The 2025 NADA Auto Show in Kathmandu wasn’t short on headline moments, but few stood out like the official unveiling of the Hero Xoom 125R. While Hero MotoCorp has long held a strong foothold in the budget commuter segment in Nepal, this new launch feels different, more ambitious, more refined, and certainly more assertive. CG Motors, the authorized distributor of Hero in Nepal, has positioned the Xoom 125R as a bold statement, an attempt to redefine what the 125cc scooter category can look like and feel like for the everyday Nepali rider.
But is the Xoom 125R just another cosmetic update, or does it offer something more meaningful in this competitive space? Let’s take a deep dive.
A Fresh Design that Turns Heads
At first glance, the Hero Xoom 125R is anything but conservative. It wears a sharp, aggressive design with aerodynamic lines, giving it a silhouette that feels closer to a performance scooter than your everyday commuter. Its Falcon-inspired LED projector headlamp with distinctive H-shaped DRLs immediately sets the tone, it’s expressive, sporty, and far more daring than what we’ve come to expect from Hero in the past.
What further elevates its road presence is the use of 14-inch machined alloy wheels paired with a wide 120mm rear tyre, adding to its planted and muscular stance. The dual-tone color schemes, sharply cut side panels, and segment-first sequential LED indicators on the handlebar offer a level of visual sophistication that’s rare in this price bracket.
Even the tail section embraces a sporty identity, with a bold upswept profile and split-type LED taillight. That said, Hero could have pushed the envelope a little further by integrating the turn signals into the taillight unit for a cleaner, more modern finish.
Engine and Performance: A Balanced Package
Under the bodywork, the Xoom 125R runs on a 124.6cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine. This is the same new-gen engine used in the latest Hero Destini 125, producing 9.92 PS at 7250 rpm and 10.4 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. Paired with a CVT transmission, this powertrain leans more toward refinement than aggression.
But here’s the twist: while the engine may be tuned for smooth city rides, Hero has cleverly integrated sharper ergonomics and styling to create a unique middle ground. The scooter clocks 0–60 km/h in just 7.6 seconds, outperforming some of its more overtly sporty rivals like the TVS NTorq XP. For everyday riders in urban environments like Kathmandu or Pokhara, this translates to zippy performance without sacrificing comfort or fuel efficiency.
Hero’s inclusion of the i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) further underscores the scooter’s dual character, it’s performance-oriented, yet pragmatic, with fuel-saving tech for city commutes.
Features That Push the Segment Forward
What makes the Hero Xoom 125R truly compelling is how feature-packed it is for the price. You’re not just getting LED lights and disc brakes; you’re getting a nearly top-tier experience:
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Falcon-inspired LED projector headlamp
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14-inch alloy wheels with a wide 120mm rear tyre
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Front petal disc brake + rear drum with CBS
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Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation
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LCD instrument cluster with range and mileage indicators
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USB charging port in the front storage compartment
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Remote fuel-lid opening with buzzer
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i3S technology for idle fuel saving
These features bring a level of premium-ness typically seen in higher segments, and Hero has smartly bundled them into a single fully-loaded variant, eliminating the confusion of variant shopping and ensuring every buyer gets the best offering.
Instrument Cluster:
The Xoom 125R sports a full-LCD digital display, offering essential information like speed, fuel level, trip meter, and distance to empty. It even features Bluetooth connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation, a notable inclusion at this price.
However, when placed side by side with rivals like the TVS NTorq 125, the layout and UI feel a bit restrained. There’s a sense that Hero could have done more to match the performance persona with a flashier, more advanced digital experience.
Dimensions, Ride Comfort, and Practicality
The Xoom 125R measures 1978 mm in length with a wheelbase of 1327 mm, making it one of the largest scooters in its segment. In fact, it inches close to maxi-scooter proportions, almost rivaling the Yamaha Aerox 155 in sheer size. Yet, its kerb weight of 121 kg and ground clearance of 164 mm make it very practical for Nepal’s urban roads and occasional uneven terrain.
The stepped seat is ergonomically designed, offering good comfort for both rider and pillion. However, the under-seat storage is limited to 17 liters, a number that falls short when compared to competitors like the TVS Jupiter 110 (which offers 33 liters). The silver lining here is the inclusion of usable front pockets and a USB charging slot.
Hero Xoom 125R Price in Nepal
The Hero Xoom 125R has been launched in Nepal at Rs. 3,09,900, available in a single fully-loaded variant. That’s a sharp price, especially considering the level of equipment on offer. The “R” badge, unique to the Nepal market, signifies this top-spec trim, there are no stripped-down versions here, which simplifies buying decisions for consumers.
Comparison with Rivals: Targeting the Sweet Spot
The Xoom 125R enters a crowded arena where two scooters dominate: the Honda Dio 125 and the TVS NTorq 125.
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Honda Dio 125 wins on refinement, legacy reliability, and after-sales strength. But it’s also one of the more conservative options in design and features.
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TVS NTorq 125 wins on thrill, features, and tech, but commands a higher price and slightly compromises comfort in daily rides.
Hero, with the Xoom 125R, seems to have crafted a compelling hybrid, blending Honda’s maturity with TVS’s youth appeal. On paper, it outmuscles the Dio 125 in power (9.92 PS vs 8.3 PS) and keeps up with the NTorq in real-world performance benchmarks.
More importantly, it offers a high-feature, low-price value proposition that could tempt new buyers and existing commuters alike.
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Contender or Too Late?
The Hero Xoom 125R may have arrived later than its rivals, but it doesn’t feel like an afterthought. In fact, it feels like Hero MotoCorp took the time to study the market, fix its earlier missteps, and deliver something that genuinely balances sportiness, utility, and value.
Yes, the engine tuning could have leaned more toward aggression. Yes, the digital console could’ve been flashier. And yes, the under-seat storage is underwhelming. But when you step back and look at the full package, 14-inch wheels, LED lighting all around, turn-by-turn navigation, sporty aesthetics, and refined city performance, it’s hard not to be impressed.
The Hero Xoom 125R isn’t just a new scooter. It’s Hero’s attempt to rewrite the rules of engagement in Nepal’s 125cc segment. And if it can back its bold looks with reliability and service consistency, this might just be the turning point for Hero’s premium scooter playbook in Nepal.