With three years in the Argentine market and very established due to its sales figures, the Honda PCX 150 2023 kicked the board with a much more modern and sophisticated design. I heard it out there and it’s true, this change of image was not vital, since it’s now predecessor still looked young and fresh. However, the generational change had already taken place globally and these situations must also be analyzed while sitting on the other side of the counter, in this case, the brand, which does not want or cannot lose a single customer.
How is this? Simple, the user of a PCX that is two or three years old and who finds it necessary to change his unit for the simple fact of not staying in years, for example, could not find “the natural replacement” in the brand of the wing. to their Honda PCX 150 and many of them would logically think about changing the brand and model before replacing their scooter with the same one, but 0 km.
Attentive to this situation, since in large cities like Buenos Aires a 150 cc is more than enough, they considered it convenient to update their low displacement Honda PCX 150 Premium scooter. Even more so when this model enjoys a highly respected reputation among its users.
Getting behind the controls of this Honda PCX 150 is a comfortable experience, the relaxed leg position offered by the double floor platform is typical of higher segments. This scooter is one of those that does not discriminate between the size or gender of the pilot, anyone will feel comfortable on it, and its only 764 mm seat-to-ground height will be very good news for those with a smaller build. Our passenger will also enjoy outstanding comfort (not forgetting that it is a 150), thanks to the commented new pedals, seat and set of hidden handles.
IN FAVOR
- Modern design Wider tires Very
- low consumption Improved load capacity
AGAINST
- No ABS
- No passing trigger
- Inverted horn/indicator location
- Annoying reflections on instruments
In front of us, is another of the novelties of this Honda PCX 150 in 2023, the 100% digital instrumentation with negative lighting. Easy and fast reading for a provision of information without missing: speed, fuel level, time clock, total/partial odometer, and average consumption meter, the latter being the data that it adds compared to the previous generation of the scooter. As a criticism, it is affected by reflections when sunlight falls directly on the acrylic, probably due to its almost horizontal plane.
Something that I personally never liked about the Honda PCX 150 is its “naked” handlebars and so much chrome on it. Although we continue with a handlebar without a plastic cover, now the impact is not so violent since the chrome plating in the fixing area has been removed a bit. We have already mentioned the commands, but we did not clarify that they are new for the model, with larger buttons with excellent touch and operation.
A very good note for the mirrors, which once adjusted offer a full view of what is happening behind our backs. The keyless start is still from the game and through a rotating command of functions that is complemented by a face-to-face key ring. Once accustomed, it is very practical and quick to start the Honda PCX 150 in 2023, open the hole under the seat, or unlock the tank lid just by manipulating this rotary command.
As we always say, load capacity is one of the aspects that we should take into account when evaluating the purchase of a scooter. In this sense, the Honda PCX 150 was always a benchmark and the 2019 range saw its capacity under the seat increase, with a hole that holds 28 liters of capacity and that allows a full-face helmet to be accommodated without problems and several other things on a second surface on elevated. Of the best.
More capacity for the glove box to hold objects in the front, with more depth and maintaining the 12v charging socket for mobile devices. Something to keep in mind is that it does not have a lock, therefore it must be used only to store objects during the trip. The opening and closing mechanism of this drawer is a delight and demonstrates the quality in the finishes of this Honda PCX 150.
The only “but” that we could attribute to it in terms of load capacity has to do directly with the design since it does not have a flat floor or a hook for bags. In what would be the “tunnel” between our legs is the loading mouth of the tank, with a convenient capacity of 8 liters. This low and central position of the fuel tank benefits the weight distribution and lowers the center of gravity of the Honda PCX 150; in addition to keeping the objects that we transport in the space under the seat free of fuel gases.
With a color palette available in three possible combinations, the Beige protagonist of this test is the hue that has the most followers, with a very favorable exit among the female audience, a sector that is undoubtedly highly appreciated by players in this segment. I decided to put it under the control of a lady, a scooter user, to find out her point of view and what aspects she valued about the new Honda PCX 150.
The compliments to the Honda product did not wait, highlighting the design, the driving position, and the serenity of the march, exactly in that order. That is what it is about, a product like the Honda PCX 150 must satisfy the tastes and needs of different users and pay attention to those who value design and comfort as well as those who prioritize low fuel consumption, load capacity or, why not, the security and confidence provided by the image of the wing.
The new light groups are the first thing that stands out in the 2023 PCX, both the front and the rear have gained in size and prominence. Its full LED lighting is a statement of modernity and driving safety. We see and are seen very clearly on board this Honda PCX 150. But not everything is good news in this section, since curiously we do not have a trigger or a button to carry out the passing of lights and we have to deal with the high/low switch to make yaw. It doesn’t convince me at all.
What is very well achieved is the incorporation of the beacon switch, with a very large button on the right pineapple that is quick and intuitive to activate in an emergency situation. Since we got into the topic of commands, I can’t help mentioning something already seen in the latest Honda products and that I personally find confusing and uncomfortable: the inverted position of the horn and turn signal commands in this Honda PCX 150. I know, it’s customary, but I spent the whole week looking for the horn in the wrong place. You must have an explanation, they haven’t given it to me yet.
Going back to design a bit, the new retractable passenger footboards are larger and of a truly higher perceived quality. The latter is a common denominator throughout the Honda PCX 150, since it is more premium than before and offers aluminum-like finishes and very good general finishes. Like its predecessor and direct rivals, it opts for a low windshield that adds more to design than real aerodynamic protection. Nothing to criticize, it is a 100% urban scooter that is not interested in looking like a GT. Finishing a little with the aesthetic item, we must also mention the new design of wheels, now with 8 spokes.
Maximum speed
Extremely serene, it does not transmit any type of vibration. The response to the accelerator is dosed in a very friendly way, something ideal and very necessary for any type of user to feel comfortable when driving this scooter. The Honda PCX 150 accelerates quickly and lively up to 90 km/h, with a good rest for overtaking as it keeps growing up to 110 km/h. No more is needed for a purely urban vehicle.
Engine
In its bowels, the novelties are few, since the still modern and efficient engine/transmission group always worked like a charm. The Winning team does not touch. Let’s remember that it is a 149 cc mono, 2-valve OHC, liquid-cooled, and PGM-FI electronic injection. The brand still does not declare “horses” for the Honda PCX 150, but announces an update to the injection system that produces more power, in this sense we cannot add too much, its general operation is just as good as its predecessor.
Well functioning and already installed among the users of the Honda PCX 150, it continues to equip the “Idling Stop” system, a kind of “stop/start” of the automotive industry. This, once activated from the left pineapple, turns off the engine when it detects that we stopped for more than 3 seconds and starts it again just by turning the right fist; without further formalities and totally transparent for the pilot. This system, which was designed for large cities, has as its main objectives saving fuel and caring for the environment.
The brand announces a saving of 7% in consumption through the use of the system. However, in practice, we could not verify this saving since it is measured in “ideal” conditions and it is a 150 cc engine with an already very low consumption (2.7 liters per 100 km ).
Precisely the latter in conjunction with the capacity of the tank is what results in outstanding autonomy, one of the strengths of the Honda PCX 150, at least for us. I don’t want to forget to mention the serene and quiet operation of the “Honda V-Matic” CVT variation, one of the best in its category.
Everything is very nice so far, but the great improvement of the Honda PCX 150 is black and is in direct contact with the asphalt. Yes gentlemen, the tires. Maintaining the 14” tread on both axes, the novelty is given by the increase in the tread with 100/80 forward and 120/70 behind.
This increase in tire width directly impacts the dynamics of the Honda PCX 150, with more secure footing when leaning the bike over and an overall poise that’s immediately noticeable. Honda does not announce changes in the components or in the suspension settings, but it is a reality that the new PCX does not sin of being “soft” at high speeds, as it was the previous model.
Without penalizing ride comfort on uneven asphalt, now the Honda PCX 150 is more firm in “high”, transmitting greater security at all times. Regarding the brakes, unfortunately, we cannot announce the incorporation of the rear disc or the ABS, since Honda Argentina continues to rely on the CBS combined system that distributes the braking force between both wheels (front disc and rear drum) by simply operating the lever left.
Maximum speed
Extremely serene, it does not transmit any type of vibration. The response to the accelerator is dosed in a very friendly way, something ideal and very necessary for any type of user to feel comfortable when driving this scooter. The Honda PCX 150 accelerates quickly and lively up to 90 km/h, with a good rest for overtaking as it keeps growing up to 110 km/h. No more is needed for a purely urban vehicle.
Motor
In its bowels, the novelties are few, since the still modern and efficient engine/transmission group always worked like a charm. The Winning team does not touch. Let’s remember that it is a 149 cc mono, 2-valve OHC, liquid-cooled, and PGM-FI electronic injection. The brand still does not declare “horses” for the Honda PCX 150, but announces an update to the injection system that produces more power, in this sense we cannot add too much, its general operation is just as good as its predecessor.
Well functioning and already installed among the users of the Honda PCX 150, it continues to equip the “Idling Stop” system, a kind of “stop/start” of the automotive industry. This, once activated from the left pineapple, turns off the engine when it detects that we stopped for more than 3 seconds and starts it again just by turning the right fist; without further formalities and totally transparent for the pilot. This system, which was designed for large cities, has as its main objectives saving fuel and caring for the environment.
Everything is very nice so far, but the great improvement of the Honda PCX 150 is black and is in direct contact with the asphalt. Yes gentlemen, the tires. Maintaining the 14” tread on both axes, the novelty is given by the increase in the tread with 100/80 forward and 120/70 behind.
This increase in tire width directly impacts the dynamics of the Honda PCX 150, with more secure footing when leaning the bike over and an overall poise that’s immediately noticeable. Honda does not announce changes in the components or in the suspension settings, but it is a reality that the new PCX does not sin of being “soft” at high speeds, as it was the previous model.
