2018 Hero MotoCorp Passion Pro and Passion XProWhat’s new in the design?
Changes are not easily noticeable when we see the 2018 Passion Pro from the front as the headlamp receives nominal change as compared to the outgoing model. Rest of the design, however, gets whole new dimensions, making the bike more compact. The fuel tank has been downsized from 12.5-litre to 11-litre and the rear panels are also sleeker than before. With a smaller tank, the riding position becomes more ergonomic and the compact size provides better agility in traffic. The most interesting update is the new LED tail lamp while the instrument cluster remains unchanged.
Updates in the 2018 Passion XPro, on the other hand, are quite evident and the bike looks much different than its previous version, discontinued a few months ago. Sharper edges provide the bike with a more aggressive front and the dual tone mirrors enhance the sporty feel. The fuel tank too gets some minor changes along with new shrouds and a tweaked side panel. The rear cowls have also been upgraded and appear to be inspired from new Glamour 125.
Is there any change in the powertrain?
Both the 2018 Passion Pro and Passion XPro shares the new 110cc, air-cooled engine with the Splendor iSmart 110 which churns out 9.5PS of power and 9Nm of torque. The figures are higher when compared to the existing Passion Pro which is powered by a 100cc motor.
If we talk about the Passion XPro, the engine is much refined than before and you can feel the difference in the delivery which is much better now. The fueling is impressive, so is the responsiveness, and vibrations start kicking in much later than before. The smooth gearbox continues the all-up shift pattern and is flawless.
The 2018 models have gone through some positive changes and feel a bit more comfortable while riding. The telescopic front and 5-step adjustable dual shocks at the rear have been tuned on a plusher side which takes most of the road undulations calmly. The bikes get a wide 3-inch tyre at the rear with improved grip on tarmac and braking remains the same with an option 240mm disc brake.
Besides the existing features like the digital-analog instrument cluster, side stand indicator and the idle stop-start system (i3S), the bikes have received an under seat mobile charger.
The 2018 Passion Pro and XPro are, overall, better packages than their respective previous versions. And with more style, the company has made the models more practical. Also, the engine is now more refined and the bike is evidently nimbler. All these improvements, when looked along with the reliability and the largest after-sales service network of the brand, seems like a great deal. However, the prices are yet to be announced.
