a new generation splendor..
Hero Honda the world largest manufacturer has silenced its critics in its own style i.e. Hero Honda has managed to grow despite the industry recording a dip in sales on account of high interest rate. Thus Hero Honda widens the gap from its peer Bajaj by a large margin. Hero Honda is now focusing on retaining market share rather than boosting volumes till interest rates stabilise. To retain the market share Hero Honda has been rolling out upgraded model of its popular bike. Following the CBZ, Karizma and Achiever, Hero Honda has picked its popular commuter bike splendor for the face lift. On May 28, Hero Honda has added a new member to the splendor family(splendor, splendor plus and 125cc super splendor) called splendor NXG. NXG – the next generation splendor gets a new engine and embraces new design features. Here’s a view on new splendor NXG.
Engine and Powertrain:
According to Hero Honda, “the engine has been developed anew ”. But looking at the specifications this mill identical to the one found in Hero Honda CD series – the peak power of the new engine is up by about five percent at 7.7PS when compared to splendor plus, which is delivered at a lower 7,500 rpm, compared to the previous engine’s 7.4PS at 8,000 rpm. The same engine requires 7.8s to reach 60kph and can clock a top speed of 90kph. It delivers 77kpl in combined city and highway drive. The 4 speed gearbox is optimised.
What’s new in Splendor NXG?
-
New splendor NXG features trapezoidal multi -reflector headlamps which is powerful even at low speeds. This is achieved by powerful battery which powers the DC high beam in the headlamp and its strength is not dependent on the engine rpm. Circuitry for the low beam and pilot lamp has also been enhanced for low variation in intensity arising from changes in the engine rpm.
-
Splendor NXG gets a new front fairing and a new visor
-
new design fuel tank with knee recesses on either side and features a chrome fuel tank lid. The new fuel tank can be filled with 10.3L and reserves 1.8L of fuel
-
new body panels and sleek body graphics for the new splendor NXG
-
new instrument panel – trip meter housed in speedometer, fuel gauge and tell tales for the new splendor NXG
-
Splendor NXG features stylish tail lamp and die– cast alloy grab rail.
-
new splendor NXG offers 160mm of ground clearance (159mm in Splendor plus)
Sadly options such as disc brakes and electric self-start are not offered in the splendor NXG.
Price and Colours:
Splendor NXG is available in a range of five attractive colors and seven stripe combinations including black (three stripe color variations), candy blazing red, force silver, vibrant blue and classy maroon. Splendor NXG is also available in two variants – spoke and cast, priced respectively at Rs. 40,990/- and Rs. 41,990/- ex showroom Delhi. Splendor plus will continue to be available along with the new splendor NXG.
Hero Honda’s new strategy:
On the Hero Honda’s plans to come out with products on new platforms, Mr Pawan Munjal, Managing Director, said: “We are looking to come out with new variants as they cost less in comparison toe building a new platform.”
Hero Honda initially estimates that the two — Splendor Plus and the splendor NXG — will contribute equally to the sales mix, eventually the new splendor NXG will dominate the sales. For the Splendor NXG Hero Honda has picked a proven engine and injects new generation design features and tries to move forward the splendor legacy. Will the commuter welcome the new design as they embrace CBZ Xtreme time will tell.