Hong Leong Yamaha launched the 2016 NMax scooter at their annual Chinese New Year dealer appreciation dinner in Genting Highlands on January 17. Unveiled by Datuk Jim Khor, managing director of Hong Leong Yamaha, the 2016 NMax is positioned as a city commuter.

The 2016 NMax is designed as Yamaha’s “global scooter model”, and comes with the new ‘Bluecore’ engine. The engine is a 155 cc liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-valve single with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) and mated to a CVT gearbox with belt final drive.

Other features of the NMax include disc brakes front and rear, and a dual absorber suspension on the swingarm. The fuel tank is a large – for a scooter – 6.6 litre unit.

There is an LED headlight in front, and matching LED rear lights to provide optimum visibility. The seat is fitted with spring-loaded hinges to uncover a storage area large enough for most helmet designs.

Coming in two colours – red and grey – the 2016 Yamaha NMax is set for nation-wide release in April 2016. No official confirmation on pricing is available, but it is rumoured to be about RM10,000, placing it in the same class as the Honda PCX at RM11,990.