2018 Honda Click 150i: First impression

The last few days have brought in good tidings for automobile enthusiasts in the Philippines. Not only have we received the news that the 2018 Ranger, as well as the new Raptor, has been launched here but also about the new Click range of scooters from Honda. Now, these are our two favourite segments - pickups and scooters.

The latter comes in the Click 125i as well as in 150i forms. The 2018 Honda Click 150i is the top dog when it comes to the Honda scooters now. The 2018 Honda Click 150i price is Php 95,900. It is available in four colors - Matte Solar Red Metallic, Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, Matte Crypton Silver Metallic, and Pearl Fadeless White. Bookings will start in a few days from now and the scooters will be available across all Honda dealerships in the country. Here is our first impression about the new Honda Click 150i scooter.

Design

Both the Honda Click 125i and the 150i siblings look similar. The changes include all-LED headlights with a string of LED DRLs flanking them. It is now a well-known fact that Honda as a company is slowly moving towards LED lights. Be it in their cars, motorcycles or scooters. The Honda Click 150i is a classic example. Its blinkers, as well as tail lights, are LED now.

The scooter features a sharper and edgier design. A fully digital instrument cluster is a new addition as well. This instrument cluster features speed readout, twin trip meters, distance to empty, fuel gauge, clock, battery indicator, oil change interval, tell tale lights as well as a  service indicator. Honda has added a shutter key lock that eliminates the need to remove the key from its slot. Speaking of which, the new Honda Click 150i makes use of a new keyless ignition system. One has to keep the key fob in the pocket and press the starter. It also includes an anti-theft as well as answer back facility.

If you look at the foot pegs of the scooter, they are done in brushed aluminium. There is also 18 litres of under-seat storage which will help store a full face helmet. A 3D emblem enhances the look of the scooter.

Engine and performance

Honda has enhanced the existing 150 cc oil cooled fuel injected mill. This engine makes 13 PS of power at 8,500 rpm and 13.4 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. A variomatic belt transfers power to the rear wheel. Honda also has added a start-stop system that detects if the scooter has been idling for more than five seconds. It shuts off the ignition and automatically restarts the scooter when the accelerator is twisted. While in motion, it converts the potential energy from the brakes into electrical energy for use in restarting the engine. This too helps in saving fuel immensely. The result is a claimed fuel efficiency of 52 kmpl. This with the 5-litre fuel tank should comfortably give a range of 250 km before needing a refuel.

Mechanical bits

The 2018 Honda Click 150i specs say that the scooter measures 1,919 x 679 x 1,062 mm while the wheelbase is 1,280 mm. The seat height is set at 769 mm whereas the ground clearance is 132 mm. Honda has also given slightly wider tubeless tyres than before - 90/80 - 14 M/C 43P in the front and 100/80 - 14 M/C 48P at the back. The overall kerb weight of the scooter is 113 kg. Suspension bits include telescopic forks in the front and a unit swingarm at the back. Braking duties are taken care of by a floating disc brake in the front and a drum at the back. These brakes are interlinked through the Combined Braking System. A rear brake lock clamp has also been provided for. It will prevent the scooter from rolling when parked on an incline.

If you look at the updated Honda Click 150i, then there are few scooters that will match its price tag, features as well as the efficiency. Honda says that the price is introductory and will rise in the near future. A source tells us that the first lot of scooters have already been accounted for. We suggest you hurry to the nearest showroom to reserve your new Honda Click 150i before they run out of stock again.