LAST February, Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI) had hinted that the all-new PCX 160, a mid-sized scooter that would, “stand out stand out on the road and ride with pride with its all-new premium and elegant design, improved driving performance with comfortable and spacious riding, and the latest technology and security features,” was to be released very soon.
‘Very soon’ meant four month later, because high demand for the motorcycle in its home market, the Thailand-made PCX 160 finally was delivered to Honda motorcycle dealers nationwide early this June. It missed its original deliver date by a month, but buyers eagerly waited.
No one at Honda confirms it, but dealers such as Motortrade and Prestige say that supply is still thin and the demand is expected to be high.
After the initial introduction in February, via a hybrid virtual and real test drive at the Honda Driving School in Parañaque, inquiries shot up for the PCX, which is 10 cc’s higher in displacement than the already popular Honda Click and Airblade, but priced attractively–enough to share the market with its already landed siblings.
“At Honda Philippines, we share the same love for motorcycles as Filipinos do. The all-new PCX 160 will not only embody our love for motorcycles but will also take motorcycle riding in the country to the next level,” HPI President Susumu Mitsuishi said.
What does Mitsuishi-san mean about the next level?
First, it is about great things coming to those who wait. The speculations for the price of the new scooter were at the P135,000 to P155,000–almost P1000 per cubic centimeter as comparisons were made both to the Thai Baht price, adding shipping and taxes.
It turns out that the introductory prices are much lower than speculated. The ABS variant with the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and two premium colors–Asteroid Black Metallic and the Pearl Fadeless White–has an introductory price only P133,900. HSTC is exclusive to this variant and guarantees smooth stops even during sudden brakes and added wheel traction in slippery road conditions.
The real attraction now comes from the P115,900 Combi-Brake System (CBS) variant, which is void of the torque technology but still has front and rear disc brakes like the ABS version. It comes with an additional color–Matte Dim Gray Metallic.
After hinting about its release then consequently introducing it to the media in March, Honda had kept mum about the PCX 160 deliveries to dealers. People were already queuing for the pre-introduction purchases. But now that it has arrived, the inventory is quickly moving.
Both variants are powered by its new 4-Stroke, 157cc, 4-Valve, Liquid-Cooled, Single Overhead Cam (SOHC), Enhanced Smart Power+ (ESP+) engine, providing a powerful combination of power and performance with an 11.8kW@ 8,500rpm and a highly efficient 45.1 Km/L fuel consumption.
That is literally a cupful of gasoline per 10 kilometers. To help achieve all that miserly fuel use, the PCX 160 has an idling stop system (ISS) that turns off the engine, instead of idling it, when in traffic. An 8-liter fuel tank capacity makes for longer and more enjoyable journeys.
It also has an upgraded and secured front pocket sufficient to keep a 1.7 liter bottle, same enhancement goes with its USB-type power outlet for convenient gadget charging, a smart key with an anti-theft alarm, and an answer-back system for better motorcycle security. In addition, its 30-liter utility box gives riders bigger storage space.
As one of Honda’s vast array of motorcycles, this all-new motorcycle is made to improve every Filipino’s riding experience. It is in line with the company’s “ONE DREAM” campaign, which aims to fulfill every Filipino’s dream through the joy of mobility.
