Hero Passion Pro i3S

While the Splendor comes in a rather simple appearance to connect with the masses, the Hero Passion Pro i3S targets riders who look for some thrill and flair. The signature flowing design of the passion is taken a step ahead. The extension of the fuel tank is longer and muscular with a triple-tone graphical work and the lines seem more defined and pronounced those results in a sporty and stylish presence, for its category. The i3S badge is flaunted across the body. The headlamp has some modifications and Hero claims it is better, bigger and more illuminating. The tail lamp in this new bike has a U-shaped, upside-down layout. This new model has the i3S function toggle switch placed next to the cluster. It comes in four variants and five different shades of colours. The trip metre is digital and the speedometer has analogue functionality. The digital screen showcases the i3S function, odometer and fuel level.

The Passion Pro was facelifted a few years ago and back then it endowed its very own in-house made 109.1 cc unit that was only available in the Splendor iSmart 110. The story is a little different for the new model which is propelled by a 113-cc engine which is BS6 compliant like most new models. This unit is able to put out 9.15 hp power and a peak torque of 9.9 Nm. The peak horsepower was slightly dropped in this edition, while the torque has increased. The fuel-injected unit is pretty punchy and smooth which can get the bike up 60 kmph in only 7.21 sec and around 80 kmph in only 14.9 sec. The figures look decent and the good thing is that the ride feels unstressed around 80 kmph. It performs well as well at low speed and manages to manoeuvre perfectly without excessive clutch function. The Auto-sail technology in this bike helps it move smoothly by only releasing the clutch in traffic. This new edition, however, carries the same old clunky 4-speed gearbox and Bajaj is now the only motor company offering an upgraded 5-speed gearbox in this category. The commuter delivers great mileage both in city and on highways, thanks to the i3S technology. However, it could have been a little quicker.

Moving forward, another significant modification is seen in the Hero Passion Pro i3S in the form of a diamond frame instead of the regular twin-downtube frame. This results in the bike feeling more responsive and communicating in terms of on-road handling. Additionally, this model feels more planted and stable because of the longer wheelbase. The skinny tyres, however, at the front and at the rear are not very encouraging, especially in wet conditions, and riders may find themselves shaky and slowing down for turns and corners. The ground clearance should be ample even on undone village roads and uneven terrains. The suspensions are absorbent enough at both ends and makes riding comfortable even when the rear is heavily loaded. The braking controls are decently handled by the rear drum brake and the front disc brake.

The Hero Passion Pro i3S top-notch riding comfort mostly because of the length and height of the seat. The elongated, well-cushioned and soft seat also provides relaxation over but when ridden on long hauls one may end up with a sore wrist and back. The ground clearance of the bike and the absorbent suspensions make riding increasingly comfortable on long hauls. Moreover, the pulling power of the commuter is pretty good even when it is heavily loaded. The seating posture is not very aggressive and offers long-term relaxation.

The Hero Passion Pro i3S is powered by a 113-cc engine with the capacity of pulling 8.20 bhp power at 8000 rpm and a peak torque of 9.9 Nm at 5000 rpm. It is a single cylinder, air-cooled engine having a digital CDI ignition. It is coupled with the regular 4-speed gearbox. The transmission type of the commuter is manual. The trip metre is digital and the speedometer has analogue functionality. The start-stop functionality called the i3S technology provides more mileage and fuel efficiency in congested traffic.

The Hero Passion Pro i3S gives an impressive mileage of an average of 60 kmpl. On highways, however, it can give a mileage of up to 84 KMPL.

The price of the Hero Passion Pro i3S is 67,400 to 71,400 based on its variants and one of the most expensive commuters in its category. That said, this new edition has witnessed a major overhaul which makes it superior to the previous model that it had replaced in every sense. The service network of Hero across India is pretty strong. So, this bike is a good value for money, given the mileage it provides and the technologies it comes with.

Hero has an extended network of service centres across the country for addressing after sale requirements. The first six services for Hero Passion Pro i3S are free of cost and 1st service can be availed after 500 km, the 2nd after 3000 km, the 3rd after 6000 km, the 4th after 9000 km, the 5th after 12000 km and the final after 15000 km. Only a few in this particular segment would offer six services for free.

Some of the closest competitors of Hero Passion Pro i3S are Bajaj Platina 100 (102 cc), Bajaj CT 110 (115.45 CC), Hero HF Deluxe (97.2 cc), TVS Sport (109.7 cc), and TVS Scooty Pep Plus (87.8 cc). All these bikes have similar fuel economy.

This is a good bike for daily commuting and gives a pretty impressive mileage both in congested traffic and long hauls. It is also easy to rear and comes with a lot of technological specifications. The price is slightly higher but the modifications justify the increased price range.