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Should you buy the recently-launched Hero Splendor iSmart 110 for Rs 58,000 plus? Narendra Sharma reviews the all-new 110cc Splendor iSmart.
The Hero Splendor iSmart 110 has been creating a lot of buzz in the market. This new bike is the smart version of the Splendor, India's highest selling motorcycle. Hero's Splendor iSmart 100 has been available for a while in the market now. Should you consider the 110 now? Why should you do that? Is it worth a buy?
Price
The Hero Splendor iSmart 110 priced at Rs 58,600 (on-road, Delhi), while the on-road price in Mumbai will be around Rs 58,400. It is priced aggressively and Hero is looking at capturing a major chunk of the 110cc segment with this new bike.
Exterior
Now what the Hero Splendor iSmart 110 does differently is its design. The new Splendor looks bigger than a regular 110 motorcycle. This makes it look beefy and premium too. The Splendor iSmart 110 comes with dual tone paint and stylish alloy wheels, which make the bike look attractive. The Splendor iSmart 110 has a large trapezoidal headlamp and it has a small windshield too. The sleeker tail lamp and has a sporty split pillion grip. The funky looking side profile make it a stand out in the crowd. The bike gets a new double cradle frame with optimised rigidity.
In terms of paint quality, this bike is much better than other Hero 110cc bikes. But this being a reserved segment, and Hero, not willing to go for any major design overhaul, did not experiment much with the bike's design o exterior.
The Splendor iSmart 110 is the next big bike for the company. Hero has already discontinued the iSmart 100cc to make room for the 110cc bike.
Ergonomics
In terms of ergonomics, the Splendor iSmart 110 has been designed well. The upright seating position is just like any other Splendor. The seat is long, wide and comfortable. Another department where Hero excels is quality of the material used. This is just fantastic, except for the dials that look a bit basic. The start and stop technology will add to the fuel-efficiency of the new iSmart 110.
Engine
This is the first Hero engine to have an in-house developed engine. What is more, this is the first BS-IV engine. Just like the engine seen on their scooter, this engine is butter smooth. It is highly responsive when you push the throttle.
Being a 110cc, you do not expect it to have amazing power, but yet this is a good engine with a four-speed transmission. The clutch motion is smooth and soft enough for daily use. There is good enough power to ride, but to overtake you will have to downshift.
Now, as this is i3S (idle start stop system) engine, how does it perform? One of the most important aspects of this engine is its refinement. Despite being a 110cc, it doesn't feel underpowered. This bike has a start and stop mechanism.
The i3S engine on the new Splendor iSmart switches off the engine when you come to a stand still in traffic. This system starts to work when it notices 5-7 seconds of idle time. The bike restarts when you press the clutch. This technology gives the new the iSmart tag and is helpful in reducing fuel consumption.
Mileage
The Splendor iSmart 110 with an all-new BS-IV compliant engine offers a mileage closer to 68km/l.
What works:
What doesn't:
Basic dials
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