Details of Cars

Honda PCX: the efficient scooter built in Thailand

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Honda PCX 160 in China
A Honda PCX 160 in China. Photo by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The Honda PCX is a scooter first introduced for sale in November 2009, with production beginning in September 2009 at A.P. Honda in Bangkok, Thailand. It has been developed through several generations and is now offered with 125 and 150 cc engines.

Honda PCX at a glance

Honda PCX key facts
Maker Honda
On sale November 2009
Built at A.P. Honda, Bangkok, Thailand
First generation 2010–2012, JF28/KF12
UK and US launch PCX 125, early 2010
Europe and Japan PCX 150
eSP update 2012, JF47/KF15, 152.9 cc
2014 facelift LED headlights and redesigned body
2018 generation new steel frame and ABS
Hybrid April 2018, 48-volt lithium-ion battery
Hybrid modes D for comfort, S for sport

Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the PCX.

History of the Honda PCX

Launch

Honda PCX 160 side view
The PCX 160 from the side. Photo by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The PCX was introduced for sale in November 2009, with production starting in September at A.P. Honda in Bangkok. In early 2010 the PCX 125 was launched in the UK and US, while the PCX 150 went to the rest of Europe and Japan.

The eSP engine

For 2012 the PCX 150 was launched in Australia. The US skipped the 2012 PCX 125 and switched to the PCX 150, which arrived in summer 2012 and was sold in Canada and the US from 2013. This model became known as the PCX 125/150 eSP, with the label displayed on the airbox. The 2012 update brought a redesigned engine to reduce friction, improving efficiency, and increased displacement to 152.9 cc. Honda kept producing the 125 cc version with eSP for markets such as Europe, where licence rules favour that size.

LED, ABS and hybrid

The 2014–2018 generation, known as PCX 125/150 LED, had a major facelift with LED headlights and a redesigned body. At the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show Honda showed hybrid and electric versions, and the 2018 generation brought a new tubular steel frame and ABS. In April 2018 Honda launched the PCX Hybrid for the 125 and 150 cc models with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and two motor assist modes, D for comfort and S for a sportier ride, with the instrument panel showing the assist mode and battery status.

Design and features

  • eSP engine: Honda’s Enhanced Smart Power design from 2012.
  • LED lighting: standard from the 2014 facelift.
  • ABS and new frame: from the 2018 generation.
  • Hybrid option: 48-volt assist with comfort and sport modes.

Honda PCX versions

  • PCX 125 (2010): the original model.
  • PCX 150: the larger engine for Europe and Japan.
  • PCX 125/150 eSP (2012): the efficiency update.
  • PCX LED (2014): facelifted lighting and body.
  • PCX Hybrid (2018): 48-volt assisted version.

The PCX is Honda’s global commuter scooter alongside the SH and the Click. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.

Sources

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