TVS Star City Plus : In the bustling streets of urban India, where traffic crawls and fuel prices soar, TVS Motor Company has unveiled its answer to the modern commuter’s dilemma.

The refreshed 2025 TVS Star City Plus doesn’t just arrive; it makes an entrance – bringing with it a promised 64kmpl mileage figure that’s set to turn heads and open wallets across the country.

I had the chance to spend a week with this latest offering from the Hosur-based manufacturer, taking it through crowded city streets, open highways, and everything in between.

What follows is my honest assessment of whether this commuter contender truly delivers on its promises.

A Long-Awaited Refresh

The Star City nameplate has been around for ages – practically a household name in India’s vast two-wheeler market.

But let’s be honest: the outgoing model, while reliable, was starting to show its age against increasingly competent rivals from Hero, Honda, and Bajaj.

TVS clearly recognized this reality. Rather than a complete overhaul, they’ve opted for thoughtful refinements that address key consumer pain points while preserving what made the Star City Plus popular in the first place.

The most obvious change greets you at first glance. TVS designers have given the 2025 model sharper lines and contemporary graphics without abandoning the motorcycle’s approachable, everyman character.

The revised headlamp cluster now sports full LED lighting – not just for the main beam but for the position lamps as well. It’s a premium touch in a segment where halogen bulbs still reign supreme.

My test unit came in the new “Cosmic Blue” color scheme with contrast black elements and subtle red accents – a genuinely handsome combination that garnered approving nods from onlookers.

Six other color options are available, including the striking “Electric Green” that practically demands attention.

Engine Refinements: The Heart of Efficiency

The real story, however, lies beneath the surface. TVS engineers have thoroughly reworked the 109.7cc single-cylinder engine, focusing obsessively on efficiency without compromising rideability.

The company claims this revised powerplant now delivers a stellar 64kmpl under standard testing conditions – a significant improvement over the outgoing model.

During my week-long test, I managed to extract approximately 62kmpl in mixed riding conditions – impressive considering my heavy-handed throttle inputs and Mumbai’s notorious traffic snarls.

A more conservative rider could likely nudge closer to the claimed figure.

But numbers only tell part of the story. What makes this engine special is how it delivers its modest 8.19bhp and 8.7Nm of torque.

Power delivery feels smoother than before, with vibrations noticeably reduced compared to the previous iteration.

The four-speed gearbox shifts with satisfying precision – no more hunting for neutral at traffic lights, which was occasionally an issue with older models.

TVS attributes these improvements to their enhanced “EcoThrust Fi” technology.

Without delving into technicalities that would bore most readers, it’s essentially a more sophisticated fuel injection system that optimizes the air-fuel mixture across various riding conditions.

The company claims it reduces emissions while improving throttle response and fuel efficiency.

A particularly welcome touch is the new “Eco Guide” feature in the revised semi-digital instrument cluster.

This simple visual indicator helps riders maintain the optimal throttle position for maximum efficiency – glowing green when you’re in the sweet spot and amber when you’re burning extra fuel unnecessarily.

It might seem gimmicky at first, but after a few days, I found myself unconsciously adjusting my riding style to keep that green light illuminated.

Comfort Upgrades That Matter

Commuter motorcycles live or die by their comfort credentials. Most buyers in this segment spend hours in the saddle daily, navigating everything from smooth highways to crater-ridden back roads.

The 2025 Star City Plus addresses this with several subtle but meaningful upgrades.

The seat has been completely redesigned with a dual-density foam construction that genuinely improves long-distance comfort.

At 785mm, the seat height remains accessible for riders of various statures – I’m 5’10” and could plant both feet firmly on the ground with knees slightly bent.

The suspension setup has also received attention. The front telescopic forks remain unchanged in design but now offer marginally improved damping characteristics.

The rear shock absorbers retain their 5-step adjustability but feature revised spring rates that balance comfort and handling more effectively than before.

These changes might seem minor on paper, but their cumulative effect is noticeable over extended rides. I completed a 180km highway stretch without the backache that typically accompanies such journeys on smaller motorcycles.

The ergonomics strike an ideal balance – upright enough for good visibility in traffic but not so upright that you catch excess wind on open roads.

Technology That Serves A Purpose

TVS has avoided the temptation to load the Star City Plus with gimmicky features that look good in brochures but add little real-world value. Instead, they’ve focused on technologies that genuinely enhance the ownership experience.

The aforementioned LED lighting system delivers superior illumination while consuming less power. The USB charging port is intelligently positioned under the handlebar cowl – accessible but protected from the elements.

The semi-digital instrument cluster provides essential information at a glance, including real-time and average fuel consumption figures.

The 2025 model also introduces TVS’s “iGO Connect” system – a basic connectivity suite that allows riders to pair their smartphones via Bluetooth.

While it lacks the sophisticated navigation features found on more expensive models, it offers useful functionality like call alerts, SMS notifications, and ride statistics tracking through a companion mobile app.

Perhaps the most practical technological addition is the new “Easy Start” system.

This enhancement to the electric starter allows the engine to fire up with a momentary press of the button rather than requiring you to hold it until the engine catches. It’s a small convenience that you’ll appreciate dozens of times daily.

Handling and Braking: Confidence Inspiring

At 116kg (kerb weight), the Star City Plus remains one of the lighter options in its segment – a characteristic that pays dividends in urban riding scenarios.

The narrow profile and responsive handling make threading through traffic gaps almost intuitive, while the 1260mm wheelbase offers adequate stability at highway speeds.

Braking performance has seen meaningful improvement for 2025. The entry-level variant continues with drum brakes front and rear, but my test unit featured the optional 240mm front disc brake.

It delivers progressive stopping power with good feel at the lever – a significant upgrade from the somewhat vague front drum of older models. The rear drum brake offers adequate performance for its intended purpose.

All variants now come with TVS’s Synchronized Braking Technology (SBT) – a mechanical combined braking system that automatically engages the front brake partially when the rear brake is applied.

It’s a thoughtful safety feature, especially for less experienced riders who might instinctively rely too heavily on the rear brake in emergency situations.

Practical Touches for Everyday Use

Throughout the motorcycle, you’ll find evidence that TVS designers actually spent time understanding how people use their commuters in daily life.

The 10-liter fuel tank provides adequate range (approximately 640km based on claimed efficiency) while remaining narrow enough for comfortable knee grip.

The tubeless tires on stylish alloy wheels reduce the hassle of punctures. The robust luggage hook and practical pillion grab rail address real-world carrying needs.

Even the side stand comes with an engine inhibitor that prevents the motorcycle from being ridden with the stand down – a small but potentially accident-preventing feature.

The mirrors offer excellent rearward visibility and remain stable even on rough roads.

Perhaps most impressively, service intervals have been extended to 6,000km (from 3,000km on older models), reducing maintenance hassle and ownership costs.

Value Proposition: The Bottom Line

With prices starting at Rs. 75,000 (ex-showroom) for the base variant and extending to Rs. 82,000 for the fully-loaded disc brake model, the 2025 Star City Plus positions itself competitively in the 110cc segment.

It’s neither the cheapest option nor the most expensive, but it makes a compelling case for itself through its balanced performance and feature set.

The claimed 64kmpl efficiency figure translates to tangible savings at the pump. Based on current fuel prices and average Indian riding distances, a typical commuter could save approximately Rs. 3,000-4,000 annually in fuel costs compared to less efficient alternatives – effectively offsetting a significant portion of the motorcycle’s price premium over bare-bones competitors.

TVS also offers a 5-year warranty package (3 years standard + 2 years extended) that provides peace of mind regarding long-term reliability.

The company’s service network has expanded significantly in recent years, with over 1,000 touchpoints across the country ensuring that assistance is never too far away.

Living With It: The Real-World Experience

Numbers and specifications only tell part of the story. After spending considerable time with the 2025 Star City Plus, what stands out most is how it simply fades into the background of daily life – and I mean that as high praise.

The best commuter vehicles don’t constantly demand your attention; they simply perform their intended function reliably and efficiently.

Morning starts are drama-free thanks to the refined fuel injection system – no choke fiddling required even in cooler weather.

The light clutch action doesn’t punish your left hand in stop-and-go traffic. The seat remains comfortable even after hours in the saddle.

Fuel efficiency remains consistent rather than plummeting when pushed hard – a characteristic not all motorcycles in this segment can claim.

Vibrations only become noticeable at speeds well beyond legal limits. Maintenance items like chain adjustment and fluid checks are straightforward for even novice owners.

In essence, it’s a motorcycle that respects your time, money, and energy – qualities that matter immensely to its target demographic.

Competition Check: How It Stacks Up

The commuter segment remains fiercely competitive, with established players constantly refining their offerings.

The Hero Splendor Plus continues to dominate sales charts with its legacy of reliability and extensive service network.

The Honda Shine offers Japanese engineering and refinement at a premium. The Bajaj Platina promises class-leading comfort with its “ComforTec” features.

Where the 2025 Star City Plus carves its niche is in offering a balanced package that doesn’t significantly compromise in any key area.

It matches or exceeds competitors in efficiency while offering better feature content than most. The ride quality rivals the segment best while handling feels more responsive than several competitors.

It may not decisively win every comparison category, but it consistently performs well across all parameters that matter to commuter buyers – perhaps the most challenging achievement in such a competitive segment.

TVS Star City Plus Conclusion: A Thoughtful Evolution

The 2025 TVS Star City Plus doesn’t reinvent the commuter motorcycle formula – nor should it. What it does instead is refine an already competent package in meaningful ways, addressing specific pain points while enhancing strengths.

The claimed 64kmpl efficiency isn’t just a marketing number; it translates to tangible savings that budget-conscious buyers will appreciate.

The comfort improvements make a real difference in daily usability. The technology additions serve practical purposes rather than simply padding the feature list.

For new riders entering the two-wheeler market, the Star City Plus offers an approachable, forgiving character without feeling basic or stripped-down.

For experienced commuters looking to upgrade from older models, it provides enough enhancements to justify the investment while maintaining the familiarity they value.

In a segment where rational considerations typically outweigh emotional ones, TVS has managed to create a motorcycle that satisfies the head while occasionally engaging the heart – no small achievement at this price point.

The 2025 TVS Star City Plus won’t turn heads at a bike enthusiast meet, but it will quietly impress with its thoughtful design and engineering every single day you ride it. And for the vast majority of Indian motorcyclists, that’s precisely what matters most.