Hero Splendor iSmart 110
Hero’s first in-house product is a 110cc Splendor equipped with i3S technology
WWhat is it?
The Splendor iSmart 110 is Hero MotoCorp’s latest product for the commuter segment. While it bears the Splendor name, it is essentially a new product from the ground up.
All-new?
Yes, the double cradle frame is new and more rigid, and the 110cc engine is new too. The design is now sharper and it comes with a new instrument cluster and dual tone graphics. It is the first product to be wholly developed by Hero in-house at their new CIT facility in Jaipur.
What else?
The i3S tech is unique for bikes. It is a start/stop system that kills the engine after 5 seconds of idling in neutral and starts again when the clutch lever is pulled in. The Auto Headlamp On feature has the bike’s lights constantly on, similar to superbikes making the rider visible to other motorists.
Fun to ride?
The fudamentals of the Splendor haven’t changed - it is easy to ride and handles well for a commuter. The iSmart 110 feels more solid, more lively and more modern compared to the ageing Splendor. The ride is pliant and absorbent. The only let down are the drum brakes which aren’t very confidence inspiring. A disc brake variant should fix that.
Powerful?
The new 110cc engine makes 1bhp and 1Nm more than the 100cc Splendor. The bike feels adequately powerful and has good shove in the mid range. Hero claims a 0-60kmph time of 7.45 seconds which is decent for the segment.
Efficient?
With i3S tech, you should be able to get 65kmpl in real world conditions. The bike is also BSIV compliant (a segment first) and more efficient.
Value?
The iSmart 110 sits right between the top variant of the TVS Victor (`51,715) and the Honda Livo (`53,501). That with the unique features on offer make it a good VFM prospect.