Benelli Panarea 125 EFI is the latest release in Nepal from the reputed automobile company Benelli.
The brand has a wide range of premium two-wheelers mostly consisting of motorcycles in Nepal. But, currently, Benelli Panarea 125 EFI is the only scooter offered by the company in Nepal.
Benelli is a premium brand and with the release of Panarea 125 EFI, it competes with the likes of Aprilia, Vespa, Yamaha, TVS and Honda. However, the competition is highly likely to be super tough due to two reasons: brand recognition and cost.
Why are we so much pessimistic? Find our explanation below:
Specifications
| Engine | Single-cylinder, 2-valve, 4-stroke, FI |
| Dimension | Seat height: 780mm Width: 685mm Wheelbase: 1270mm Ground clearance: 125mm |
| Displacement | 125 cc |
| Starting mechanism | Electric and kick |
| Cooling system | Air-cooled |
| Maximum power | 8.5 PS@ 7500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 9.2Nm @ 6000rpm |
| Top speed | 90kmph |
| Fuel tank capacity | 4.6L |
| Expected mileage | 50 kmpl |
| Chassis | Rocker frame |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic fork Rear: Rear swing arm |
| Brake | Front: Disc, 190mm Rear: Drum, 130mm |
| Tyre | Front: 100/90-12 tubeless Rear: 110/90-12 tubeless |
| Dry weight | 104kg |
| Under-seat storage | 12 litres |
| Colours | Yellow, black, blue and white |
| Price | Rs 334,900 |
Design
Benelli Panarea 125 flaunts retro looks but also has its own unique modern features that may appeal to the general public as well as youngsters. At the front, it comes with unibody styling and LED headlamps. At the side, the scooter has a curvy body, but the curve has been toned down for sportier and modern looks. The rear of the scooter comes with a stylish taillamp as well.
Overall, the scooter provides a retro feeling for the riders and at the same time provides ease with modern features. The dry weight of the scooter is 104 kg.
Performance
Benelli Panarea 125 is powered by a 125cc single-cylinder, two-valve, four-stroke FI engine. This is a Euro 4 certified engine. The engine can generate a maximum power of 8.5 PS@ 7500 rpm and a maximum torque of 9.2Nm @ 6000 rpm. The scooter is mated to a CVT transmission with a 4.6-litre fuel tank capacity.
The scooter should provide a respectable mileage of up to 50 km per litre in the city and can achieve a top speed of up to 90kmph. The scooter should provide higher mileage on the highway.
Safety and other features
Benelli Panarea 125 features a standard braking system with a 190mm disc brake at the front and 130mm drum brakes at the rear end. With a rocker frame chassis, the scooter has a telescopic fork suspension at the front and a swing arm at the rear. It has a 12-litre under-seat storage capacity.
Overall, some of the notable features of the scooter are:
- Retro styling
- Fuel-injected engine
- Euro 4 certification
- Hazard light switch
- Engine kill switch
- LED headlamp, LED taillamp with LED indicators
- Two-Level seat
- Dual front storage pockets
- USB charging port
- Under-seat storage
- Alloy wheels
- Front disc and rear drum braking
The price of Benelli Panarea 125 is Rs 334,900.
Verdict
Benelli has always offered a premium product, in Nepal and Benelli Panarea 125 is no exception. But, the market now is completely packed with scooters of almost every big brand like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, TVS, Vespa, Aprilia and many more. The growing demand for power on scooters has made the 125cc category the most competitive. Almost every brand now has a 125cc scooter and TVS N Torque is definitely the most preferred one here as it not only provides power but also adequate modern features that scooters previously did not have.
The market can be extremely limited for Benelli Panarea 125 here in Nepal. The price range of Rs 334,900 for a 125cc scooter is extremely high considering that there are many scooters at the moment that offers better value for money. Also, Benelli does not have the brand power compared to Vespa and Aprilia here in Nepal.
With the increasing price of fuel and increasing market of electric two-wheelers, Benelli is sure to face a huge challenge ahead.
