The Honda PCX160 is made for comfort and luxury, while the Honda Vario 160 is sportier and more practical. Both are offered by Honda to give customers different choices.
But if someone wants both comfort and practicality in one scooter, there is no such model in Indonesia. In China, however, Honda has a model like this called the Honda NS150ES.
As evident, this motorcycle blends elements of both the Honda PCX160 and the Honda Vario 160. Its mechanical components—such as the engine setup, dual rear shock absorbers, tall windscreen, and handlebar cover—closely resemble those of the PCX. In contrast, the body design aligns more with the Vario, featuring a flat floorboard and sharp, angular dual LED headlights for a sportier appearance.
In fact, the Honda NS150ES is part of a broader product diversification strategy derived from models such as the Honda NS150XC (an adventure-style variant similar to the ADV160), the Honda NS150LA (inspired by the Stylo), and the Honda NS150GX (which resembles the PCX). Within this lineup, the NS150ES can be seen as the “Vario 160” counterpart from Sundiro Honda, one of Honda’s official distributors in China.
The main distinction lies in the chassis design. While the Honda Vario 160 uses an eSAF frame, the Honda NS150ES adopts a PCX-style frame with dual rear shock absorbers. However, it places the fuel tank under the floorboard, with the filler cap positioned beneath the ignition switch, similar to a Vespa-style layout.
Design-wise, the taillight has a unique identity to differentiate it from other models, while the headlight design remains closer to the Vario’s sharp styling.
There are also differences in engine specifications. The Vario 160 is powered by a 157cc eSP+ 4-valve engine, whereas the NS150ES uses a 149cc single-cylinder SH-EP engine producing 15.5 hp and 14.4 Nm of torque—slightly higher than the Vario’s 15.4 hp and 13.8 Nm. Despite this, the NS150ES is heavier at 141 kg compared to the Vario’s 117 kg.
In terms of practicality, the NS150ES offers a larger 8-litre fuel tank, while the Vario holds 5.5 litres. It also has a lower seat height of 755 mm compared to the Vario’s 776 mm, making it more accessible for a wider range of riders.
Sundiro Honda sells the Honda NS150ES in three trims, catering to different needs. The base model keeps things simple with a digital LCD display, while the range-topping “Pro” steps things up with a factory-installed top box and tech like a built-in dashcam that connects to your smartphone.
Pricing for the Honda NS150ES starts at 13,380 yuan for the base model and climbs to 16,280 yuan for the fully loaded version.
Post a Comment