Suzuki Slingshot Plus vs. Hero Passion X Pro

Today we will compare two bikes that are in the entry level or mid entry level segment – the Slingshot Plus from Suzuki and the Passion X Pro from Hero Motocorp. While the Slingshot Plus has been around for a while, the Passion X Pro is one of the later additions to the Hero stable having been launched only in the early part of 2012.

Slingshot plus versus passion xpro
First up, let us compare the specifications of the two bikes.

Spec Hero Passion X Pro Suzuki Slingshot Plus
Engine displacement 109.1cc 124cc
Max Power 8.7 PS 8.6 PS
Max Torque 9.36 Nm 10 Nm
Fuel Tank Capacity 9.5 L 12 L
Kerb mass 116 kg 129 kg
Usable Reserve 2.1 L 2.1 L
Delhi ex-showroom 46800 52271

The Slingshot Plus is supposed to be a higher power motorbike compared to the Passion X Pro. However, if you compare them side by side, you see that they are not really very different. Both bikes offer similar power and torque. In fact, since the X Pro has a smaller weight to carry – both in terms of the dry mass as well as the max fuel capacity, the mileage is likely to be better with the Passion X Pro than the SlingShot Plus; at least theoretically. Let’s see if that truly is the case moving ahead in this article.

Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Under standard testing conditions, the reported fuel consumption is often very good. This is because these tests are under very favourable road and wind conditions and so you get the maximum returns on your fuel. According to Hero Motocorp, the Passion X Pro can deliver close to 70 kmpl under these conditions. In comparison, Suzuki claims that the Slingshot Plus can deliver close to 73.5 kmpl.

Now this sounds contrary to whatever we discussed earlier. Let’s look at what the tests on real-world conditions. We looked at reviews from 5 different sources for the Passion X Pro in our original article. Two of these websites – PricesofIndia and IndiaGarage reported seeing close to 60 kmpl on the X Pro. While PricesDekho and Tech2Auto reported a better deal at 65 kmpl, ProDease reported seeing just around 55 kmpl. Overall, the average fuel efficiency under city road conditions seems to be 61 kmpl on the Passion X Pro

In comparison, we had looked at reviews from 6 different sources for the SlingShot Plus. The reported mileages were more varied here. Users on MouthShut were the happiest and reported between 65-70 kmpl. While WheelMela reported 60 and ZigWheels 66, the reported numbers from xBHP and IndianDrives were lower at 45-50kmpl and 58 kmpl respectively. Even Olx had a reported number lower at between 55-60 kmpl. The average number in this case was 59.4 kmpl.

Source Hero Passion X Pro Suzuki Slingshot Plus
Official 70 73.5
Average on city roads 61 59.4

So what do you think is a better deal of the two? When I look at it, although the Hero Passion X Pro is a lower spec bike of the two, it delivers better power, offers a better mileage and is available for a cheaper price. Both bikes rank similar on the looks quotient. So the deal seems pretty clear – the Passion X Pro is the winner here.

Hero Passion X Pro

Hero Motocorp announced the Passion X Pro early into the new year in 2012. This 109cc motorbike which was showcased alongside the Ignitor 125cc and Maestro during the Auto Expo 2012 was just recently launched ahead of Diwali. Hero Passion XPro comes with a 109.1cc single cylinder 4 stroke engine that delivers a maximum power of 6.4 kw and a torque of 9.36 Nm. Other features on the bike include a combo console of digital and analong meter, a front disc brake, an option to go with tubeless tyres and a trapezoidal multi focal headlamp. Hero Motocorp has made the Passion X Pro available at a starting price of Rs. 46,800 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Hero Passion X Pro Mileage

Hero Passion X Pro Mileage

The Hero Passion X Pro is positioned as a bike for city use where mileage is extremely crucial. Also, considering the fact that this is an entry level model, the mileage is quite obviously a more important factor than performance or power features. The Hero Passion X Pro is expected to have a mileage of around 70 kmpl – do note that this is under standard testing conditions where the mileage is more favourable than what you may notice on city roads.

Hero Passion X Pro Test Drive Reviews

For a motorbike that is positioned as fuel efficient, 69 kmpl isn’t the highest. In comparison to the Passion X Pro, CB Twister has a mileage of around 70 kmpl, Bajaj Platina 75 kmpl, TVS Star City 83.9 kmpl and Honda Dream Yuga has a claimed fuel economy of 72 kmpl. All these are bikes in the 100cc – 110cc entry range although these are again the claimed mileages. More so, the Passion X Pro is in fact almost the same as Honda Twister (Hero and Honda make the bike with similar configurations and technology after the split-up). So let’s see how the Hero Passion X Pro actually measures up in the real world test drive.

PricesDekho have given the Hero Passion X Pro a thumbs up in their review. On their website, they report the actual reported mileage delivered by Passion X Pro to be around 65 kmpl. That’s pretty close to what the company claims and is definitely on par with what the rivals in the segment offer.

Tech2Auto in their review are positive about the bike and report a mileage of 65-70 on city roads with highways bringing in the reported 70 kmpl mileage. PricesofIndia on the other hand have not seen these high mileages. Their review points out to a review of only around 60 kmpl. This is also reported from IndiaGarage.com. The mileage reported gets down to 55 kmpl on Prodease although it is not clear if they have actually tested the bike (there does not seem to be a review here).

Considering this is a new launch, we are yet to see comprehensive mileage related reviews and complaints. However, if you are indeed planning to go for the Passion X Pro, I would recommend you to go through our article for the Honda CB Twister. Considering that both these bikes are evolved from the same technology, the mileage you should see on the Passion X Pro should not be very different from what is noted on the CB Twister.

Here is a summary of the reviews aggregated so far

Source City (kmpl) Highways (kmpl)
Official 70
PricesDekho 65
Tech2Auto 65-70 70
PricesofIndia 60
IndiaGarage 60
ProDease 55