All-New Hero Passion may launch later this year - Report
Would be more than a sticker job.
The Hero Passion brand was first introduced in 2001 and has been among the best selling motorcycles in India with yearly sales crossing a million units regularly. A report in Economic Times claims that Hero MotoCorp may launch a completely new Hero Passion later this year. The motorcycle at present uses the Honda sourced 97.2 cc mill and Hero has gradually phased out royalty-laden products or have replaced them with in-house technology.
The report cites vendors who claim to be familiar with development plans. While no further details are available, Hero is likely to use a new engine developed at its Global Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur. If it is anything like the new Hero Glamour SV, expect the 2017 Hero Passion to have the TOD (Torque-on-Demand) engine, i3S (Idle-Stop-Start system), an updated CV carburettor and LED technology.
The Hero Passion Pro i3S is positioned above the Hero Splendor and gets i3S system (start-stop system) as standard. The engine is coupled to a 4-speed gearbox and is capable of producing 8.36 PS of maximum power at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of peak torque at 5,000 rpm.
The bike is also retailed with an optional 240 mm front disc, which will be an option in the new version. Colour options include Matte Brown, Mystic White, Black with Sports Red, Black with Frost Blue, Bronze Yellow, Force Silver, Black with Heavy Grey and Sports Red.
Also Read: Hero Pleasure, Hero Duet & Hero Maestro Edge prices reduced post GST
The Hero Passion Pro tips the scales at 116 kg (disc brake version), has a 165 mm ground clearance and a 12-5-litre fuel tank.
Pre-GST the Hero Passion Pro drum brake was priced at INR 52,605 while the disc brake version was priced at 54,505 (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). Post-GST, the Hero Passion Pro has a sticker price of INR 52,139 for the drum brake version and INR 54,044 for the front disc trim (both ex-Delhi).
[Source: Economic Times]