2020 Passion BS6 launch should be very soon. We discuss the changes and what could possibly be Hero’s strategy with this product…
Hero MotoCorp is getting very aggressive with its Bharat Stage VI strategy. It has already introduced two BS6 motorcycles – Splendor iSmart and HF Deluxe (it gets whopping 40% costlier- link to launch article). It also, is, the country’s first major maker to commence retail sales of a BS6 motorcycle. Hero’s officials have announced that it will convert its complete lineup to BS6 well before the 31st March 2020 deadline.
In this process, we have landed upon pics (and a video) of what could probably be its third BS6 two-wheeler – Passion. The motorcycle features cosmetic changes – it sports an Xtreme 200-like headlamp and snazzy colour theme of yellow, blue and red with grey. Going by the stickers, this 2020 Passion will be sold under the ‘Pro’ sub-moniker.
It is equipped with fuel injection but that motor is NOT the same 109.15 cc (bore – 53 mm, stroke – 49.5 mm) the current Passion carries. Instead it appears to be slightly more vertical and in all probability it is the same engine of the new Splendor iSmart BS6.
Yes, for some reason Hero has developed an all-new 113.2 cc engine (bore – 50 mm, stroke – 57.8 mm) in the Bharat Stage VI era. Though it produces lesser 9.15 PS of peak power at 7500 rpm, it churns higher torque of 9.89 Nm at 5500 rpm. In comparison, the outgoing Passion’s engine was good for 9.51 PS and 9 Nm at the same rpms.
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With the Splendor iSmart coming into the scene, Passion’s dominance in the segment has gone down. It appears that Hero will offer Passion as a sportier motorcycle which can target younger buyers who feel that the iSmart is too commuter.
Passion BS6 launch, as we expect, should be anytime very soon at a price of around Rs 65,000 ex-showroom – similar to what the new iSmart BS6 retails at.
Spy Pics credit – Gaadiwaadi & Rider Veerji
