Hero Splendor Plus Variants Explained

Of the 4 variants, which one’s the best for you?

Hero has recently launched the new variant of the Splendor Plus, called the Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0. With this new addition to the Splendor lineup, there are now 4 variants on offer. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each Splendor variant and what it offers.

Splendor Plus Drum Brake

The Splendor Plus Drum Brake is the base variant of the Hero Splendor Plus and is the most affordable one, coming at a price of Rs 75,441 (ex-showroom Delhi). Hero hasn’t given this variant any fancy features to keep costs in check.

The bike comes with a simple analogue instrument console and overall plain looks. But what makes it stand out when compared to the other variants is the brighter coloured engine crankcase. The variant is offered in 5 colours: Black Grey Stripe, Force Silver, Sports Red Black, Black Red Purple and Blue Black.

Splendor Plus i3S Drum Brake

This is the mid-spec variant of the Splendor Plus and offers Hero’s proprietary i3S Idle Start-Stop technology. The i3S system basically shuts down the engine when the bike is idling for more than a few seconds, like when you are in a traffic stop. You can then turn the engine back on by just pulling in the clutch lever. This helps in improving the bike’s mileage. 

This variant is offered in the same colours as the entry-level Splendor Plus, but this one comes with a darker finish on the engine crankcase. The difference is subtle and won’t be easily noticed. 

Another interesting thing about the Splendor Plus i3S Drum Brake is that it comes with a subvariant as well. The subvariant is called the Splendor Plus i3S Drum Brake Black And Accent and it features a full black finish on the body without any fancy graphics. Both the i3S variant and its Black And Accent subvariant come at the same price of Rs 76,786 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Splendour Plus i3S Matt Axis Grey

This variant is sort of a special edition launched by Hero and the bike features a matte finish overall, along with a white stripe that runs through the headlight cowl and fuel tank. The side panels also have similar graphics.

Other than these cosmetic upgrades, the bike doesn’t have anything special to offer and shares the same set of features as the base variant and the mid-spec i3S variant. This variant costs Rs 78,286 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0

The Splendor Xtec 2.0 was launched recently to commemorate the 30th anniversary of  Splendor. This variant replaces the Splendor Plus Xtec and comes at a price of Rs 82,911 (ex-showroom, Delhi), which is Rs 3,000 more expensive than the Xtec. 

The new variant comes with a few changes such as a new LED headlight with integrated H-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lights), and also a H-shaped tail light. The previous generation Splendor Plus Xtec had a halogen headlight and an offset LED DRL. This variant offers a fully digital instrument console with smartphone connectivity and related features such as call/SMS alerts. 

Other than the cosmetic changes and the differences in colours, the Splendor Plus variants are similar in terms of performance and underpinnings. The bike is powered by a 97.2cc air-cooled engine which produces 8.02PS and 8.05Nm. 

In terms of underpinnings, the Splendor Plus is built on a dual cradle frame and is suspended on a telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers. It rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres. Braking duties are handled by 130mm drum brakes at the front and rear.

The Splendor Plus goes up against other 100cc and 110cc bikes in the market such as the Honda Shine, Bajaj CT110X, TVS Star City Plus and TVS Radeon. Other alternatives from Hero’s lineup includes the Hero Passion Plus.