The Hero Passion Plus will re-launch in India with the same 100cc engine developing 7.91 bhp and 8.05 Nm, mated to a 4-speed gearbox
India is one of the largest two wheeler market in the world. Hero MotoCorp continues to dominate this market. They offer a slew of budget commuter motorcycles, which help them generate record breaking sales month after month. Some of their best selling motorcycles are Splendor, HF Deluxe and Passion.
Despite the launch of new rivals, Hero continues to be at the top. Now, Honda has announced the launch of a new 100cc motorcycle, which will be their yet another attempt into ending Hero’s dominance. To counter the launch of this new Honda Shine 100, Hero MotoCorp is launching a new motorcycle as well, in the form of Passion Plus. Images are credited to Automobile Tamilan.
Hero Passion Plus Re-Launch – Honda Shine 100 Rival
Hero Passion Plus was discontinued in 2019, citing low demand. It was the 100cc offering of the Passion line, while regular Passion and Passion Pro are 110cc offerings. This move might be to counter the new kid in the budget commuter motorcycle block, Honda CB Shine 100. Passion Plus has already reached dealerships. Pricing will be out soon. Hat tip to Automobile Tamilan.
In India, Hero MotoCorp has three lineups that classify all its motorcycles. They are Practical Line, Executive Line and Performance Line. Practical Line consists of 100cc offerings, Executive Line consists of 110cc and 125cc motorcycles and Performance Line gets Hero’s 160cc and 200cc lineup.
Till now, Splendor is the most expensive offering in Practical Line. Hero Passion Plus will now take that spot, offering a slightly more executive appeal with a 100cc engine. This way, Hero offers three different models in the 100cc category. They are HF, Splendor Plus and Passion Plus. Diversifying its 100cc portfolio is the best bet for Hero to attract customers from jumping onto Honda’s ship.
Features and Specifications
Hero Passion Plus is likely to be the new flagship for Hero’s Practical Line. Followed by Splendor Plus, HF Deluxe and HF 100. Passion Plus will come equipped with the same 97.2cc engine generating 7.91 bhp at 8000 RPM and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6000 RPM. This engine gets a 4-speed gearbox unit.
Instrumentation and features list is likely to be identical to standard Passion 110. We’re talking about a semi-digital instrument cluster along with a mobile charging port beside it. There is an analog speedometer along with a squarish LCD display. This display will show odometer readings, trip meters, fuel gauges and more.
Hero’s proprietary i3S stop-start tech is present too. Fuel efficiency is likely to be Hero Passion Plus’ forte. There is no official figure as of now. But 60+ km/l of fuel efficiency is likely. Hero might launch an XTEC version in the future too, if demands exist. XTEC variant will get a fully digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity as well.
How Much Does It Cost?
Drum brakes at both ends, conventional telescopic front forks, twin shock absorbers at the rear, 80/100-18 tyres at both ends, and a long seat are expected componentry. Lighting involves halogens for headlights, tail lights and turn indicators. Apart from Honda Shine 100, Hero Passion Plus will rival Bajaj Platina 100 as well.
2023 Hero Passion Plus 100cc motorcycle prices are not out yet. Bookings have commenced, though. It is expected to be priced aggressively. For context, Bajaj Platina 100 costs Rs. 52,915, Honda Shine 100 costs Rs. 64,900, Hero Splendor Plus costs 72,076 and Splendor Plus XTEC costs Rs. 76,346 (all prices ex-sh, Delhi).