TVS Jupiter Grande Review: Old Wine in a New Blue Bottle

Building on top of the “Jupiter” brand, Grande edition is TVS‘s new avatar of hot-selling Jupiter scooter. Unlike the TVS Jupiter Classic scooter, which was launched in August 2017, the new Grande edition is not offered in brown or cream color – instead it is launched in the “Greenish-Blue” or “Starlight Blue” color. While the mechanical remains same, the Grande does have slightly different offering when compared to Classic edition or other trims of Jupiter. What follows below is the review of TVS Jupiter Grande edition:

First Impressions

At first, you shall only notice the new “Grande edition” branding everywhere across scooter including the “JD Power” (A global satisfaction index survey company) logo in the front. You shall for sure notice the brilliant reddish brown colored premium seat cover with a fine and textured finish. The Grande distinguishes itself from “Classic” edition by not offering the front windshield. (Check TVS Jupiter Classic Photos) . The Grande gets diamond-cut alloy wheels, body colored pillion handle at the back, chrome panels at side and is offered in optional disc brake in front which is powered by SBS( Synchronized Braking System).

Design and Looks

The design of the Jupiter exactly remains the same as that of any normal Jupiter. The exterior enhancements like diamond cut alloy wheels, textured seat cover and starlight blue color shade gives this scooter a premium feel.

The TVS Jupiter Grande gets LED headlamp, external fuel filling facility, lots of luggage hooks and there is a ample space to place your foot for your comfortable riding position. You can utilize the front space to carry stuff with you.

Instrument Cluster

The front dashboard in Jupiter Grande is a combination of both Analog and digital system. This semi-digital instrument cluster is neat and very ergonomical to grasp the details. The Speedometer remains manual.  We noticed small “Helmet” indicator popping in the digital panel alerting us to wear helmet – Which is a road safety norm in most states/cities in India.  It’s a good thing that TVS added this small but very important road safety alert feature.

Engine and Performance

The all new TVS Jupiter Grande Edition is powered by BS4 compliant, air-cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder CVTi based 110cc engine.  TVS Jupiter Grande Engine can produce upto 8bhp of power and can deliver 8.4Nm of peak torque.  Both kick-start and self-start is on offer and the engine is mated to Vmatic transmission.

Performance wise, it does its duty well offering pick-up and power consistently.  We were happy with its responsiveness and the engine was well-refined and didn’t suck the petrol much.

Dimensions

Talking about dimensions, TVS Jupiter Grande measures 1834mm in length, 650mm in width, 1115 mm in height.  The seat height of Grande is 765mm which is quite practical for short riders as well.  Jupiter Grande weighs 108 Kgs and has ground clearance of 150mm.  Wheelbase is 1275mm which is optimal for taking that quick turn.  The fuel tank capacity of TVS Jupiter Grande is 5 litres.

Available Colors

The TVS Jupiter Grande edition is offered in only one color – Starlight Blue.

Ride and Handling, Pillion Riding

Riding with Jupiter Grande was comfortable and effortless.  Automatic scooters always provide fun and easy experience for the rider as riding scooter doesn’t involve too many things like holding clutch or changing the gear which is essential for a Motorcycle.

The scooter rode and performed well even with a pillion passenger at the back. Parking the scooter was easy, thanks to the patented Easy double stand. Overall, Jupiter Grande didn’t disappoint when it came to drivability.  For urban commuting Grande is a good choice as it offers style, performance and efficiency in one pack.

Suspension, Braking and Storage

The advanced telescopic front suspension and the 3-step adjustable gas-charged monoshock absorber at the rear does the job well by shielding you against nasty roads and speed breaker.  Braking is pretty responsive and opting for optional Disc brake feature can make it even more responsive.

Other than ample space at the front and luggage hooks available, the scooter has a very large storage space under the seat which can be super-utilized.  We had no problem in placing a standard helmet and a camera in that space.  The grab rails present was convenient for the pillion rider to hold during the sudden braking.

Price and Variants

TVS Jupiter Grande is offered in 2 variants – Standard and Disc.  The standard variant is priced at Rs 59,171 (Ex-showroom Bangalore) and the Disc variant is priced at Rs 63,188 the one which offers Disc brake in the front with SBS feature.

Verdict

Although the Jupiter Grande is a old wine in a new bottle, it comes with multiple features and aesthetic changes.  If you are in love with the way it looks with diamond-cut alloys, special premium seats and chromes – Grande is a good choice. If you like to have additional windshield in the front- go for Jupiter classic. If you are tight on budget, you can settle down with standard Jupiter, Honda Activa, Honda Dio or Yamaha Ray-ZR and stay content.  It is after all a 110cc automatic scooter.

Check the full photo gallery of TVS Jupiter Grande below:

Parking and Waiting Credits: Girish M Mani