Chinese brand Zontes made its Indian debut just a few short months back and currently sells five bikes here, all based on the same engine and frame platform. At Auto Expo 2023, the brand showcased a couple of maxi-scooters and now, one of them, the 350D has been launched in Europe.
Zontes 350D maxi-scooter: engine, features, rivals
The Zontes 350D is powered by a liquid-cooled, 349cc, single-cylinder engine making 36.2hp at 7,500rpm and 38Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. With its 12-litre fuel tank fully brimmed, it tips the scales at 188kg. With performance numbers like this, it rivals the BMW C 400 GT maxi-scooter, which, although good for similar peak output figures, is a good 26kg lighter.
Similar to all Zontes bikes sold in India, this is a tech-laden machine and has features such as keyless ignition, a colour TFT dash, two USB charging ports (type-A and type-C), a tyre pressure monitoring system, two riding modes (Sport and Eco), a traction control system and even an electronically adjustable windscreen.
Zontes 350D maxi-scooter: India launch?
Currently, the Zontes 350D costs €4,787 (approx Rs 4.2 lakh) and that puts it in roughly the same price range as a KTM 390 Duke in international markets. The maxi-scooter segment is a very niche market in India with the Yamaha Aerox 155, Keeway Vieste 300, Keeway Sixties 300i and the BMW C 400 GT your only options. If the Zontes 350D does come here, it will almost certainly cost far less than the Rs 10.75 lakh BMW C 400 GT, which would be its primary rival.
*All prices mentioned above are ex-showroom, India.
If the company prices the Zontes 350D under the Rs 4 lakh mark, would you be interested in this maxi scooter? Let us know in the comments.