In the highly competitive Vietnamese scooter market, dominated by big players like Honda, Yamaha, and Piaggio, SYM has made a surprising move by introducing the FIDDLE DX 158 and FIDDLE 125, creating a wave of interest from consumers. With a classic European design aesthetic and comprehensive upgrades to their engines, technology, and features, these new SYM scooters are expected to be a hit in Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, if they are officially distributed there.
At the launch event held in Taipei Sanchuang on May 22, SYM unveiled the FIDDLE DX 158 and FIDDLE 125, with designs inspired by the graceful curves of a violin, a unique concept in the two-wheeler industry. The overall design is elegantly curved, with a striking LED headlight cluster that forms a distinctive string-like impression, making the scooter stand out on the roads while exuding an artistic flair.
The FIDDLE DX 158, in particular, captivates with its well-balanced and sleek exterior, appealing to younger riders, especially women. It is offered in three fashionable colors: a bold green, silver metallic, and glossy black, catering to diverse personal styles.
While popular scooters in Vietnam, such as the Honda SH Mode and Air Blade, have engine sizes ranging from 125cc to 160cc, the FIDDLE DX 158 boasts a more powerful 158cc liquid-cooled engine. It delivers a maximum power output of 15 horsepower, an impressive 25% increase compared to its 150cc predecessor, making it a standout in the standard scooter segment.
The FIDDLE DX 158’s engine also incorporates a dual-pump water injection system and a crankshaft with an extended main bearing to minimize vibration and noise during operation—a crucial feature for urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. According to SYM, these improvements result in significantly smoother performance, whether riding in the city or on the outskirts.
Beyond its impressive engine, the FIDDLE DX 158 offers two safety system options: CBS and the more advanced ABS (anti-lock braking system) with TCS (traction control system). These features are typically found on semi-premium scooters and surpass those of its competitors in the same segment.
Additionally, the FIDDLE DX 158 boasts a new-generation LCD dashboard that automatically adjusts its brightness according to the surrounding light conditions. This ensures that riders can easily view the instrument panel, regardless of bright sunlight or dark, rainy nights. Like many modern scooters, it also includes a fast-charging USB port for phones and ample storage space that can accommodate a 20-inch suitcase—perfect for short trips or daily commutes.
Under the seat, there’s enough room for a 3/4 helmet, making it highly practical for the Vietnamese market.
While the FIDDLE DX 158 caters to those seeking a premium experience, the FIDDLE 125 is ideal for commuters looking for a cost-effective option. It features SYM’s exclusive EnMIS dual-plug engine technology, which delivers efficient fuel combustion, along with extremely low fuel consumption of 60.2km/l.
With a 7-liter fuel tank, the FIDDLE 125 can travel over 420km on a full tank, providing peace of mind for long-distance journeys without frequent fuel stops. This is a significant advantage over standard scooters in Vietnam, which typically average 45-50km/l in fuel efficiency.
In addition to its smooth performance, the FIDDLE 125 optimizes its drivetrain with a two-tooth drive belt and a reversible cooling fan to reduce power loss. It comes in four fashionable colors: black, light purple, silver, and pearl white, allowing riders to express their unique personalities.
Officially, the FIDDLE DX 158 CBS is priced at 94,500 New Taiwan dollars (approximately 82 million VND), while the ABS + TCS version costs 100,500 New Taiwan dollars (around 87 million VND). Meanwhile, the FIDDLE 125 has a starting price of 79,000 New Taiwan dollars (about 68.5 million VND). With these competitive price points, the FIDDLE series can directly compete with models like the Honda Air Blade 160, SH Mode, Yamaha Grande, and Janus, especially if they are locally assembled or officially distributed in Vietnam in the future.
SYM already has an assembly plant in Vietnam and has released affordable models like the Elegant, Galaxy, and Attila. Should the FIDDLE DX 158 and FIDDLE 125 enter the Vietnamese market, consumers will have access to high-quality, feature-rich, and fuel-efficient scooters at attractive price points, offering an alternative to Japanese models.
With their stylish designs, advanced technology, powerful engines, and attractive price points, the SYM FIDDLE DX 158 and FIDDLE 125 are poised to be dark horses in the standard scooter segment in Vietnam. As fuel prices soar and the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles rises, scooters like the FIDDLE could soon become the new consumer trend in the country.
