New Hero Passion launch likely this year

Hero MotoCorp could launch a newer version of the Passion later this year, according to the vendors of the company who are familiar with the development plans. The Passion has been in the Indian markets since 2001 and is one of the best-sellers for Hero MotoCorp.

The firm lately has started shelving its products that run on or use Honda’s technology. Hero has already discontinued the Ignitor, Maestro, Impulse and the Passion X-Pro.

Hero MotoCorp is likely to power the new Passion with a new engine developed at their Global Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) and the new engine is expected to feature the i3S technology, an updated CV carburettor and torque-on-demand technology.

The current Passion Pro is positioned above the Hero Splendor and also has the i3S (start-stop) technology. Powered by a Honda sourced, 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 8.36 HP of power and 8.05 Nm of torque, this engine comes paired to a four-speed gearbox.

The motorcycle is suspended via a telescopic fork upfront and twin shocks at the rear. The rear gets drum brakes while there is an optional front disc brake setup available. Post-GST, the prices for the Passion have reduced slightly, the drum brake variant is now priced at Rs 52,139 while the disc brake variant is priced at Rs 54,044 (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).