Hero Splendor Xtec : Taking a radical approach to its commuter lineup given the cut-throat competition in India’s two-wheelers segment, Hero MotoCorp has launched the Splendor Xtec — a modern take on its iconic commuter motorcycle.
This new version seeks to enhance the country’s best-selling motorcycle by infusing it with premium styling flourishes, along with the canvas-quality fuel efficiency that has endeared the Splendor nameplate to millions of household across rural and urban India for over two decades.
Hero Splendor Xtec Evolution of an Icon
The Splendor first hit the roads in the late 90s and soon became the go-to commuting machine, thanks to the ideal mix of reliability, price and economy.
As competitors introduced more flamboyant alternatives over the years, the Splendor retained its position at the top of the market by consistently delivering on its key promise that you could rely on it to get you where you needed to go, efficiently and affordably.
So, on one hand, the Xtec variant is the most substantial evolution of the model in its history, and on the other hand, it’s a response to how customer aspirations in India’s commuter segment have changed over the years while remaining true to the brand’s widely-acclaimed fundamentals.
Hero’s product planners knew that today’s commuter bike buyer wants a more sophisticated aesthetic and modern features without losing the practical benefits that attracted buyers to the Splendor in the first place.
Our research, did indicate that in this segment, the consumer not only sees the motorcycle as his means of transport but as an extension of his evolving lifestyle,” said Rajiv Kumar,Head of Product Strategy, Hero MotoCorp “Splendor has only grown in popularity since then and the All-New Splendor has evolved to respond to this, while still being true to the motorcycles core DNA, the Xtec variant only builds on this.”
Hero Splendor Xtec Design: Upscale but No Hoity-Toity
It also features some thoughtful design enhancements that set it apart from standard variants around, giving it a more upmarket look but without losing out on the unmistakable silhouette of the model.
Up front, the redesigned headlamp assembly packs in an LED projector headlight flanked by signature LED daytime running lights, a first in the segment.
This lighting signature makes it easier to see, and does wonders to the bike’s face in the way of contemporary character.
A handful of chrome accents have been judiciously applied—on the headlight housing, mirror stems, and side panels—yielding visual highlights without venturing into overkill territory.
The Fuel Tank sees three-dimensional graphics for an added depth in terms of visual appeal, aided by a new textured tank pad, designed to protect the tank while adding aesthetic flair.
The seats have been reworked and wear dual-tone leatherette with contrasting stitching — something we see on high-end bikes costing several times higher.
Seating position is comfy and upright enough for long hauls, and a few subtle ergonomic tweaks like slightly wider handlebars and repositioned pegs cut down on rider fatigue.
The new alloy wheel design has a machined black finish with polished highlights, but the all-new alloy wheels do swap out the standard spoke wheels that come with base Splendor variants.
The alloy wheels provide not only a cosmetic improvement over the default spoked wheels, but also the actual benefit of lower unsprung weight and no need to maintain the spokes.
Hero Splendor Xtec Smart Technology Integration: For the Modern Rider
The Splendor Xtec’s moving features indicate Hero knows that today’s commuter wants more than just transportation. The highlight is an all-digital instrument console with negative LCD display that has great readability at different lighting conditions.
This TFT display also shows real-time mileage, service reminder, gear position indicator, and mobile phone battery percentage (from Bluetooth pair).
The Bluetooth connectivity does allow you receive call and SMS alerts on the instrument cluster itself, helping riders remain in touch without ripping their phone out every time— A big safety feature for urban riders.
Unlike all the other applications we had tested, an alert with Turn-By-Turn Directions was presented on unknown routes, which is a big deal for delivery guys and for any professional that has to move through new cities.
As well as a removal of ugly, unsafe, and aftermarket-looking wiring (and solutions) as USB charging has been integrated close to the instrument cluster.
A master key system with an in-built immobilizer not only brings a level of safety but also takes the overall ownership experience up a notch with tech-forward convenience.
Hero Splendor Xtec Performance: Leading Redefined Efficiency
While the visual and tech upgrades are the most noticeable, engineers in Hero’s camp have paid equal attention to the mechanical package of the Splendor.
The single-cylinder 110cc air-cooled engine has also been updated with Hero’s patented i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology that automatically shuts the engine off when idling for a long period of time and restarts when the clutch is released.
This system, however, especially when driving around stop-and-go traffic, is part of what’s helping the Xtec achieve its phenomenal MPG numbers.
The engine has power outputs of 9.15 horsepower and 9.89 Nm of torque — numbers that on paper seem anemic, but are perfectly tailored to getting about the city.
Power delivery has also been tuned for more progressive start-up, which has been a long-standing sore point for Splendor models in the past.
An accurately tuned carburetor (or fuel-injection based version in the stricter emission norm markets) ensures consistent performance irrespective of an altitude or temperature.
The headline number — one that will surely be front and center in Hero’s marketing — is a certified fuel consumption figure of 83 kilometers per liter under standard test conditions.
Real world efficiency, even in the sometimes harsh conditions of the urban environment matches with figures of more than 70 kilometers in comparison to a liter, further ingraining the Splendor’s already memorable title of shandar mileage (splendid efficiency) in the cultural lexicon of India around this motorcycle.
A four-speed gearbox with revised shift mechanism reduces effort and provides better precision for transmission duties.
The clutch action has been toned down a lot, a minor improvement, but one that makes a difference when you’re zipping through dense city traffic and changing gears frequently.
Hero Splendor Xtec Ride Quality: A Balance of Comfort and Control
Knowing that a majority of Splendor owners spend hours at a stretch on their bikes, Hero has put in some progress in the suspension setup.
The front forks are now upside-down telescopic units with slightly more travel and damping behaviours that are better at soaking up road imperfections.
The rear twin shock absorbers are fitted with five-step preload adjustments, enabling riders to fine-tune the setup to suit the load or road conditions.
While the same fundamental architecture has endured with proven durability over millions of kilometers, the frame itself has received structural reinforcements in key areas.
These minor tweaks contribute to greater stability on fast highway runs without sacrificing the nimble handling that makes the Splendor well-suited for crowded city settings.
Deceleration is also given a rather notable upgrade thanks to an optional integrated braking system, which sends some of the braking force that would normally activate the rear drum to the front disc when the rear brake is applied.
This provides a balanced approach to deceleration, which is particularly useful for novice riders.
Hero Splendor Xtec How the Value Proposition is Positioned in the Market
Performance-wise, the Splendor Xtec is in a significant space in Hero’s product portfolio, filling the space between basic commuter motorcycles and the sporty 125cc offerings.
This positions you to cater towards an increasingly important buyer segment that wants the premium features, but stays mostly interested and focused on economy of operation.
Hero added all of this whilst keeping the price point as a good value. Xtec commands a near 15% premium over the standard Splendor, a gap that several buyers believe is worth paying owing to the very noticeable enhancements in both features and perceived quality.
Hero Splendor Xtec Conclusions: Serving Tradition and Aspirations
The Hero Splendor Xtec perfectly balances evolution and revolution. Hero has done well to both improve the aesthetic and technological aspects of its most trusted commuter motorcycle, while keeping all of its key attributes of reliability and fuel efficiency intact, delivering a product that should please loyal Splendor owners looking to upstage in a more powerful and modern looking commuter, or new buyers entering the two-wheeler space.
In a segment where functional aspects heavily overshadow emotional appeal, the Splendor Xtec sprinkles some spice in its premium styling and modern features.
For 80 years, Indian has made motorcycles that appealed to the practical side of the house; that particular transformation of what is, was a testament to the changing nature of the brand; on the one hand, it was a history lesson, on the other hand, a reflection of the Indian motorcycle market.
As Hero’s tagline for the Xtec reads—”Premium hai, par apna hai” (It’s premium, but it’s one of us)—this motorcycle takes class-leading features that used to adorn the upper segments and makes it accessible, yet retains all the values that made the Splendor an icon for Indian mobility.
If this thoughtful evolution continues, the Splendor looks in good shape to remain the backbone of India’s two-wheeler market for years to come.
Also Read This-
-
Maruti Brezza 2025 launched with all new look
-
Toyota Fortuner became dhakad off-roader in Indian market
-
Maruti Baleno – Low cost hatchback launch for middle class families
