Buyers of newly launched two-wheeler models have higher satisfaction than those of carryover models, according to the JD Power 2017 India Two-Wheeler Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (2WAPEAL) study. The study is a key industry benchmark that measures owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement for new two-wheelers during the first two to six months of ownership. It examines 34 attributes across six performance categories. Overall APEAL performance is reported as an index score based on a 1,000-point scale, with a higher score indicating higher satisfaction.

In the scooter segment, Honda Activa I (844 points) ranked highest among executive models. In motorcycles, Honda Livo and TVS Sport were tied (842 each) in the top place among economy models, and Hero Super Splendor (836) was Numero Uno among executive models. Bajaj Avenger 150 (846) ranked highest among upper executive models while Honda CB Hornet 160R (858), was on top among premium models.

The study was based on evaluations from 9,406 owners who purchased a new vehicle between March and October 2016. It included 87 two-wheeler models from 10 makers, and was fielded from September-December 2016 in 45 cities across India.

In the motorcycle category, the newly launched models not only generate higher APEAL satisfaction than carryover models from last year (831 vs 826 respectively), but also perform better in terms of initial quality problems experienced by buyers.

Among scooters, satisfaction with the newly launched models is 12 points lower than for carryover models (817 vs 829 respectively). The reason is that newly launched scooter models fare worse than carryover models with initial quality problems.

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