooter, the suspension could've used a firmer tune - especially if you plan to ride hard or carry a pillion often.

And while the top-end performance is respectable, it doesn't quite eclipse the Aerox or Aprilia in outright speed. That said, TVS is aiming for a balance here - and for most riders, it nails that sweet spot between performance and practicality.

The TVS Ntorq 150 has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 1.19 lakh (ex-showroom) and the top model will set you back by Rs 1.29 lakh (ex-showroom). 

If you're a performance enthusiast looking for a lively, tech-laden, feature-packed scooter that's also practical for daily use, the Ntorq 150 is absolutely worth a test ride. It may not be the fastest, but it brings a lot to the table - confidence-inspiring brakes, well-judged features, engaging ride quality, and of course, that signature TVS build quality.

The Aerox might still be the king of raw performance, and the Aprilia SR 175 holds its own on style and speed. But the Ntorq 150 is the more well-rounded athlete - with real-world usability, thoughtful features, and just enough edge to keep the fun alive.

Photography: Neel Paradkar