The automatic scooter is produced at PT Astra Honda Motor's Sunter plant here. The model will be available in Indonesian showrooms in the second half of the year, priced at around 40 million rupiah (RM11,264).
The scooter gets a petrol engine mated to an electric motor powered by a Li-ion battery pack. The hybrid technology comes on when accelerating the bike, triggering the motor to chip in for improved torque and responsive acceleration.
To highlight its hybrid nature, the scooter is painted in a so-called Hybrid Blue colour and has a hybrid logo on its side body cover. The scooter sports new features such as a full digital panel meter showing the full array of information that includes riding mode status, battery charge level, and lithium battery indicator.
The 150cc engine makes 15hp at 8,500rpm, while the electric motor adds 1.9hp at 3,000rpm. Peak engine torque is 13.2Nm at 6,500rpm, while the motor contributes 4.3Nm to the total.
The riding mode is located on the left handlebar. The rider can choose among three modes: D (Drive), S (Sport) and Idling (blank).
D is the standard mode which kicks in when the assist motor lends more power for a mix of performance, comfort and fuel efficiency. As the name suggests, S is for higher performance riding. In idling mode, the rider can de-activate the idling stop system feature, which still maintains active power support as in D mode.
The new internal combustion engine architecture dubbed eSP (enhanced Smart Power) uses a stop-start micro hybrid system and a range of low friction technologies to offer optimised fuel economy.
LED lighting is standard and a smart key integrated with anti-theft alarm and answer back system adds to the appeal. The scooter comes with a DC socket for power charging, which is located inside the front console box.
At 8-litre capacity, the scooter has the biggest fuel tank in its class. There are also practical features such as fuel cap and seat opener switch integrated with the ignition key. There is also a seat stopper feature to avoid the seat being closed on its own when the rider store or take out items from the storage comparment. The riding position and the rear double suspension have been designed for comfort ride. Other standard kit are ABS and all-disc brakes.
Honda also sells the PCX Electric in other markets. Both the PCX Hybrid and PCX Electric were developed based on the conventional PCX Scooter.
As the PCX Hybrid is a global model, it will be sold in Japan and Asia as well as in Europe and the United States. It could arrive in Malaysia later this year to add some excitement to Honda's two-wheel line-up.
