Hero Splendor plus Xtec: In a surprising move that has stirred the pot in India’s cut-throat two-wheeler market, Hero MotoCorp has taken the wraps off the all new Splendor Plus XTEC, which now comes with built-in Bluetooth connectivity aprice-cut for entire range t the same time.
This strategic integration of technological advancement, and enhanced affordability accentuates the leadership of the India’s largest-selling motorcycle brand, while setting new benchmarks in the commuter segment.
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Hero Splendor plus Xtec There is no sacrifice of technology to cost.
With its new feature offered, HX250R is offering more than the Hero Splendor Plus XTEC: As you can see, the addition of Bluetooth Is a marked shift away from the current norm of commuter motorcycles in Indian with technology features kept reserved until the higher battalions.
This connectivity package allows the rider to match smartphones for call notifications, SMS alert or turn-by-turn navigation appearing on the bike’s brand-new digital-analyzed meter console.
“Connectivity being integrated at this price point changes value equations in the segment altogether,” says Rajiv Bajaj, an analyst of the two-wheeler industry.
“Having seen similar tech being offered on premium motorcycles for years, introducing these features on India’s most popular commuter makes these functionalities accessible to those who aspired for the same,” he added.
The upgraded digital-analog instrument cluster features incoming call and navigation directions as well as real-time fuel efficiency info along with your normal readouts like speed, odometer and fuel level.
This interface is a carefully crafted modernity in line with everyday utility, a necessity for the wide customer base that has enabled Splendor to remain a perennial bestseller of the country.
Unexpected New Pricing Strategy
Hero Splendor plus Xtec Contrary to the industry norm, Hero has reduced prices by anywhere between ₹1,200 and ₹2,500, for the Splendor Plus XTEC range. Overall, the new starting price of around ₹72,900 (ex-showroom) is great value given the updated feature list.
This pricing approach is possible due to Hero MotoCorp’s manufacturing scale benefits and continued streamlining of supplier relationships as opposed to feature sacrifice.
By capitalising on its unrivalled production quantities, combined with the vertical integration of manufacturing, Brompton is able to absorb the cost of implementing the technology, passing this on to the consumer while lowering the entry price at the same time – a combination that was previously seen as commercially unviable in the commuter segment.
Some industry observers wonder if this fierce move is a bid to further strengthen Hero’s market leadership in the face of growing competition from rivals who are launching literally feature-loaded models at comparable price levels.
By proactively bundling technological improvements with price cuts, Hero blunts competitive threats while strengthening the Splendor’s value chip.
Craftsmanship Features Far Beyond the Technology
Hero Splendor plus Xtec Bluetooth connectivity is the headline addition, but there are a host of engineering tweaks now throughout the revised Splendor Plus. This time-proven system has been reliably and continuously improved for easier starting, smoother idling, optimum performance and low emissions, with automatic adjustments available in high altitudes, cold, or hot conditions, on the fly by simply pushing a button!
Fuel economy – the most important aspect for the commuter segment – has slightly increased to a company claimed 60-65 km/l under the new standard test conditions.
This percentage gain is small but that number equates to meaningful savings for the target audience of daily commuters that can traverse large distances throughout the year.
Chassis updates are a reborn suspension tuning providing better feel and a more comfortable ride on crumbling urban tarmac, and a new seat with improved support for longer stints in the saddle.
An integrated front wheel ABS sensor offers improved management of emergency stopping scenarios, leaves us a significant margin over gov’t required stopping performance and adds little cost.
A Visual Rejuvenation, Without a Revolution
In terms of looks, the new Splendor Plus XTEC features slight upgrades to keep the signature profile well-identifiable to the millions of Indian riders but without actually making it look outdated.
The headlamp unit is now standardised with LED DRLs around halogen lights — which is a nice blend of modern day time visibility tech while not adding the cost of a full LED unit.
New designs and colour schemes, which range from the eye-catching Matte Shield Gold and Racing Red right through to more subtle treatments, keep the look in-keeping with the its practical, proactive nature.
The instrument cluster housing is also more modern in shape, with new digital display elements now housed in a redesigned console for greater legibility regardless of lighting situations.
“The styling updates are tasteful and tasteful,” says Priya Sharma, automotive design consultant. “Hero does realize the fact that radical design updates can turn off the loyal customer base of the Splendor, a majority 0f whom prioritize familiarity and proven reliability over trendy styling.”
Thoradf -Pick the agreed copy where you when you see it on different threads.
The first reactions of the dealers suggest a phenomenal market acceptance, as the first three days of sales bookings at multiple Hero outlets have surpassed their entire quarterly targets.
Of particular importance is interest from younger shoppers who had been flocking to competitors’ vehicles with more modern looking design at a higher price point.
“After the Bluetooth connectivity feature, showroom conversations have changed,” says Amit Patel, a Hero dealership owner in Gujarat.
“Younger customers who had earlier kept away from Splendor by tagging it as ‘their father’s motorcycle’ are returning looking for the advantage of the technology, and the cut in price is making the case of convenience of their purchase not just cost-effective but also value-for- their money aspiration for the conventional buyer anchored by operational economy.”
This expanded range of appeal is a sign that Hero might have found a way to unite generations without ostracizing its base customers – a balance that has been somewhat elusive for other manufacturers who have tried to modernize products with multi-decade pedigrees.
Competitor reaction and industry implications
The surprise mix of increased specification and decreased price on the Splendor Plus XTEC has caused some of the competition to hastily rethink their game plan.
According to industry sources, there are a number of manufacturers working on rolling out connectivity solutions for commuter models at a faster pace and at the same time studying cost structures to find some source of flexibility in pricing.
“Hero’s move in a way condenses the time cycle for development across the industry,” says Vikram Chandra, an automotive industry consultant.
Manufacturers are being forced to do now, what they previously planned to do gradually over several years — to add such features today, while finding ways to keep costs down and compete on price at the same time.
The downstream effect could go beyond instant competitive reactions, possibly fuelling a speedier technology switchover throughout price-points and making in-device features more universal rather than being a premium category differentiator in the globe’s largest two-wheeler market.
Hero Splendor plus Xtec Conclusion
The new Splendor Plus XTEC from Hero MotoCorp is a very clever product strategy executed with aplomb by the global Indian two-wheeler giant, not only increasing its technology quotient, but also keeping it affordable.
This not only strengthens the model’s leadership position in the market but could also change the rules of the game in the commuter motorcycle segment.
Democratizing connectivity, which was once a feature only found in premium segments and offering it at a much more affordable price, Hero MotoCorp has created the perfect value-for-money package that can cater to not only the traditional value first buyers, but also the more tech savvy newer set of our buyers, which should see the Splendor holding fort when it comes to sales leadership despite changes in market conditions and more aggressive competition.
