Aprilia SR 175 road test: A sharper, stronger successor to the SR 160 .

For years, the Aprilia SR series has stood out as the sporty outlier in India’s scooter market. The 150s and later the 160s became known for their sharp Italian styling and lively performance, but also for being pricey and a bit too focused on thrills over comfort. The new SR 175 arrives with the promise of more performance and modern tech, while smoothing out some of those rough edges.

Aprilia SR 175: Design and Features

At first glance, the SR 175 looks instantly familiar. The edgy bodywork is essentially unchanged from the SR 160, but it still has a certain flair that turns heads in traffic. What’s new are two fresh paint schemes — White/Red and Purple/Red — inspired by Aprilia’s RS 457, which add some welcome freshness to the design. There is no doubt that the SR 175 does stand out on the road because there is no other scooter like it.

Where the scooter really moves forward is in the features department. The dated LCD dash has been replaced with a crisp 5-inch colour TFT screen, also borrowed from the RS 457. It’s bright, easy to read, and brings with it turn-by-turn navigation, call and message alerts, and music controls when paired with Aprilia’s app. Two layouts are available: a clean “Analogic” mode with a faux dial, and a more feature-rich digital mode. There is also an integrated pass switch and an engine kill switch on offer.

However, Aprilia has skipped some everyday conveniences. There’s no external fuel filler, no multifunction ignition slot, and boot space remains tiny — fitting even a half-face helmet is a struggle. The USB port is also positioned under the seat and looks like an afterthought. Moreover, the space itself becomes hot, so I would not advise you to charge your devices. There is also no cubby space behind the front apron and just one hook. While the headlamp looks sharp, it is not the strongest. It’s a reminder that practicality isn’t this scooter’s main mission.

Engine and Performance

• The SR 175 uses a new 174.7cc, air-cooled, 3-valve engine producing 13 bhp and 14.14 Nm, which is a noticeable increase over its predecessor.

• Acceleration is brisk—whether starting from a stop or making roll-on overtakes, it feels urgent and responsive, delivering strong power all the way up to about 90–95 km/h indicated.

• The engine is characterful, with a throaty sound and good refinement at speed, although some mild vibrations are present at low speeds, mainly on the floorboard.

• Fuel efficiency is reasonable for the performance segment: real-world figures are about 41.7 kpl on the highway and 35.2 kpl in city use.

Handling and Ride

• The chassis is familiar but still confidence-inspiring: 14-inch alloy wheels with wide 120-section tyres deliver good agility and stability, more motorcycle-like than most scooters.

• Suspension remains telescopic forks up front and monoshock at the rear, keeping the ride taut yet compliant.

• Handling is sharper but not twitchy—it feels stable through corners and offers impressive grip in both dry and wet conditions, largely due to quality tyres.

• The front disc brake (with single-channel ABS) is strong, with good feel, while the rear drum is adequate.

Features and Technology

• The scooter now gets a 5.5-inch colored TFT console with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, call/SMS alerts, and more, inspired by the RS457 sports bike.

• Other upgrades include LED lighting, large colored alloy wheels, and new sporty bodywork.

• There are some downsides: under seat storage could be better, and the characteristics of the engine still retain a slightly gruff note at idle and low speeds.

Comparison Table: Aprilia SR 175 vs. Rivals

Aprilia SR 175: Price and Verdict

At ₹1.26 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the SR 175 costs about the same as the higher trims of the SR 160. For that money, you get a stronger engine, modern TFT tech, and the same sharp handling that made the SR series special in the first place.

It still isn’t the most practical option, considering the suspension setup and space on offer but the SR 175 stands out as one of the sportiest scooters you can buy today. If you’re after style, speed, and a dash of Italian flair in your daily ride, the Aprilia SR 175 makes a compelling case.