2023 Hero Passion Plus Review: Pricey Proposition

Has this Hero suddenly lost its value-for-money quotient?

• At Rs 76,301, the Passion Plus definitely is quite expensive. 
• That said, in its latest guise, the bike does have some features to boast of. 
• Its chief rivals include the Splendor Plus, Honda Shine 100 and the Bajaj Platina 100.

Dal, a popular Indian dish, is known for its simplicity and quick preparation time. Despite its apparent ease, the key lies in selecting the right ingredients and maintaining the correct proportions. 

Similarly, the 100-110cc segment of commuter motorcycles can be likened to this culinary creation. On the surface, these motorcycles may seem straightforward, but achieving perfection in their design and performance is a daunting challenge, especially given the massive sales volume in the country.

For years, the Hero MotoCorp Passion Plus has remained a beloved choice among motorcycles in the 100-110cc commuter segment. And now that it has made a comeback, here’s how it fares in the real world: 

2023 Hero Passion Plus: Design & Features

The design of the Hero Passion Plus remains largely unchanged. However, there are a few subtle updates, such as sleeker-looking alloys and a white pin stripe on the wheels.

In terms of features, the new Hero Passion Plus offers several additions. These include a lockable utility box, a semi-digital instrument console with a tripmeter and odometer, along with other essential information. It also includes a side-stand indicator, which is helpful for ensuring the safe use of the side stand. 

Additionally, the bike incorporates Hero's patented i3s (idle stop-start system) technology. This feature automatically shuts off the engine when the bike is idling for an extended period, making it particularly useful for conserving fuel during heavy city traffic conditions.

2023 Hero Passion Plus: Engine

The latest version of the Passion Plus has the same 97.2cc engine we’ve previously seen on the Splendor Plus. It feels spirited and energetic, with early torque delivery. In fact, it is among the fastest 100cc bikes we have tested so far. The Passion Plus also demonstrates improved in-gear roll-on acceleration, thanks to its robust mid-range power and a well-balanced distribution of power across the entire rev range. 

These qualities make the bike highly maneuverable and responsive within city limits. However, this enhanced performance does not compromise fuel efficiency, a crucial factor in this segment. The Passion Plus impressively achieves a commendable fuel economy of nearly 70kmpl in the city and an even better 74kmpl on the highway.

2023 Hero PassionPlus: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

In terms of hardware, the Hero Passion Plus hasn’t been changed as well. It features 130mm drum brakes both at the front and rear and the suspension system consists of telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear. The drum brakes at both ends provide enough braking performance. 

Additionally, it is equipped with 18-inch wheels, which are better suited to tackle rough road conditions. The revised suspension setup of the Passion Plus is also notable, as it effectively absorbs bumps and undulations on the road. Although there may be some initial harshness, the suspension quickly settles down and delivers a comfortable ride.

2023 Hero Passion Plus: Dimensions

The Passion Plus continues to be quite a compact and delightful motorcycle to ride in the city. And what contributes the most to it is the 117kg kerb weight. It feels barely anything and switching lanes while cutting through traffic is extremely easy. The 799mm seat heigh too, is extremely accessible to riders of all kinds. 

Its 10-litre fuel tank means you can easily expect a range of more than 650km. What further adds to the practicality is the 180mm ground clearance. It’s more than ample, meaning you have enough clearance to tackle all of the ugly speed breakers that are found on our roads. 

2023 Hero Passion Plus: Price

The 2023 Hero Passion Plus is offered in a sole variant and carries a price tag of Rs 76,301 (ex-showroom Delhi). It comes in three attractive colour options: Sports Red, Black Nexus Blue, and Black Heavy Grey.

Verdict

The Passion Plus, with an ex-showroom price of Rs 76,031 in Delhi, can be considered quite expensive. This becomes even more apparent when comparing it to its competitors, the Honda Shine 100 and the Bajaj Platina 100, both of which are competitively priced. If you have budget constraints, the HF Deluxe and the HF 100 might be more suitable choices as commuter bikes. 

However, if you're willing to spend this much money, the Splendor PlusXtec offers a much more appealing option. For a premium of less than Rs 2,000, it provides a range of new features that make it a worthwhile investment.