Expanding its range of ‘XTEC’ products, the highlight of which are a digital instrument cluster and Bluetooth connectivity, Hero MotoCorp has now given the Passion the XTEC treatment. The Passion XTEC comes in two variants, priced at Rs 74,590 (drum) and Rs 78,990 (disc). The introduction of this model expands the Passion line-up, which currently includes the Pro, priced at Rs 69,720 (drum) and Rs 72,335 (disc).

·       Gets new digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity

·       Also features LED headlamp  

Hero Passion XTEC: gets the digital treatment

One of the notable changes over the standard Passion is the fully-digital, backlit instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. This display opens up a whole raft of features including SMS and call alerts, real-time mileage indicator, low-fuel warning light and service reminder. Once paired, it can also display the battery level of your phone, and if it’s running low, you can plug it into the integrated USB port.

Among the other nifty feature that the XTEC gets is a side-stand indicator and a side-stand cut-off system, which switches the engine off if the side stand is engaged. Adding to the safety element is the option of a disc brake at the front paired with CBS (Combined Braking System).

A few cosmetic changes, like the new rim tape and branding, as well as the full-LED headlamp, are the only visually different factors between the standard version and the XTEC.

Hero Passion XTEC: gets a different engine

The Passion XTEC does not get the same engine as the standard Passion, which features a 113cc unit that makes 9.02 hp and 9.89 Nm of torque. Instead, the Passion XTEC gets a 110cc mill that also does duty in a raft of other models from Hero, like the Splendor and the HF Dawn. This single-cylinder air-cooled unit is mated to a 4-speed gearbox and makes 9hp at 7,500rpm and 9.79Nm of torque at 5,000rpm. It also comes with Hero’s i3s stop-start tech, which should help in improving fuel efficiency. 

Hero Passion XTEC: faces plenty of rivals

Competition comes not just from rival brand models like the Bajaj Platina H-Gear and the TVS Radeon, among others, but also from Hero’s own line-up in the form of the Splendor.

Would you pick this XTEC variant over the standard Passion? Let us know in the comments section below.