AT A GLANCE

Engine: 153cc liquid-cooled SOHC 2v fuel-injected single; 10kW (13.6bhp) at 8500rpm and 14Nm of torque at 5250rpm. Transmission: Constantly variable transmission mounted on rear swingarm. Frame: Steel-tube underbone frame with aluminium swingarm, 31mm telescopic front forks with 100mm of travel, twin rear shocks with 75mm of travel. Price: $4995. Hot: A perfect ride for aspiring fuel economy record setters, the PCX is so frugal that you will wonder what to do with all those petrol discount supermarket vouchers. Not: Fails the Arai full-facehelmet stash test, windscreen too short to be effective, front compartment for mobile phones/wallets is unlockable.

Although it accelerates only as quickly as a family saloon, it will happily sit at 110kmh all day and conquer every gradient without losing too much speed. As quiet as a churchmouse, it’s as smooth and refined as it is frugal.

The large-diameter wheels (for a scooter) also help stabilise the little bike’s handling at open-road speeds. Yet the 129-kilogram PCX still steers with urgency, and the linked brakes (the left lever retards both wheels and the right operates just the front disc) and plush suspension are other dynamic highlights.

I just wish it carried more stuff, and looked a little more elegant. Chunkiness is a trend for designs seeking to attract an audience new to bikes, yet it doesn’t result in enough underseat storage capacity in the PCX to lock away my admittedly large, full-face helmet.

That said, look no further for the best sub-250cc scooter on the market, especially if seeking a hitech ride that’s easy on the wallet.